Simple Punk Rock Music Information Blog

The Ramones were a Seventies American punk band, whose straightforward, stripped–down sound became an archetype for the genre.Formed in 1974, and honed at the famous CBGB's venue in New York, the band created short, sharp songs delivered with energy, eschewing guitar solos for simple, direct power chords.

The band released 14 albums of mainly-original material until their split in 1996, starting with the eponymous release 'Ramones', and ending with 'Adios Amigos'. Several live and compilation albums were released, mostly during the last few years of the group. Unfortunately, the early 2000's saw the deaths of founder members Joey Ramone(vocals), Johnny Ramone(guitarist) and Dee Dee Ramone(bass). Tommy Ramone (drums) is the last surviving member of the original line-up.Other replacement and temporary members include Elvis (drums, real name Clem Burke of Blondie), Marky (drums), Richie (drums), and C.J. (bass). Tommy prefered to work in the studio, hence all the drummer replacements, and C.J. came in when Dee Dee took up his solo career as rap artist Dee Dee King.

Interestingly enough, even after Dee Dee had left, he continued to write songs for the group. At their musical peak in the late 1970s, they were largely ignored by the American music community, however they are now one of the most celebrated bands of the last 30 years. Johnny died in 2004 of prostate cancer. Eddie Vedder and John Frusciante were among those at his death bed.