Great Guitars: Wayne Kramer

Join us as we welcome legendary recording artist, Wayne Kramer, as he spends an evening in the Clive Davis Theater discussing his career as a musician, film and television composer, producer, guitarist and activist. The evening will also feature the West Coast premiere of Shira Piven and Adam McKay’s short film: The Beast and the Angel. This piece touches on Kramer’s journey from addiction to sobriety, and authentically captures the spirit of this iconic guitarist. Kramer first came to fame in 1968 as the teenaged founder of controversial Detroit rock band, the MC5. After releasing hit albums such as Kick Out the Jams and High Time, Kramer embarked on his own journey as a prolific solo artist. He not only produced emerging bands in Detroit and NYC, Kramer co-wrote an R&B musical, joined acid funk outfit Was (Not Was) as its original guitarist, started Gang War with NY Dolls guitarist Johnny Thunders and, in 1994, signed with Epitaph Records and released four albums for its owner Brett Gurewitz in as many years. Kramer remains an influential modern music icon for not only his stellar guitar skills and original score heard in commercials, TV series and documentary and feature films, but for his commitment to service in the arts. Kramer was named one of Rolling Stone’s 100 greatest guitarists of all time and Kramer now devotes as much time and energy to his charity — Jail Guitar Doors with co-founder Billy Bragg — as he does writing and recording music. Hosted by Vice President of The GRAMMY Foundation and MusiCares, Scott Goldman, Kramer will engage in a rare interview and will perform an acoustic set.