For JamSpreader’s second edition of Throwback Thursday, we’re honoring the founding fathers of the US punk movement: The Ramones! Widely considered to be the first true punk rock group, The Ramones consisted of Joey (vocals,) Dee Dee (bass,) Johnny (guitar,) and Tommy, later Marky, (drums.)
The band not only helped spearhead the entire punk scene in the United States, but is also credited to popularizing a unique form of performing, where none of the songs were more than 2:30 minutes long, and spoke not of rock & roll glamour, but of everyday city-living issues. Put simply, The Ramones wrote about what they knew, and songs such as “Sheena Is A Punk Rocker,” and “Now I Wanna Sniff Some Glue” helped connect them to their hordes of adoring fans who, like them, grew up in a world of hardships instead of glitz.
The boys toured nearly nonstop for 22 years for a staggering total of 2,263 concerts, and will forever be remembered for their hard work and dedication to the growth of the punk community. You can check out an incredible live performance of one of their best-known songs, “I Wanna Be Sedated,” below.
