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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012-02-19 15:59 by tatters.

MC5 bassist Michael Davis dies aged 68


Michael Davis, bass player with US rock band MC5, has died of liver failure aged 68, his wife has announced.

Davis died at Enloe Medical Center in Chico, California, on Friday following a month of treatment for liver disease, said Angela Davis.

He was part of the MC5 line-up who rose to prominence with their blistering sound, epitomised by the 1969 track Kick Out the Jams.

Led by singer Rob Tyner, MC5 are widely regarded as pioneers of US punk rock.

Born on 5 June 1943, David replaced original bassist Pat Burrows when Tyner and lead guitarist Wayne Kramer decided they liked his style.

He went on to play on the Detroit band's debut album Kick Out The Jams, the title track with its inflammatory opening statement of intent going on to be one of their best known songs.

Motorcycle crash
MC5, short form for "Motor City Five", a reference to their hometown's automotive industry were known for their confrontational anti-establishment stance and the subversive political themes running through their work.

The group disbanded in 1972 but reformed in 2004 with singer Handsome Dick Manitoba replacing Tyner - who died in 1991.

Following a motorcycle crash in 2006, which left him with a serious back injury, Davis and his wife launched a non-profit organization to support music education in public schools.

A talented artist, Davis - who dropped out of art school when he joined the band - also collaborated on projects with the likes of street artist Shepard Fairey.

Davis is survived by his wife, their three sons, and a daughter from a previous marriage.

Angela Davis said plans to announce a memorial were pending.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012-02-19 16:02 by tatters.

RIP Michael

All the people who died. RIP, Michael.
Is Denis Thompson, the drummer still alive?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012-02-19 16:36 by Palace Revolution 2000.

Quote
Palace Revolution 2000
All the people who died. RIP, Michael.
Is Denis Thompson, the drummer still alive?

Yes. Dennis and Wayne are now the only surviving original members. Along with Michael, they participated in recent reunion tours.

"Angela Davis said plans to announce a memorial were pending"



"who got free today? Angela Davis got free today!" MJ Seattle'72

great band...r.i.p.

Davis was key member of one of the most influential rock n roll bands in history. In my book - MC5 were right up there with your Jimi Hendrix Experience, ROlling Stones or The Beatles. I'd venture that had the MC5 (and fellow Detroiters Iggy & The Stooges) took all those risks at a time when rock and roll was getting smug and complacent, we'd be listening to duller music. Had they not existed, a generations of rock of roll bands would have been lost to us. Hats off.

All I can say is that..I wonder: When will the MC5 finally be admitted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? That the lugheaded, self-serious, pathetic likes of Metallica, who are as pretentious as Yes has ever been, have been admitted while the MC5 remain outside the gate is an insult. Michael Davis deserves better. Much much better. One of the finest musicians ever. R.I.P.

Kick Out The Jams, @#$%&...!!

A couple of great quotes - (approx)

"The MC5 cut down the trees and paved the road of rock n roll so we could drive by in our limousines" - Alice Cooper

"You cannot beleive the power of that band live" - Ted Nugent

"They were really good, they made us feel a bit threatened" - Mick Jagger

[www.soundspike.com]

Not the same Michael Davis as in "Michael Davis on trombone", I'm assuming? This being a Rolling Stones message board and all..

The MC5 walked it like they talked it. They blew everything out of their path with their incendiary, high energy rock'n'roll. As a member of that incredible and fearless quintet Michael Davis shall walk into the rock'n'roll afterlife. RIP Michael. You were one cool bass player.