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MC5 Bassist Michael Davis Dead: Punk Pioneer Dies at 68

Jo Hale, Getty Images

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Michael Davis, the bassist of influential late 1960s rock band MC5, has died of liver failure, his wife said Saturday. He was 68.

Davis died at Enloe Medical Center in Chico, Calif., on Friday afternoon after a month-long hospitalization for liver disease, said Angela Davis.

Born on June 5, 1943, the bassist gained attention in the revolutionary Detroit band MC5 and later played in a version of the group called DKT-MC5 with former MC5 members Wayne Kramer on guitar and Dennis Thompson on drums.

The original MC5 rose to prominence from 1964 to 1972, making waves with incendiary anti-establishment lyrics and a blistering early-punk sound, starting with their first album "Kick Out the Jams," released in 1969.

A sought-after bassist and also producer, Davis was planning to be in Belgium this week recording with punk rock musician Sonny Vincent, said Davis' wife.

Davis had a scare in 2006 when he injured his back in a motorcycle accident on a Southern California freeway. He later co-founded the non-profit Music Is Revolution Foundation, dedicated to supporting music education programs in public schools.

In the last few years, Davis also returned to a love of painting, fostered when he first studied fine arts at Wayne State University in Michigan. He dropped out of the program in 1964 to play music, but started studying art again recently in Oregon and California, with the intention of finishing his bachelor's degree in fine arts.

Davis is survived by his wife, their three sons, and a daughter from a previous marriage. Memorial plans were pending, said Angela Davis.

Watch the MC5 Perform 'Kick Out the Jams'

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imAWESOME

to mickeymcdee todays music is better than ur old ass punk **** **** that old **** it's a new time the younger music bands will always top the old CRAPPY MUSIC.........

February 20 2012 at 6:14 PM Report abuse -2 rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to imAWESOME's comment
joemacc11

who do you think started it all junior. get your thumb out of your mouth.

February 20 2012 at 7:26 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
kevmi16

As someone from Michigan who saw the MC5 many times I have one thing to say PUNK MY A$%!!!!

February 20 2012 at 5:20 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
mickymcdee

I wouldn't call the MC5 a punk band. They had tons of attitude, but they were in essence a real bonafide rock and roll band. I had the pleasure to see them in 1968 open for the Mothers of Invention, had 2nd row seats. The world wasn't quite ready for either band yet. They were incredible. Most bands today look and sound like ******* compared to the MC5. And the 5 had something to say. Most bands today are just going through the motions.

February 20 2012 at 3:30 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Owen Morgan

Tragically they've used a video when Michael Davis WASN'T in the band anymore (note Steve Moorhouse on bass)

February 20 2012 at 2:34 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Barbara Ann

ok now let's get him a flag where is this insanity going to stop. We lose the bravest of the brave out in the boon docks saving the Gov. of NJ behind and he never once offered to fly the flag at half mast for any one of them who has fallen. What is up with that? Well I suppose it just confirms the mentality of reality shows like Jersey Shore. Snookie, the Situation, need I go any further. Ya'll need to get some education in how to properly show your respects.

February 20 2012 at 1:22 PM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply
JimFish

" up against the wall mother..... " ah the memories.....RIP!

February 20 2012 at 12:57 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to JimFish's comment
james9995

Loved that dity.

February 20 2012 at 4:59 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Larry H

I saw John Sinclair today and spoke with him about Michael's passing. He said "Hell , I was surprised he made it this far". Then , he made the sign of the crossed and waved upwards to the sky and said "Bye, Michael".

February 19 2012 at 7:59 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
danielvanneste

With all the video out there available to you, you decided to run the performance of the MC5's most well-known song without the member of the band that you have written an obituary for. Nice one.

February 19 2012 at 5:17 PM Report abuse +2 rate up rate down Reply