Ramones

Ramones first generated a buzz performing at New York’s legendary CBGB nightclub—along with the other ‘underground’ bands Blondie and Television—but the faux four who formed Ramones were not street kids. They were (other than Tommy) middle class boys from the comfortable district of Queens. Yet their punk image, wonderfully captured in Roberta Bayley’s cover photograph for the debut LP, has become a timeless symbol of bratty rebellion and outsider attitude.

Ramones played a stripped back rock and roll. The songs were short and they played them fast. The lyrics were simple, often dumb-funny, occasionally confronting. They were categorically not punk in the way it became known in the UK: sneering, snotty, anti-skill and contemptuous of success. Singer Joey, guitarist Johnny, bass player Dee Dee and drummer Tommy (also producer) worked hard and wanted money and fame. They got that, though none lived to a comfortable retirement age.