Dennis Thompson, a renowned drummer, was born on September 7, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan, United States. He gained fame as the drummer for the influential 1960s/1970s Detroit-based proto-punk/hard rock group MC5.
MC5, a groundbreaking band, achieved significant commercial success with their single "Kick Out The Jams" reaching #82 on the US charts and their album of the same name climbing to #30 on the US album charts.
Thompson earned the nickname "Machine Gun" due to his distinctive drumming style, which was characterized by its fast-paced and aggressive nature, reminiscent of the sound of a Thompson machine gun.
His innovative drumming style, often referred to as an "assault" on the drums, served as a precursor and influence on punk, metal, and hardcore punk drumming techniques.
After MC5 disbanded, Thompson went on to join several 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, Thompson made a guest appearance on the song "The Tiger" by Asmodeus X, released on the St. Thomas Records label.
Throughout his illustrious career, Dennis Thompson has left an indelible mark on the music world, solidifying his position as a pioneering figure in the development of punk, metal, and hardcore punk drumming styles.
