Rob Tyner
This article needs additional citations for verification. (April 2017) |
Rob Tyner | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Background information | |
Birth name | Robert Derminer |
Born | Detroit, Michigan | December 12, 1944
Died | September 18, 1991 (aged 46) Royal Oak, Michigan |
Genres | Proto-punk, hard rock |
Instrument(s) | Vocals, bass, harmonica |
Robert W. Derminer (December 12, 1944[1] – September 18, 1991), known as Rob Tyner, was an American musician best known as the lead singer for the Detroit proto-punk band MC5. His adopted surname was in tribute to the jazz pianist McCoy Tyner. It was Tyner who issued the rallying cry of "kick out the jams, motherfuckers" at the MC5's live concerts. Tyner had originally auditioned as the bass player, but the band felt his talents would be best used as the lead vocalist.
Life and career
Early years
Rob Tyner was born on December 12, 1944 in Detroit, Michigan. He was baptized and raised in the Episcopal Church, but often sought ways to incorporate the spirituality from his Native American heritage into the Christian faith of his birth.[2]
MC5
Tyner joined the group that was to become MC5 in 1964.[3] He auditioned to be bassist but soon became lead vocalist.
MC5 earned national attention with their first album, Kick Out the Jams, recorded live on October 30 and 31, 1968, at Detroit's Grande Ballroom. Critic Mark Deming writes that Kick out the Jams is:[4]
One of the most powerfully energetic live albums ever made ... this is an album that refuses to be played quietly.
The album caused some controversy due to the inflammatory liner notes by the band's manager, John Sinclair, and the title track's rallying cry of "Kick out the jams, motherfuckers!" According to Kramer, the band recorded this as "Kick out the jams, brothers and sisters!" for the single released for radio play; Tyner claimed this was done without group consensus. The edited version also appeared in some LP copies, which also withdrew Sinclair's excitable comments. The album was released in January 1969.
He remained with the band until late 1972, when the MC5 split up.
Other works
In 1977, Tyner collaborated with Eddie & the Hot Rods for a 7-inch release coinciding with a promotional UK tour to promote MC5 vinyl reissues. Simultaneously back in the US, Tyner had launched "the New MC5" which later operated as the Rob Tyner Band and laid the foundation for "Rob Tyner & the National Rock Group", a project which was prolific but issued no recordings. In 1985, Tyner donated his talents to a benefit LP for Vietnam Veterans.
Tyner dipped into the song catalog of the National Rock Group for his Blood Brothers CD (1990) and plans were afoot to play more live shows, (including plans with Blackfoot drummer Jakson Spires) when he died in 1991.
Death
On September 17, 1991, Tyner suffered a heart attack in the seat of his parked car close to his home town of Berkley, Michigan. He was taken to Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, where he died, leaving his wife, Becky, and three children.[5]
Discography
MC5
- Albums
- Kick Out the Jams (1969)
- Back in the USA (1970)
- High Time (1971)
Robin Tyner & The Hot Rods
- "Till the Night Is Gone (Let's Rock) / Flipside Rock" (1977)
Stev Manteiv
- Ambush (1985)
Solo
- Blood Brothers (1990)
References
- ^ SAY IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY: LESTER BANGS AND THE MC5'S ROB TYNER. MTV. 12 December 1995. Retrieved 5 September 2021.
- ^ Rob Tyner. Perfect Sound Forever. August 2007. Retrieved 5 September 2021.
- ^ MC5 – 10 of the best. The Guardian;;. 17 August 2017. Retrieved 5 September 2021.
- ^ MC5 - Kick Out the Jams Album Reviews, Songs & More | AllMusic, retrieved February 12, 2023
- ^ Rob Tyner, Singer With MC5 Group In 60's, Dies at 46 - New York Times
Further reading
- David Thomas (1999) The (R)Evolution of Rob Tyner. Future/Now Films
- John Sinclair (May 1967). Robin Tyner interview for The Warren-Forest Sun
- Rob Tyner at Find a Grave