The MC5, or Motor City Five, was an influential rock band formed in Detroit, Michigan, in 1964. Known for their energetic performances and politically charged lyrics, they played a key role in the development of punk rock and garage rock. Their debut album, Kick Out the Jams, released in 1969, is often regarded as a classic. The band consisted of five members: Wayne Kramer, Fred "Sonic" Smith, Michael Davis, Dennis Thompson, and Rob Tyner. They were known for their radical political views and association with the White Panther Party, which aimed to support the Black Panther Party. Despite their initial success, the band struggled with commercial viability and disbanded in 1972.