The Ramones

The Ramones were a world-renowned, all-American rock band that was recognized as the first punk rock group. Although the band was never able to reach the commercial success of bands like the Sex Pistols, they influenced the next generation of punk, alternative and rock music.

The band formed in 1974 in Queens, New York, and performed more than 2,000 concerts over 22 years. The Ramones, with original members Johnny, Joey and Dee Dee Ramone, were regarded as the Godfathers of Punk.

Early Years

The early years of The Ramones can be traced back to their neighborhood in New York City, where the band members were drawn together for their love of 1960s garage rock. The original members of The Ramones included John Cummings (guitars), Jeffry Hyman (drums) and Douglas Colvin (vocals and bass), who used the pseudonym "Dee Dee Ramone." Thomas Erdelvi, the band's manager and old friend, later joined the band as the drummer and became "Tommy Ramone."

The band's first live performance was in March 1974 at the Performance Studio. When they performed at underground scenes, their act was always legendary because of their short performances. Lasting 20 to 30 minutes per act, The Ramones' music was often described as crude, desperate, fast and energetic.

The Ramones made a deal with Sire Records in 1975 and later released their debut album, "Ramones." While people in New York were not yet ready for their inventive music, the London scene hailed their music when they performed at The Roundhouse in July 1976.

The Success, Break-up and Death of the Godfathers of Punk Rock

The Ramones released two albums in 1977: "Leave Home" and "Rocket to Russia." Unfortunately, both albums failed to become instant hits. Tired of trying get their deserving honor, Tommy Ramone left the band to be replaced by Marc Bell, who became "Marky Ramone."

While the first three albums included songs the band had written before their contract with Sire Records, the "Road to Ruin" included new music styles, fresh acoustic guitar and songs that are over four minutes. However, their fourth album still failed to reach the charts.

The next three albums still weren't able to capture the mainstream's attention. To make things worse, Marky was forced to leave the band and was replaced by Richard Reinhardt - "Richie Ramone." Although Richie was able to stick with The Ramones to release three albums, he left in 1987 to be replaced by Clem Burke under the pseudonym Elvis Ramone. When Richie returned sober, he rejoined the band.

In 1989, after the release of The Ramones' "Brain Drain" album, Dee Dee Ramone left to pursue a solo career and was replaced by Christopher Joseph Ward, who adopted the name "C.J. Ramone." With a new member, The Ramones also switched to a new label - Radioactive Records - and released two more albums.

Joey and Johnny always had intense personal tension between them. However, their issues never became a reason for leaving the band until Johnny stole and married Joey's then-girlfriend, Linda. Sadly, after the Lollapalooza 1996, The Ramones disbanded because of personal differences. On July 20, 1999, all the members of The Ramones (except for Richie) reunited for an autograph signing.

Joey died April 15, 2001, of a lymphoma condition, in New York. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002. Two months later, Dee Dee Ramone was found in his home dead of a heroin overdose. Johnny Ramone died of prostate cancer in L.A. September 15, 2004.