23A: Ramones
The Ramones were a punk-rock band formed in New York City in 1974. They are often called the first true punk-rock group.
The band all formed pseudonyms with surnames ending with “Ramone.” (Question 1 – What’s a surname? What’s a pseudonym?) The original line-up included Joey Ramone (singer), Johnny Ramone (guitar), Dee Dee Ramone (bass) and Tommy Ramone (drums).
There were several key elements to the Ramones’ sound. The first is that their songs were very short – usually two minutes or less. The second is that most of their songs only have two or three chords, played repeatedly. The third is that they play fast and loud.
Here’s one of their best-known songs. It’s the first song from their first album.
The Ramones’ look is also a big part of their identity: long hair, skinny pants, leather jackets. Their logo is also iconic.
One of the places they played the most was CBGB in New York. (You may remember that the Talking Heads played there a lot, too.) The writer Legs McNeill was at their first show. Here’s what he said: “They were all wearing these black leather jackets. And they counted off every song (“1, 2, 3, 4”). And it was just this wall of noise. They looked so striking. This was something completely new.”
In 1979 the Ramones appeared in the movie, Rock ‘n Roll High School. The movie has become something of a cult classic. (Question 2 – Do you remember what a “cult” following is?) Here’s a scene from the movie.
The Ramones were together for twenty-two years. Their last album came out in 1995. It featured the song “I Don’t Want to Grow Up,” which was originally written and recorded by Tom Waits.
Shortly after that, they announced their retirement on the Howard Stern Show. A lot of people say Howard Stern copied his look from the Ramones. You’ll see why.
The Ramones didn’t sell a ton of records. They didn’t play to huge crowds. But they toured nonstop and influenced tons of bands, including the Replacements, Pearl Jam, and Green Day. Because of their legacy, they are considered one of the most important bands in rock ‘n roll history.
Shall we end with a little fun? In this video, “How to Be the Ramones,” the host talks about the band’s signature sound and look. It’s a bit long, but enjoy it for a while! (Warning: PG language and potty humor.)
Answers:
Question 1 — Your “surname” is your last name. A “pseudonym” is a made-up name.
Question 2 — Bands that have a “cult following” don’t have a ton of fans — but their fans are very devoted to them.
Bonus video!
Want to see something super awkward? Check out this interview the Ramones did in 1988 on the Regis and Kathy Lee Show.