Dennis Thompson, born on September 7, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan, United States, was the esteemed drummer of the influential 1960s and 1970s Detroit-based proto-punk/hard rock group MC5.
The group's remarkable success was marked by a #82 US single with the iconic song "Kick Out The Jams" and a #30 US album of the same name.
Thompson's distinctive drumming style, which earned him the nickname "Machine Gun," was characterized by his aggressive, fast-paced, and hard-hitting approach, reminiscent of the sound of a Thompson machine gun, commonly referred to as a "Tommy Gun."
His pioneering drumming style not only predated but also significantly influenced the development of punk, metal, and hardcore punk drumming styles.
Following the disbandment of MC5, Thompson went on to collaborate with various notable bands, including the 1975-1976 Los Angeles-based super-group The New Order, the 1981 Australia-based super-group New Race, The Motor City Bad Boys, and The Secrets.
In 2001, he made a guest appearance on the song "The Tiger" by Asmodeus X, released on St. Thomas Records.
Throughout his illustrious career, Dennis Thompson has left an indelible mark on the music world, cementing his status as a pioneering drummer and an iconic figure in the history of rock music.
