Michael Davis, MC5 bassist, dies aged 68


mc5band

Michael Davis, bass player with the hugely influential rock group MC5, has died at the age of 68.

The Associated Press reports Davis passed away on February 17th in California after succumbing to a long battle with liver cancer, he is survived by his wife, their three sons, and a daughter from a previous marriage.

Davis joined MC5 back in 1964 following the departure of the Michigan band’s original bassist Pat Burrows, where he remained until 1972. With Davis on board, MC5 issued their now-legendary debut album ‘Kick Out The Jams‘ in 1969, a record which inspired many budding young musicians who would go on to pioneer the punk movement just under a decade later.

In 2003 and 2005, Davis took part in short-lived reunions with MC5, and has also worked in the studio with the likes of Lords Of Altamont, Dollhouse, Tokyo Sex Destruction, and OJM during recent years. Davis’ work with the Music Is Revolution Foundation, which he co-founded, was a sign of his dedication to promoting music education in schools.


Learn More




Tags: