The Ramones 50th Anniversary - 10 Iconic Moments
On this day in 1974, the Ramones played their first gig. To celebrate, let's take a look at some history and iconic moments from the band!
1. The band debuts at CBGB in 1974
"On August 16, 1974, four men dressed in leather motorcycle jackets and Converse high-tops hit the stage at CBGB", and soon became the first ever regulars at the dive bar. In the year 1974 alone, the Ramones played CBGB over 70 times.
Read more: The Ramones Debut at CBGB
2. The Ramones were inspired by Paul McCartney
Paul McCartney's used the pseudonym Paul Ramon during his Silver Beetles days. Douglas Colvin (Dee Dee Ramone) was the first to develop his stage name and thus convinced the other members to take it on as well. He also came up with the idea to name the band the Ramones.
3. The band records their debut album in February 1976
The now iconic front cover photograph of the band was taken by Roberta Bayley, a photographer for Punk magazine, which was largely responsible for codifying the term for the scene emerging around CBGB. The magazine ran a cover story on the Ramones in its third issue, the same month as the album's release. Rock critics gave the album glowing reviews.
4. Tommy Ramone leaves the band in 1978
Tired of touring,Tommy left in early 1978, but continued as the Ramones' record producer under his birth name of Erdelyi. He also was the band's first manager.
5. Phil Spector becomes interested in the Ramones and produced their fifth album "End of the Century" (1980) ...and the band made it out alive!
In his autobiography, Dee Dee Ramone remembers the wildest point of the recording process when Spector pulled out a gun on him. “He levelled his gun at my heart and then motioned for me and the rest of the band to get back in the piano room,” the bassist wrote.
6. Richie Ramone joins the band, and Marky soon returns
Marky Ramone (who replaced Tommy) was fired from the band in the early 80s due to his alcoholism and his replacement was Richard Reinhardt. "[Richie] saved the band as far as I'm concerned. He's the greatest thing to happen to the Ramones. He put the spirit back in the band" said Joey Ramone.
After financial conflicts with Johnny Ramone, Richie left the Ramones in 1987. He was replaced by Clem Burke from Blondie, which was disbanded at the time.
Marky, clean and sober, returned to the band after the stint with Burke.
7. "Brain Drain" and Dee Dee's departure
In 1989 the band released their eleventh album "Brain Drain", their comeback album so to speak. The bass parts were done by Daniel Rey and Andy Shernoff of the Dictators. Dee Dee only recorded additional vocals and sited personal troubles and changes in the band as his catalyst for departure. Although he contintued to write songs for the band, he never rejoined.
As for "Brain Dead", the song 'Pet Sematary' became the band's highest-charting hit in America.
8. The Ramones announce they're disbanding
After "Mondo Bizarro" (1992) which was the band's first album certified Gold, the Ramones released their fourteenth and final studio album "¡Adios Amigos!" in 1996 and announced that they would be disbanding the following year. The band played their final show on August 6, 1996
9. In 2002, The Ramones are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
(Specifically naming Dee Dee, Johnny, Joey, Tommy, and Marky)
The ceremony was one of Dee Dee's last public appearances before he died. In February 2011, the group was also honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
1o. Legacy and Other Honors
In 2003, New York City unveiled a sign designating East 2nd Street at the corner of Bowery (near the former Bowery site of CBGB) as Joey Ramone Place. Then in 2016, the Ramones had a street in Queens, New York named for them: the intersection of 67th Avenue and 110th Street in front of the main entrance of Forest Hills High School was officially named The Ramones Way.
Brain dead? Pete Sematary? AI?