The MC5 were the reason I fell in love with Rock and Roll. When I was 13 years old, when I bought Kick Out The Jams the very first day it was released. When I got home after riding my bicycle back from the record store and dropped the needle on the first cut, Ramblin Rose............it changed my life forever. I was lucky enough to meet and get know Michael later in my life and he was a true gentleman. Always a warm smile and I never heard him say a bad thing about anyone. Below is a statement about Michael's passing from a man that knew him well. And I thought who better to tell us about Michael than a man who embodies rock and roll Iggy Pop.
For me, Michael was the original cool guy. He was a tall, handsome man who looked great on stage with his bass strapped on, and I always admired his poise and showmanship. He played with a fluid, effortless style that rolled under the beat. The lines he played were always distinctive, like somebody singing. He had a lot of positive energy. Michael had a wonderful smile, and a kind of unflappable manner. I never saw him too upset about anything. He was a nice guy, and although he had plenty of attitude, he wasn't a prick about it like so many musicians can be. Check out his playing on Looking At You (Original 'A-Square' Single Version). Especially the bass note he plays just before the end. Wow. He belongs in the Hall Of Fame, along with his whole group, for their contributions to American music and its politics. He was and they were hugely charismatic and influential. Their beliefs and approach had to do with things much larger than music and these things are coming to light more and more today on the world revolutionary stage. There is no band that I know of as dangerous as the MC5 and their manager, John Sinclair. I loved Michael. My condolences to his family, friends, and group and my thanks to him and the MC5 for their generosity and inspiration to me and The Stooges.
Iggy Pop
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