The first performer at Sunday night's benefit for former MC5 manager John Sinclair in Silverlake, Calif., was Mark Groubert's band Lower Companions. SonicNet Music News misidentified Groubert as singer/songwriter Michael Simmons in a story published Monday. Groubert lightened the mood of the night — which raised $2,300 to help Sinclair and his family recover from a fire in their New Orleans home last month — by listing off products that Sinclair needs, including 17-1/2 yards of rolling paper and back issues of Playboy magazine. He then led a set by the Lower Companions, featuring former MC5 guitarist Wayne Kramer on keyboards and Doug Lund on drums. Simmons, a singer/songwriter and journalist, was scheduled to perform at the show but canceled. The benefit ended with Kramer and punk revivalists the Streetwalkin' Cheetahs playing a set of MC5 songs.
CORRECTION: John Sinclair Benefit
Sunday's gala for former MC5 manager John Sinclair in Silverlake, Calif., opened with band Lower Companions.