Ramones

The Ramones, the iconic American band from Forest Hills, Queens, New York, are widely credited with pioneering the punk rock movement. Their raw, stripped-down sound, rapid-fire songs, and distinctive uniform look of leather jackets and ripped jeans made them instantly recognisable and hugely influential. Today, their legacy continues to resonate, frequently appearing in trending music conversations and inspiring countless new bands.

The band’s genesis dates back to 1974. The original lineup featured Joey Ramone (born Jeffrey Hyman) on drums and vocals, Johnny Ramone (John Cummings) on guitar, and Dee Dee Ramone (Douglas Colvin) on bass. However, it quickly became apparent that Joey’s distinctive voice was better suited for lead vocals. Their then-manager, Tommy Erdelyi (who later adopted the stage name Tommy Ramone), stepped in to become their drummer, solidifying the classic initial quartet: Joey on vocals, Johnny on guitar, Dee Dee on bass, and Tommy on drums. Each member adopted the surname “Ramone,” creating a unified, almost familial, identity that became synonymous with their no-frills, high-energy approach.

Their self-titled debut album, Ramones, released in 1976, was a groundbreaking moment. It contained a mere 14 songs in just 29 minutes, delivering a furious blast of three-chord rock and roll that served as a stark contrast to the bloated progressive rock and disco popular at the time. Tracks like “Blitzkrieg Bop” with its iconic “Hey! Ho! Let’s Go!” chant, and “I Wanna Be Sedated,” quickly became anthems. While they didn’t achieve massive mainstream success in their native US during their active career, their impact in the UK was immediate and profound, heavily influencing bands like the Sex Pistols and The Clash and sparking the British punk boom.