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Blues rock band originally known as the Motor City Five, after their native Detroit. Influenced by Dick Dale and His Del Tones and The Ventures, as well as what would come to be called "garage rock". Their name reflects The Dave Clark Five and their love of cars (such as the Pontiac GTO). Once performed with John Coltrane. Member Wayne Kramer's solos were noted for their vibrato while Fred Smith's rhythms were explosive and energetic. Opened for Big Brother and the Holding Company and Cream. Eventually got into radical politics and drugs. Performed at the 1968 Democratic National Convention to protest the Vietnam War. Best known for their hit Kick out the Jams. Because the intro to the song contains an obscenity, it was censored to "brothers and sisters" for raido play. This was done without the group's consensus. This version was included on some LPs. Covered John Lee Hooker. Michael Davis left the band in 1972 after being forced out due to heroin use. The band eventually broke up. Since reuniting the band has performed with The Romantics, Ramones, and The Cult. Members have included David Vanian of The Damned, Lemmy from Motörhead, Ian Ashbury of The Cult, and Kate O'Brien. Also performed with the Lemonheads. Numerous honors, awards, and tributes. Influenced Rage Against the Machine, Blue Öyster Cult, The Presidents, and Bad Brains. A song by The Stone Temple Pilots is named for them.
Genres[]
Blues rock