1. Beginnings: The first member of the Ramones, John Cummings(Johnny Ramone), was born in 1948, followed shortly by Jeff Hyman(Joey Ramone), who initially didn't share a friendship, much less a partnership or any interest in music. In fact the only way they knew each other was that Johnny was friends with Joeys' brother, who had an interest in music. While Johnny was always a guitar player, Joey initially started out as a drummer, and according to his drummer, he was a decent one at that. The two later met Dee Dee Ramone, who was suppose to be the singer/bass guitarist, but realized that he couldn't play and sing at the same time. This lead to Joey becoming the singer, and Tommy Ramone being his replacement on drums. They began to play at such iconic clubs like CBGBs, where they developed a reputation for their quick, intense song, essentially putting the "Rock" back in rock n' roll. They soon recorded their first album, titled Ramones, which became the benchmark in punk music. Many bands such as the Clash learned to play by playing along to the album. The second album Leave Home, was nothing special, and by the time of their "crowning" achievement Rocket to Russia, Tommy had had enough, and left the band in 1978.
2. Progress: The Ramones continued on, hiring Marky Ramone as their new drummer. The band has yet to have a breakthrough hit, and the next album Road to Ruin, was nothing special either(although it's my favourite album), and they continued touring. They didn't have much to show, and were desperate for a hit, and the following album ensued a collaboration with legendary producer Phil Spector for the album End of the Century. While the album may have been a mixed opinion by many fans, it proved to have their biggest hit, peaking at 44 on the Billboard charts. At the same time, they filmed the B-movie Rock N' Roll High School, something which I cannot comment on as I've yet to watch it(I can't find a copy to be honest).Pleasant Dreams continued the trend of End of the Century of sounding more pop, but was not as successful. They were no closer to their big hit and returned to a rawer sound with Subterranean Jungle, but at a price. Marky had a major drinking problem, and was replaced by Richie Ramone in 1983.
3. Decline: As the 1980s continued, the Ramones plowed on, even though their existed a riff between Johnny and Joey, after Joeys girlfriend left him for Johnny. Neither apologized, and never talked to each other, despite being in a band together. The Ramones released several forgettable album in the 80s(although on Animal Boy, it includes my favourite Ramones song, My Brain is Hanging Upside Down[Bonzo goes to Bitsburg]). Dee and Joey were doing much of the writing, but this ceased once Dee Dee Ramone quit in 1992(although Marky had returned to the band in 1987), and was replaced by C.J. Ramone. By the time the 90s rolled around, the Ramones were still together, but being one upped by every other punk band of the day, and with the rise of grunge, they were once again put into the shadows. In 1996, they did their final tour, ending in Los Angles. Johnny and Joey had become sort-of celebrities, hanging around people like Eddie Vedder and such. The final concert was filmed(once again, cannot comment on it), and that was the end of the Ramones, after 20 odd years together.
4. Today: In 2002, the Ramones were inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the first band to be done so, but not without tragedy. Joey Ramone passed away from cancer in 2001 at the age of 49, and did not live to see the band inducted. 4 months after they were inducted, Dee Dee Ramone, who had a history of heroin and many other drug problems, overdosed at the age of 50. A little more then 2 years, Johnny Ramone died of cancer as well, at the age of 54.
The Ramones never had a hit record. In fact their biggest selling album is Ramonesmania, their first compilation album, barely went Gold(500,000 sold). The band was able to survive despite the many problems in the band. In addition to Marky drinking, Dee Dee's drug addiction and Joey and Johnny's riff, Joey had OCD which sometimes prevented him from doing his Ramones duties, and Johnny held a iron grip over what the band said and did, and was one of the few conservative people in music. It is clear that this was one of the most dysfunctional bands in history, and yet...somehow...they managed to not only revive interest in rock, but become pioneers in it as well.
By the new millennium, the Ramones started recieving the honors they deserved, placing 2ND on Spin magazine greatest bands of all time and 26Th on Rolling Stones list. Additionally, when Rolling Stone did its 100 greatest guitarists, it placed Johnny Ramone at 16. Despite all that they received, I was a little sad that on the 100 greatest singers, they failed to include Joey Ramone. But hey who am I to say what should or shouldn't be? ;)
Well, that's about all I can write for this Ramones tribute, I hope it is able to live up to that name. Today, most of the early Ramones albums are still around, and you can find nearly all of them in most record stores. they are so many songs on all these records that there are sure to be a few per record that you can enjoy so that's why I wouldn't recommend buying a greatest hits package though, because if you're like me, the hits you want you won't find on 1 single record.
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