New hope for MC5 documentary

A recent court ruling may finally lead to a release for the disputed documentary about legendary proto-punks, the MC5. The film, titled MC5: A True Testimonial, has been underway from filmmakers David Thomas and Laurel Legler, but has remained in legal limbo since 2003 when MC5 guitarist Wayne Kramer denied them permission to use the band's music. Kramer initially cooperated with the filmmakers, and the film had been screened at festivals in a few cities, including Detroit, in October 2003, until a dispute arose about whether Thomas and Legler promised to hire him as music director.

U.S. District Judge Andrew J. Guilford noted:

Much of this case rests upon the credibility of witnesses, and the Court finds that Thomas and Legler were far more credible than Kramer on key issues concerning alleged promises, representations and commitments.

The documentary, through live footage and testimony from survivors, tells the story of the short-lived, but highly influential band. The MC5 disbanded in the early '70s, lead singer Rob Tyner died in 1991, and guitarist Fred "Sonic" Smith, who was married to Patti Smith, died in 1994. The surviving members of the MC5 -- Kramer, Dennis Thompson and Michael Davis -- have been touring as DKT-MC5 since 2004.

The suit isn't the only legal case involving Kramer, with another lawsuit filed by Rebecca Derminer, widow of MC5 lead singer Rob Tyner against the surviving members of the band still pending.