Onstage company
Documented collaborators
Wayne Kramer, born Wayne S. Kramer on April 30, 1948, in Detroit, is a pivotal figure in American rock. As a co-founder of MC5 in 1963 with Fred ‘Sonic’ Smith, Kramer helped shape a raw, high-energy sound and a politically charged stage presence that influenced punk rock aesthetics and activism. Beyond the MC5 era, Kramer pursued a prolific solo career, releasing albums on Shimmy Disc, Epitaph, and later on Tzadik. Notable LPs include The Guilt Trip (1992), The Hard Stuff (1995), The Brill Building (2012), and Lexington (2014). His work with Jail Guitar Doors USA championed music programs in prisons, reflecting his commitment to using art as a vehicle for social change. Even after his passing on February 2, 2024, his influence continues through posthumous releases and ongoing tribute projects, including the 2024 MC5 release Heavy Lifting. This page celebrates his life, music, and ongoing legacy, with up-to-date tour information for fans across the country.