Surely the MC5 invented punk rock. But what the Ramones gave us was a template for the British punks, especially the Damned, with their three minute thrashes and smartass lyrics.
Peter Nugent
2 years ago
I saw them July 1980. I was fun and I still think there’s a thrilling sound to their early hits.
But other bands were going the same path at the same time. Even here in Oz, with the Saints and Radio Birdman in particular.
Al M
2 years ago
Very enjoyable article, thank you. I notice you mention another great band with none of the ‘classic’ lineup alive – Motorhead.
Might the legendary Lemmy be the subject of a future article?
Andrew Raiment
2 years ago
Good article. Not a fan, I never cared for their “too cool for school” shtick. The most overrated band… until The Strokes came along.
Jesper Bo Henriksen
2 years ago
The story that “The KKK Took My Baby Away” is about Johnny Ramone stealing Joey’s girlfriend is, unfortunately, too good to be true. In his book “I Slept with Joey Ramone”, Joey’s co-writer, brother and heir Mickey Leigh confirms that the song was written well in advance of that event, and that it was about a different girlfriend entirely.
John Wilkes
2 years ago
They were great fun, and I had the pleasure of seeing them live when I was still young too.
Just don’t analyse it too much. Even now, in my late 50s I find that when in the mood I really enjoy them for about 10 minutes (loud of course), tolerate another 10 minutes then switch off for at least 6 months. But for the first 10 minutes I do REALLY enjoy them.
Stooges were always better in my opinion.
Drahcir Nevarc
2 years ago
I saw them live once, in the Brixton Aademy. ‘k me they were loud!
Surely the MC5 invented punk rock. But what the Ramones gave us was a template for the British punks, especially the Damned, with their three minute thrashes and smartass lyrics.
I saw them July 1980. I was fun and I still think there’s a thrilling sound to their early hits.
But other bands were going the same path at the same time. Even here in Oz, with the Saints and Radio Birdman in particular.
Very enjoyable article, thank you. I notice you mention another great band with none of the ‘classic’ lineup alive – Motorhead.
Might the legendary Lemmy be the subject of a future article?
Good article. Not a fan, I never cared for their “too cool for school” shtick. The most overrated band… until The Strokes came along.
The story that “The KKK Took My Baby Away” is about Johnny Ramone stealing Joey’s girlfriend is, unfortunately, too good to be true. In his book “I Slept with Joey Ramone”, Joey’s co-writer, brother and heir Mickey Leigh confirms that the song was written well in advance of that event, and that it was about a different girlfriend entirely.
They were great fun, and I had the pleasure of seeing them live when I was still young too.
Just don’t analyse it too much. Even now, in my late 50s I find that when in the mood I really enjoy them for about 10 minutes (loud of course), tolerate another 10 minutes then switch off for at least 6 months. But for the first 10 minutes I do REALLY enjoy them.
Stooges were always better in my opinion.
I saw them live once, in the Brixton Aademy. ‘k me they were loud!