concert,rock 'n' roll,revolution,controversy,interview,punk rock,live,counter-culture,drugs,hard rock,detroit, michigan,influential,proto-punk,white panthers

MC5: A True Testimonial (2002)

Poster for MC5: A True Testimonial

This documentary, made over a period of eight years, tells the remarkable story of an extremely influential rock'n'roll band. Starting from their mid-60's garage band roots (sounding amazingly like the Sonics), the Motor City 5 deveoped into an icon for a brand of loud, crushing music reflecting their industrial roots. Even if you don't care for their music (and you're bound to like even a few of their songs), their story is fascinating. It combines 60's protest, youthful braggadocio, and a style of music that would help carry one to the likes of Iggy and the Stooges (not to mention certain aspects of punk rock). This film is clearly a labor of love, combining extraordinarily rare live shows, still shots, a nearly-continuous backdrop of MC5 tunes, penetrating interviews with the remaining members and their spouses, and even FBI surveillance shots. It's the ultimate testimonial to a band that only gains in stature as time goes on.

Cast & Crew

Director
David C. Thomas
  • Profile picture of Rob Tyner
    Himself Rob Tyner
  • Profile picture of Wayne Kramer
    Himself Wayne Kramer
  • Profile picture of Fred 'Sonic' Smith
    Himself Fred 'Sonic' Smith
  • Profile picture of Michael Davis
    Himself Michael Davis
  • Profile picture of Dennis Thompson
    Himself Dennis Thompson

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Keywords

  • concert
  • rock 'n' roll
  • revolution
  • controversy
  • interview
  • punk rock
  • live
  • counter-culture
  • drugs
  • hard rock
  • detroit, michigan
  • influential
  • proto-punk
  • white panthers