MC5

The live performance captured in the video "MC5 - Kick Out The Jams - 2nd version (1972)" took place on December 31, 1972, at the Grande Ballroom in Detroit. By this time, MC5 had already released their groundbreaking debut album "Kick Out the Jams" in 1969, which is notable for its raw energy and political themes and is considered a major influence on the punk rock movement. The live recording represents a period of transition for the band, as they were navigating the complexities of fame and the music industry while continuing to push the boundaries of rock music. Interestingly, during their early performances, MC5 was known for their incendiary shows and political activism, reflecting the counterculture of the era. By 1972, they had transitioned from underground pioneers to a more mainstream audience, but tensions within the band and challenges with their label foreshadowed the struggles they would face in the years following this live recording.

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