Ongoing History of New Music: The Original Ramones
Hosted by Alan Cross | Released on June 4, 2025
Introduction
In the June 4, 2025 episode of Ongoing History of New Music, host Alan Cross delves deep into the origins and enduring legacy of The Ramones, one of the most influential rock bands in history. This detailed exploration not only chronicles the band's formation and rise but also pays homage to its original members and their profound impact on the music landscape.
The Birth of The Ramones
August 16, 1974 marks a pivotal moment in music history. On a sweltering summer day in New York City's Bowery, a then-small dive bar named CBGB became the birthplace of The Ramones. Amidst the city's grit—garbage-strewn streets, abandoned buildings, and a struggling populace—four young men took the stage, setting the stage for a musical revolution.
Alan Cross sets the scene:
“It was hotter still... the entire population of the bar... was just this wall of noise.” (01:08)
These four members, clad in leather jackets and torn jeans, were unlike anything the music scene had seen. Their raw energy and stripped-down sound would soon redefine rock music.
Formation and Early Days
The original lineup consisted of Jeffrey Hyman (Joey Ramone), John Cummings (Johnny Ramone), Douglas Colvin (Dee Dee Ramone), and Tommy Erdeli (Tommy Ramone). Each brought a unique background:
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Joey Ramone (Jeffrey Hyman) struggled with Marfan syndrome and OCD, finding solace in music. His early bands, like Sniper, laid the groundwork for his later contributions to The Ramones.
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Johnny Ramone (John Cummings) came from a disciplined military school background but evolved into a disciplined yet rebellious musician passionate about baseball and music.
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Dee Dee Ramone (Douglas Colvin), an army brat with a tumultuous upbringing, was the band's primary songwriter, infusing their music with raw emotion and street tales.
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Tommy Ramone (Tommy Erdeli), born in Hungary, brought his production expertise, having worked with legends like Jimi Hendrix, which proved invaluable in recording their early albums.
Alan Cross narrates:
“They were the Johnny Appleseeds of rock because wherever they stopped to play, new bands sprung up in their wake.” (24:47)
Early Performances at CBGB
CBGB became The Ramones' home base. Their initial performances were raw and unpolished, often lasting just 15 minutes but leaving a lasting impression. Despite a humble start—with their first gig drawing only about 30 people—their relentless energy and unique sound began to attract a dedicated following.
In the words of Ramones fan interviewed in the episode:
“They're proud to wear... like wearing a Def Leppard shirt... they're proud.” (17:50)
This burgeoning fanbase was characterized by unwavering dedication, distinguishing The Ramones from other bands of the era.
Recording and Rise to Fame
With the guidance of music writer Danny Fields, The Ramones recorded their first demo in 1974, leading to a record deal with Sire Records. Their self-titled debut album, released on April 23, 1976, encapsulated their signature sound—fast, loud, and simplistic, yet infectious. Despite mixed reviews and minimal radio play in the U.S., the album found significant success in the UK, where punk was ripe for the taking.
Notably, their performance at the Roundhouse in North London on July 4, 1976, was instrumental in kickstarting the British punk movement.
Marky Ramone, Tommy's replacement, shared his experience:
“We were treated like royalty... the whole makeup of Ding Walls were all these kids that would later form their groundbreaking bands of their own.” (24:47)
The Original Lineup and Member Histories
The original members of The Ramones each had their own tragic finales:
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Joey Ramone succumbed to lymphoma in 2001, a month shy of his 50th birthday. His legacy is immortalized with a corner in Bowery named Joey Ramone Place.
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Dee Dee Ramone battled heroin addiction and passed away from an overdose in 2002. His contributions extended beyond music, including solo projects and authoring a book.
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Johnny Ramone fought prostate cancer and died in 2004 at the age of 55. His legacy is commemorated with an eight-foot bronze statue at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
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Tommy Ramone continued producing music until diagnosed with bile duct cancer, leading to his death in 2014 at age 65.
Alan Cross reflects on their influence:
“They inspired thousands of kids to pick up guitars... just selling out CBGB's and all... being sold out shows and merchandising made a lasting impact.” (32:42)
Legacy and Influence
Despite their limited commercial success during their active years—only two albums sold over 500,000 copies—their cultural impact is immeasurable. The Ramones are often cited as the "Johnny Appleseeds of rock," planting the seeds for punk bands worldwide. From Metallica to Green Day, their influence permeates numerous genres and generations.
Their concise, high-energy songs broke conventional barriers, emphasizing melody over complexity. As Cross notes:
“They deliver a non-stop set of brisk, monochromatically intense songs where conventional considerations of pace and variety are thrown calculatedly to the wind.” (23:57)
Notable Quotes
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Tina Weymouth of Talking Heads on early Ramones' performances:
“There were always arguments backstage... they play an hour's worth of material in 45 minutes because they don't do any stage pattern between.” (17:18)
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Ramones Fan on the band's unique fanbase:
“They're proud to wear... they're proud.” (17:50)
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Marky Ramone on their UK experience:
“We were treated like royalty... the whole makeup of Ding Walls were all these kids that would later form their groundbreaking bands of their own.” (24:47)
Conclusion
The Ramones' journey from a small Bowery bar to global punk icons underscores their enduring significance in music history. Their simplicity, raw energy, and unwavering commitment to their craft set the foundation for punk rock and countless other genres to flourish. As Alan Cross eloquently summarizes:
“The Ramones remain one of the most influential rock bands of all time... but only two Ramones albums have ever sold more than 500,000 copies. One was a greatest hits record and in early 2014, their self titled debut finally tipped over that number.” (31:00)
Their legacy is not just in album sales or chart positions but in the countless musicians they inspired and the vibrant punk community they helped cultivate.
Technical Production: Rob Johnston
Contact: For feedback or inquiries, email alanalancross@ca
Website: ajournalofmusicalthings.com
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