MC5 drummer and last remaining member Dennis Thompson has died at the age of 75, his family confirmed.
Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News cited the announcement from Thompson's family, revealing that the musician died at MediLodge of Taylor on Thursday, May 8. The drummer reportedly battled a series of medical issues, but he was admitted to the care facility to rehabilitate following a heart attack in April.
Before his death, Thompson was still able to receive the news about MC5's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The band was up for induction six times but fell short over the years.
"It's about f------ time!" Thompson reportedly told his now-widow, Becky Tyner, upon hearing the news.
"Dennis was thrilled with it, so excited and happy," said Tyner. "He just wanted to get home to his cat, Annie, and was optimistic about recovering."
Thompson's death followed the passing of the MC5 manager and members.
John Sinclair, who served as the band's manager, died in April at the age of 82. His representative, Matt Lee, issued a statement to The Detroit News to confirm that he passed away after suffering from congestive heart failure at Detroit Receiving Hospital.
"He was on the forefront of the marijuana movement, that's for sure," Lee said. "But I don't think people realized how knowledgeable he was in American music and he was a certified expert in all forms of American jazz and rhythm and blues."
MC5 guitarist and co-founder Wayne Kramer died on February 2 at the age of 75.
Bassist Michael Davis died in 2012, while guitarist Fred "Sonic" Smith and singer Rob Tyner passed away in 1994 and 1991, respectively.
Fans took to X to pay tribute to MC5's last classic member and honor his contribution to the music industry.
One wrote, "It's been a bad week for punk and punk-adjacent musicians. Dennis Thompson, drummer of MC5, died this week. MC5 were truly seminal. Without them, no fast metal, hard rock, punk rock."
"RIP Dennis Thompson of the #MC5. @rockhall: if you're going to induct bands similar to them, please consider inducting them before the entire band dies. Thank you," a second user said.
A third shared, "RIP Dennis Thompson. Last living member of the MC5. I quit this year."
© 2024 MusicTimes.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
