57 Years Ago, MC5 Got Booted From Elektra Records After Profanity-Laden Magazine Ad
By Lauren Boisvert
Published on April 16, 2026.
The rock band MC5, known for their high-energy, rebellious attitude, was booted from Elektra Records in 1969 after their debut album, "Kicked Out the Jams," was refused by Detroit-based Hudson's Department Stores for refusing to stock the album due to obscenity. The band took out a full-page ad in Fifth Estate magazine, expressing their displeasure in profanity-laden message, which led to the retailer pulling their entire catalog from their shelves. This decision was not immediately recognized by ElekTra Records, which quickly dropped MC5 from their roster, but the band signed with Atlantic Records a month later. Despite this, MC5 was dropped from Atlantic around 1971 and disbanded in 1972.
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