Ann Delisi’s Essential Conversations: MC5 Guitarist Wayne Kramer

Guitarist and author Wayne Kramer looks back on the beginning of MC5 and his recently published memoir.

Joan Isabella

WDET presents Ann Delisi’s Essential Conversations podcast. 

Hosted by Detroit storyteller Ann Delisi, this interview series recognizes the creative spirit of local and national celebrities. 

In each episode, Delisi sits down with local and nationally recognized professionals in the fields of music, news and the arts for insightful conversations exploring their work and inspiration.

In episode two, Delisi speaks with MC5 guitarist and author Wayne Kramer about the beginning of MC5, their legendary album Kick Out the Jams, and his recently published memoir The Hard Stuff

“What struck me is the unbelievably un-wise decisions I’ve made,” says Kramer looking back on his life. “My complete delusions. My grandiosity is off the charts. That and my shallowness knows no limits.” 

“Being raised by a single mom and not having a father to model what being a man meant. How does one go about being an honorable man? A man that can be depended on. I was, kind of, left with half the equation. The mom side I was pretty good on. But, you know, a mom can’t be a dad. So, that left me with an emotional deficit and…I thought I could fill up that deficit by standing in front of a thousand people and demanding that they’re affectionate to me.” 

Subscribe to Ann Delisi’s Essential Conversations wherever podcasts are available. Click on the audio player above to listen. 

 

Author

  • Ann Delisi
    Ann Delisi hosts Essential Music, the Essential Conversations podcast series and the Essential Cooking broadcast and podcast. Born and raised in the Motor City, Ann is a broadcaster, interviewer, producer, music host, storyteller and proud Detroiter.