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Emerging from the gritty streets of Detroit in the mid-60s, MC5 revolutionized rock'n'roll with their blistering fusion of garage rock, blues, soul, free jazz, and proto-punk. Infamous for incendiary live performances and a radical left-wing stance, their status as pioneers of punk and protest rock has inspired many musicians like Ramones, The Clash, Rage Against The Machine, The White Stripes, Slash, and countless others and continues to shape the sound of punk and alternative rock for generations to come.

earMUSIC will release the first new music from MC5 in 50+ years (following 1971’s ‘High Time’) with the album HEAVY LIFTING due October 18 - one day prior to the band’s induction into 2024’s Rock andamp; Roll Hall of Fame when they will receive the “Musical Excellence Award.”

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HEAVY LIFTING features guitar and vocals by founding MC5 member Wayne Kramer, who also co-wrote 12 of the album’s 13 songs together with Oakland singer/songwriter Brad Brooks. Prolific for five decades, Kramer was the last remaining active member of MC5. He passed away suddenly in February, followed by the death of drummer Dennis ‘Machine Gun’ Thompson in May. It is Thompson’s final studio recording.

In an interview with UNCUT in November 2023, Kramer discussed the album and said: “Live long and stay creative is my attitude. This album continues from where 'High Time' left off, in that I think it's an artist’s responsibility to reflect the times they're going through. We made an album that is in sync with the challenges we're facing today, and that carries a positive message.”

HEAVY LIFTING was recorded with iconic producer Bob Ezrin (Lou Reed, Alice Cooper, KISS) and features an all-star lineup of Kramer’s friends and musical colleagues including Slash, Tom Morello, William DuVall (Alice in Chains), Vernon Reid (Living Colour), Don Was, and Tim McIlrath (Rise Against), allowing for a collaborative effort that bridges the gap between generations of musicians inspired by MC5’s fearless approach to music and activism. The breadth of MC5’s impact can be heard by all the album’s players, including Vicki Randle (Aretha Franklin), Stevie Salas (Parliament Funkadelic, Rod Stewart), Abe Laboriel Jr. (Paul McCartney), Winston Watson Jr. (Bob Dylan), and Joe Berry (M83). Far more than a trip down memory lane, HEAVY LIFTING is a resounding affirmation that the spirit of punk endures.

In addition to the standard 13-track album, a 2CD / 2LP version will be released with a bonus disc including previously unreleased live recordings from the MC50 tour in 2018 celebrating the 50th anniversary of MC5’s revered 1969 debut album, Kick Out the Jams, and featuring classic anthems like “Kick Out the Jams” and “Ramblin’ Rose.” Alongside Kramer, the MC50 recordings feature Soundgarden guitarist Kim Thayil, Fugazi drummer Brendan Canty, Faith No More’s bassist Billy Gould, and frontman Marcus Durant (Zen Guerrilla) with a special guest appearance by Mark Arm (Mudhoney). See the full track listing below.

Pre-order HEAVY LIFTING on CD, Vinyl and digital download in addition to bonus 2CD and bonus 2LP HERE.

MC5 - HEAVY LIFTING CD/Vinyl/Digital Track List:

1. Heavy Lifting (feat. Tom Morello)

2. Barbarians At The Gate

3. Change, No Change

4. The Edge Of The Switchblade (feat. William Duvall andamp; Slash)

5. Black Boots (feat. Tim McIIrath)

6. I Am The Fun (The Phoney)

7. Twenty-Five Miles

8. Because Of Your Car

9. Boys Who Play With Matches

10. Blind Eye (feat. Dennis Thompson)

11. Can’t Be Found (feat. Vernon Reid andamp; Dennis Thompson)

12. Blessed Release

13. Hit It Hard (feat. Joe Berry)

MC5 - HEAVY LIFTING Bonus CD/Vinyl Version Track List:

DISC 1

1. Heavy Lifting (feat. Tom Morello)

2. Barbarians At The Gate

3. Change, No Change

4. The Edge Of The Switchblade (feat. William Duvall andamp; Slash)

5. Black Boots (feat. Tim McIIrath)

6. I Am The Fun (The Phoney)

7. Twenty-Five Miles

8. Because Of Your Car

9. Boys Who Play With Matches

10. Blind Eye (feat. Dennis Thompson)

11. Can’t Be Found (feat. Vernon Reid andamp; Dennis Thompson)

12. Blessed Release

13. Hit It Hard (feat. Joe Berry)

DISC 2

1. Ramblin' Rose (live)

2. Kick Out The Jams (live)

3. Come Together (live)

4. Motor City Is Burning (live)

5. Borderline (live)

6. Gotta Keep Movin' (live)

7. Future/Now (live) (feat. Mark Arm)

8. Poison (live)

9. Shakin' Street (live)

10. Sister Anne (live)