Ramones facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ramones
Background information
Origin	New York City, New York, US
Genres	Punk rock, pop punk
Years active	1974 - 1996
Past members	Joey Ramone, Johnny Ramone, Dee Dee Ramone, Tommy Ramone, Marky Ramone, Richie Ramone, C. Jay Ramone

The Ramones were an American punk rock group that started in New York City in 1974. They played music together until 1996. All the band members used "Ramone" as their last name on stage, even though it wasn't their real one. They were one of the very first punk bands, along with groups like The Clash and Sex Pistols. Sadly, three of the four original members of the Ramones passed away within eight years after the band stopped playing.

Meet the Ramones: Band Members

The first group of Ramones included Joey on drums, Johnny on guitar, and Dee Dee playing bass and singing. Tommy was their manager at first. Dee Dee found it hard to sing while playing bass, so Tommy suggested that Joey sing instead. Then Tommy himself started playing the drums, and Dee Dee sang backup.

Later, Tommy left the band. A new drummer named Marky joined to take his place. After a while, Marky was replaced by another drummer, Richie. Then Dee Dee decided to leave the band to make his own rap music. C.J. then joined the band as their new bass player.

The Ramones' Unique Sound

Their very first album, simply called "Ramones," is now seen as a classic example of early punk rock music. Their songs were usually short, with simple tunes, and the lyrics often had only two or three lines. Their live concerts were famous for being super loud and very quick. They would play one song right after another, with Dee Dee (and later C.J.) often shouting "one, two, three, four!" between songs.

Their Influence on Music

The Ramones never became super famous or sold millions of records. However, some of their most well-known songs today include "Blitzkrieg Bop" and "I Wanna Be Sedated." Even though they didn't have huge commercial success, they are now considered one of the most important punk rock bands ever. Many other rock bands, like Nirvana and Green Day, have said that the Ramones greatly influenced their music.

Images for kids

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  Forest Hills High School, where the four original members of the Ramones went to school

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  The Ramones playing in Toronto in 1976

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  The April 1976 issue of Punk magazine. The cover picture of Joey was drawn by Punk co-founder John Holmstrom. He was inspired by the comic book artist Will Eisner. Holmstrom later drew the album covers for Rocket to Russia and Road to Ruin.

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  Joey Ramone around 1980

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  Joey and Dee Dee Ramone performing in 1983

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  The Ramones playing in São Paulo, Brazil, in 1987

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  The band's logo, which looks like the Seal of the President of the United States

See also

In Spanish: Ramones para niños