In the annals of rock and roll, arguably the most dangerous band to emerge from the swinging ’60s would be Detroit’s The MC5 (although the 13th Floor Elevators would give them a run for their money). They only lasted from 1965 through to 1973, but The MC5 were a decided influence on (and precursor to) ’70s punk; they were scrutinized and secretly filmed by the FBI, they led their own political movement (The White Panthers), they introduced Iggy Pop and the Psychedelic Stooges to the free world—and that’s just the tip of the dipstick!
In the formidable documentary MC5: A True Testimony, director David Thomas does a magnificent job of revitalizing and legitimizing the legacy of the band without resorting to cheap nostalgia, long-in-the-tooth testimonials, or misguided political theorizing. He allows the surviving band members (Wayne Kramer, Michael Davis, Dennis Thompson) and assorted supporting characters (Translove Energy founder John Sinclair, Elektra Records rep Danny Fields) to present an oral history of the band—and indirectly, of the era. But he also honours the memory of the deceased members (Fred “Sonic” Smith and Rob Tyner) and the cosmically conscious activism of the times through vintage performances, Super 8mm clips, and archival footage.
Sounds confusing, but in fact, the film is as simple as simple can be; in fact, MC5: A True Testimony could serve as a “how-to” template for any aspiring filmmaker wanting to do a study of any kind of collective artistic creativity.
The band’s story is presented in chronological order, an approach which only underscores the staggering accomplishments that they were able to achieve in a very short period of time. For 1966 garageaholics, you get boss performance footage from various VFW halls. For 1967 psych-heads you get groovy Grande Ballroom performances and light shows. For 1968 peaceniks you get action-packed footage from the Chicago Democratic Convention concert in the park and the subsequent riots. For music lovers everywhere you get a jaw-dropping complete 1970 performance of “Looking at You” that defies logic, gravity, and sonic comprehension. For the weirdest gig imaginable you have the MC5 supporting Anne Murray.
What emerges from these shamanic maestros, in all their incarnations, is a commitment to positive change for the collective whole through the communicative power of music. It’s a straight-ahead rock ’n’ roll saga with all the trimmings (sex, drugs, fire bombings, Velvet Underground) that will provide ample nourishment for any rock snob. But even the uninitiated will be inspired by the film’s heartfelt belief in music’s importance to society and how a commitment to reversing the flow of history—and indeed, to changing the world—can begin in any garage, anywhere in the world. Finally, it’s also a welcome reminder that music is meant for the people, not for selling product.
Let the revolution begin.
Watch MC5: A True Testimony online at www.tofu-magazine.net/newVersion/pages/MC5.html.
