The Ramones Overview

The Ramones formed in 1974 and revolutionized the sound of punk with their speedy, solo-less songs and vacant lyrics. The original lineup featured Joey on the drums, Dee Dee sharing guitar with Johnny, and Tommy as their manager. They left high... [more]

The Ramones formed in 1974 and revolutionized the sound of punk with their speedy, solo-less songs and vacant lyrics. The original lineup featured Joey on the drums, Dee Dee sharing guitar with Johnny, and Tommy as their manager. They left high school in Forest Hills, New York, and moved to Manhattan to begin recording -- "Ramones Leave Home" appeared in 1977 and the two singles, "Sheena is a Punk Rocker" and "Rockaway Beach," earned them a loyal following at the club, CBGB's, and across the nation. The band struggled through the 1980s, finding success only with the work they generated in the 1970s. In 1989 they stepped back into the spotlight with the title track to the soundtrack for Stephen King's "Pet Cemetery." That same year, Dee Dee left the band to clean up his drug addictions and begin his own projects. In the 1990s, as a whole new generation of punk was on the rise, Joey and Johnny stuck with their original sound and kept touring. Rumors of a breakup spread after the release of "Adios Amigos." Their influence is evident in younger bands like Guns 'n' Roses and The Beastie Boys. [show less]