Introduction

Updated: 4 December 2008, 21:18 EST
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Making a film is an experience really; more so than going around photographing. Making a film is a real trip." - Robert Frank, Cocksucker Blues Director

What a sad and painful mess. Where do you even begin to respond to an well-organized campaign of intimidation and threats, a reprehensible but failed attempt to cover up details of the treachery which sabotaged the acclaimed MC5 - A True Testimonial documentary and virtually destroyed the legacy left by the MC5?

There's been an incredible amount of disinformation circulating about the facts of the legal actions surrounding both the band and the documentary. Its a quite tangled tale that has attracted international interest so this is an attempt to probe and clarify the story, not so much the band's actual performing history but the increasingly bizarre activities that have taken place in it's wake.

As the various cases wind through the courts and the Byzantine web surrounding the band's copyright, publishing and trademark interests begins to untangle, we attempt to analyze the events and activities, to find an accurate window into that world. This examination is an exercise of the constitutional right of free speech, made in a place open to the public, in connection with an issue of public interest.

To begin, let's get several important facts on the record.

Future/Now Films and it's principals, David Thomas and Laurel Legler, were clearly blindsided by the power trip that ultimately blocked the release of their film.

Rebecca Derminer was understandably outraged by that action, the conflict inspired her decision to fight back and reclaim her husband's creative work.

There's no doubt that Rob Tyner was an integral part of the MC5. Far more than a powerful lead singer, he was a poet and lyricist, an artist largely responsible for the philosophical direction of the band.

The MC5 would never have existed without him.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTINUE TO: BATTLE OF THE BANNED.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Disclaimer: The information posted on-line at Detroit Tango is for non-commercial educational purposes only and designed to provide accurate and authoritative information regarding the subject matter covered. It is provided with the understanding that it be used solely for comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research.