The MC50 at Irving Plaza

Wayne Kramer

MC5 (an acronym for Motor City Five) formed in 1964 in Lincoln Park, Michigan. In contrast to the British Invasion pop music popular at the time, the teenagers who comprised the band (originally known as the Bounty Hunters) began incorporating free jazz into their garage rock, and with time also embraced the emerging hard rock, blues rock, and psychedelic rock trends. By 1967, the MC5 was known locally for its loud and energetic back-to-basics rock and roll, its radical leftist political ties, and its anti-establishment lyrics. The band first gained national notoriety after performing at the riotous protests outside the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois. The band gained additional national attention later that year when its debut album, Kick Out the Jams, included profanity. The MC5 was short-lived, however, and split in 1972. Decades later, reunions included various original members. This year, MC5 guitarist Wayne Kramer formed a new band, MC50, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of MC5's debut album. MC50 also includes vocalist Marcus Durant (of Zen Guerrilla), guitarist Kim Thayil (of Soundgarden), bassist Billy Gould (of Faith No More), and drummer Brendan Canty (of Fugazi).

MC50's "Kick Out the Jams: The 50th Anniversary Tour" came to Irving Plaza tonight, and as promised the set consisted of the complete Kick Out the Jams album (which was only eight songs) plus a sampling from the band's less successful 1970 and 1971 albums. Despite the solid credentials of his musicians, the show seemed to be all about ringmaster Kramer. Appearing extremely happy throughout the set, the frequently smiling Kramer rocked extended lead guitar riffs that powered every song, and his flashy stage manner often dwarfed the showmanship of his vocalist. Kramer's glittering guitar work merited the attention, as it rebirthed the old songs with electrifying magnetism while the other musicians more than ably supported him and the vintage songs. The performance was far more than a revisit to a 50-year-old album; this was an opportunity for an exceptional ensemble to offer tribute to a landmark rock and roll rebellion.

Visit the MC50 at www.MC50th.com.

Setlist:

1. Ramblin’ Rose
2. Kick Out the Jams
3. Come Together
4. Motor City Is Burning
5. Rocket Reducer No. 62 (Rama Lama Fa Fa Fa)
6. Borderline
7. I Want You Right Now
8. Starship
9. I Can Only Give You Everything (Them cover)
10. Sister Anne
11. High School
12. Shakin’ Street
13. Future/Now
14. Call Me Animal
15. The American Ruse

Encore:

1. Looking at You
2. Let Me Try