Died On This Date (May 9, 2024) Dennis Thompson / Longtime Drummer For MC5

themusicsover May 9, 2024 0 Comments

Dennis Thompson
September 7, 1948 – May 9, 2024

As reported by Brian McCollom in the Detroit Free Press, Dennis Thompson has passed away. Known for his dynamic drumming that propelled the influential Detroit band MC5, died Thursday morning at the age of 75 after battling a series of medical issues.

While in a hospital following a heart attack back in April, Thompson learned that MC5 was finally headed into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to which he reportedly exclaimed, “It’s about fucking time!” and was eagerly anticipating the event.

Thompson was the last surviving member of MC5, preceded in death by his bandmates singer Rob Tyner, guitarist Fred “Sonic” Smith, bassist Michael Davis, and guitarist Wayne Kramer.

While still in high school, Thompson’s musical journey began with a teen garage band called the Bounty Hunters, alongside his friend Kramer who in 1965, welcomed him into the MC5 family. Thompson often credited the band’s success to their blue-collar work ethic and relentless practice sessions.

Throughout the band’s turbulent rise and fall in the late ’60s and early ’70s, Thompson remained a stalwart member. From their iconic live album Kick Out the Jams to their defiant performance at the Democratic National Convention in 1968, his powerful drumming defined MC5’s sound and spirit.

Following MC5’s breakup in 1972, Thompson continued to perform locally with various Detroit bands and reunited with Kramer and Davis from time to time.

What You Should Own

Died On This Date (May 8, 2024) John Barbata / Drummer For The Turtles, CSNY, & More

themusicsover May 8, 2024 1 Comments

John Barbata
April 1, 1945 – May 8, 2024

As reported by Jeff Tarmarkin in Best Classic Bands, renowned drummer John Barbata, celebrated for his impactful contributions to iconic bands like the Turtles, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and both Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship passed away on May, 8, 2024. He was 79.

Born in Passaic, New Jersey, Barbata rose to fame within California’s rock scene of the 1960s and 1970s. His career began with the Sentinals, an instrumental surf band based in San Luis Obispo from 1961 to 1965.

Before long, Barbata joined the Turtles where he remained until 1969 before transitioning to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, replacing their drummer Dallas Taylor. His drumming is featured prominently on the group’s live album, 4 Way Street, and on various solo and collaborative projects by the band members.

During a hiatus of CSN&Y in 1972, Barbata was introduced to Jefferson Airplane by David Crosby, subsequently replacing their drummer Joey Covington. He contributed to the Airplane’s final studio album, Long John Silver, and the live record Thirty Seconds Over Winterland. Following the band’s evolution into Jefferson Starship, Barbata played on Dragon Fly, Red Octopus, Spitfire, and Earth.

In later years, Barbata was a sought-after session drummer, contributing to recordings by notable artists such as Linda Ronstadt, Ry Cooder, Johnny Rivers, John Sebastian, the Everly Brothers, and Judee Sill.

What You Should Own