Deeper Digs in Rock: Wayne Kramer of MC5

Wayne Kramer is an American guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer and film and television composer/ Kramer came to prominence as a co-founder of the Detroit rock group MC5 (Motor City Five), a group known for their powerful live performances and radical left-wing politics. MC broke up in 1972 amid personality conflicts, drug abuse and personal problems. In 1975 Wayne was caught distributing illegal drugs and spent two and a half years in federal custody. He also battled a drug addiction for many years, finally recovering in the 1990’s where he returned to an active recording and performing schedule.

In 2010 Rolling Stone Magazine ranked him number 92 on their 100 Greatest Guitarist list.

Listen in as the Rock N roll Archaeologist, Christian Swain and Wayne Kramer break down his new book, The Hard Stuff: Dope, Crime, the MC5 and My Life of Impossibilities out now on Da Capo Press.

There’s lots of music discussed and a little politics thrown in. Even friend Ted Nugent gets a mention!

Wayne’s life is one of redemption. His book is a no holds barred account of early success, incredible burdens place on the young musician, attempted revolution in the 1960’s and early 70’s, bad luck, prison, stuck in NYC’s Alphabet City when crime was as rampant as the street rats. Yet somewhere in his mind he is always trying to find the sunlight to cure his ills and get back to the music, finally landing in L.A. and the fates intervene to set him right. No rock star ego trip in this book. It’s raw, just like the music he is known for.

Buy the book on Amazon: The Hard Stuff: Dope, Crime, the MC5, and My Life of Impossibilities

We love Audible! Start a 30-day trial and your first audiobook is free. Go to audible.com/rockandroll or text rockandroll to 500500. You can do it with audiobooks.