Pioneering MC5 Drummer Dennis "Machine Gun " Thompson dies aged 75

Dennis Thompson, drummer for the influential Detroit proto-punk band MC5, has passed away aged 75.

He died in a Michigan nursing home yesterday and was the last surviving member of the group following guitarist Wayne Kramer’s death in February.

Thompson’s son Chris McNulty told Detroit News that his father had been recovering from a heart attack in April. “He was a true, free-spirited rock and roller up until the very last day,” McNulty said.

Thompson joined MC5  in 1965 aged of 17, quickly earning himself the nickname “Machine Gun” for his rapid and intense drumming technique, which went on to influence countless hard rock, punk and metal drummers.

“The amps were turned up to 10, so he basically just had to hit the drums as hard as he possibly could to be heard,” said McNulty.

MC5 were renowned for being staunchly proud of their working class roots and showcasing a fervent revolutionary spirit. They released three studio LPs: 1969’s Kick Out The Jams, 1970’s Back in the USA and 1971’s High Time.

They disbanded in 1972, later reuniting to tour across the world, including a 50^th anniversary tour in 2018.  Singer Rob Tyner and guitarist Fred “Sonic” Smith both died in the 90s, while bass player  Michael Davis died in 2012.

MC5 will become Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees later this year.