MC5, alongside the Stooges, were pioneers of punk rock with their loud, intense music and revolutionary politics. Managed by John Sinclair, the band embodied the counterculture movement with their wild live performances and anti-establishment messages. Despite a tumultuous career that ended in the early '70s, MC5 left a lasting legacy that influenced punk, hard rock, and heavy music. Various reunion tours and re-formations followed, with the band releasing the album Heavy Lifting in 2024, posthumously honoring their deceased members.

Formed in 1964 in Michigan, MC5's early experimentation with feedback and distortion set them apart in the local music scene. With their aggressive live shows and association with the White Panther Party, the band gained a dedicated following before signing with Elektra Records and releasing their iconic debut album Kick Out the Jams. Despite lineup changes, label disputes, and internal struggles, MC5's impact on music continued to grow over the years. The band's members pursued solo projects, with tragic losses along the way, but MC5's influence remained undeniable, leading to several reunion efforts and the eventual release of Heavy Lifting in 2024.