MC5’s “Heavy Lifting” Title Track Released Featuring Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello

Detroit’s legendary punk rock band MC5 has dropped “Heavy Lifting,” the explosive title track from their upcoming and final album. The track, featuring Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello, arrives just before the band’s long-awaited induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, where they will receive the 2024 “Musical Excellence Award.”. This latest track follows last month’s release of “Can’t Be Found” featuring Living Colour’s Vernon Reid. 

“Heavy Lifting” exemplifies the raw energy MC5 is known for, blending their signature punk with hard rock power in an adrenaline-pumping track. Tom Morello’s electrifying guitar work elevates the song to a new degree, creating a sonic explosion that amplifies its intensity. In complement, Wayne Kramer’s gritty, commanding vocals take charge of the track with intense emotion that transforms the song into a rebellious rallying cry.  

The lyrics to “Heavy Lifting” perfectly embody MC5’s rebellious spirit, brimming with raw energy and defiance. Wayne Kramer delivers hard-hitting verses that speak of nihilism, resistance, and survival. The song opens with the bold declaration, “I’m a man with a massive plan, good drugs in my hand, and I don’t give a god damn,” capturing the band’s trademark provocative attitude.

Tom Morello, who has long cited MC5 as a major influence, shared his excitement about the collaboration, saying, “I think ‘Heavy Lifting’ is a record which certainly fits very well into the excellence of the MC5 catalog. It does stand as a testament to a lifetime of rock and roll greatness.”

Listen to MC5’s “Heavy Lifting” featuring Tom Morello here: 

The album Heavy Lifting marks MC5’s first full-length release in over 50 years, following their 1971 record High Time. Founding member Wayne Kramer, who tragically passed away earlier this year, co-wrote 12 of the album’s 13 tracks, making this album a powerful final chapter for one of the most revolutionary bands in rock history.

As MC5 prepares to take their place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Heavy Lifting serves as a final testament to the band’s revolutionary legacy. Fans can pre-order the album now, with the official release set for October 18—just one day before the band’s historic induction. For more on MC5, be sure to check out our previous coverage of the band here.