New online fund drive aiming to release MC5 documentary

Although an online fundraising drive initially failed to raise enough money to fund the long-delayed release of the documentary movie "MC5: A True Testimonial," supporters are trying again.

An effort through the Kickstarter fundraising web site raised about $14,000 of the $27,000 goal set to release the movie, but supporters were so encouraged by the reaction that they've started a new effort via the IndieGoGo website.

Various perks are offered for different levels of donations. The IndieGoGo effort runs through July 4, the idea being that it will be "Independence Day" for the release of the movie, a documentary about the storied Ann Arbor/Detroit rock band MC5.

Although the movie was completed in 2002 and received strong reviews in film festival screenings, legal disputes over rights to the music held up a formal release for years. With those disputes settled, the only thing standing in the way now is financing.

The new drive has a slightly revised goal of $25,000. The money would go toward both a theatrical and DVD release.

Donations may be made online at www.indiegogo.com/MC5-TrueTestimonial.

Freddie Brooks, a Detroit music producer who has been working to get the movie released, wrote in a note to supporters: "We've chosen IndieGoGo for a number of reasons. It's much easier to make donations by credit card, Paypal or personal check. Contributors can choose to keep their identity and/or amount of the contribution anonymous. And the campaign is guaranteed to move substantially closer towards financing the film's release."

Starting in Detroit, the MC5 relocated to Ann Arbor in the late 1960s. The band members grew into legends due to their high-energy, pile-driving music—most notably, "Kick Out the Jams," featuring a famously profane opening line—as well as their politics. Activist John Sinclair was their manager, and they were affiliated with the White Panther Party.

The MC5 consisted of Rob Tyner, vocals; Fred "Sonic" Smith and Wayne Kramer, guitars; Dennis Thompson, drums; and Michael Davis, bass. The band was most famously associated with Detroit's legendary concert hall the Grande Ballroom. The MC5 broke up in 1972, but is often cited as an influence by current rock acts.

Bob Needham is director of entertainment content for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at bobneedham@annarbor.com or 734-623-2541, and follow him on Twitter @bobneedham.