Johnny Ramone: Rebel in a rebel's world

Washington Times ^

[RUCKUS INC.]

For 100 nights a year over three decades, punk-rock guiterrorist Johnny Ramone stood with his head down, face in an intense scowl of concentration, legs shoulder-width apart, hammering at his blue Mosrite with a blurry right hand. The cacophony was pure bliss, a white noise ringing that punched holes in all that was peaceful, shards of the power chords busting into little aural stars, like the lights you see when you smack your head, only in your ears. It was such good, loud pain. Johnny dropped his job as a construction worker in 1974 and held down stage right for 22 years as the guitarist for the most influential rock band of the last 30 years. The Ramones fertilized the punk-rock scene first in their hometown of New York City, then in England. Eventually

[Jhensy]

Wasn't Chloë Sevigny Vincent Gallo's girlfriend? This is all so connected.

I noted that too. She appeared in his infamous "Brown Bunny", a glorified home movie that he premiered at Cannes to much derision.

Apparently she gives Gallo a real blow job for ten minutes on camera. (I went ahead and typed "blow job" because I figure anyone who has read this far on a punk rock thread on FR can't possibly be offended. Kind of liberating!).

[Keltik]

Add me to the ping list

[weegee]

I saw the trailer for this movie on a Japanese website last year. It doesn't look like a "home movie", it looks like an "arty" movie circa 1973. Whether that movie is Girl On A Motorcycle or Two Lane Blacktop.

[BossLady]

Put me on 'the list'! ;)

[weegee]

I never saw Joe Strummer play (I did see Mick Jones a couple of times). I did meet Joe Strummer at an instore signing once and he was fun to meet.

As to his Marxism, I think that the movie Straight To Hell came about from some Marxist protest (concert?) that fell apart and so the gathered celebs and Alex Cox decided to make a movie quickly. Some of this backstory is in the documentary that is on the DVD.

[xxtremedad]

Ping me please. Hey politics of Fear? Any idea?

[Musket]

You might as well put me on the list. I spent a coupla nights partying with Joey, and one night with Dee Dee back in the '80s. Johnny wasn't around. He was the straight man. I met him backstage before the show but he didn't hang with us. Many things were consumed those nights. Ha-ha!

This will be a fun list!

[Musket]

Politics of Fear? Well, um, they like beer I've heard.; )

[itsamelman]

Huskers! amen Huskers!

I remember "New Day Rising" playing in my head as W. was sworn into office.

Long live the trio of SST trios, Husker Du, Meat Puppets, and especially the Minutemen (RIP d. boon).

[weegee]

One of the Smithereens is a conservative and has talked about his politics in the past year or so. There's an FR thread somewhere.

I've put the text of my own idea for an advocacy ad from conservative musicians. Something along the lines of "we support the president".

I'd also like to get in contact with Johnny Ramone to question the use of The Ramones name in association with the punkers for abortion organization. He may still be outvoted by Joey's mom and brother but at least an effort should be made to say that the band members do not all support abortion. I don't know Johnny's position on this issue, maybe he doesn't oppose it. Contact needs to be made.

[Chad Fairbanks]

If you start one, add me. I'm more punk than you hee hee ;0)

[woofie]

As a conservative artist this makes me happy

[TheWriterInTexas]

Put me on that punk list, please!

"No Mom, the nose ring isn't real...I promise!"

[GodBlessRonaldReagan]

True punks will always think for themselves, strive to educate themselves, question authority, and NOT conform to the ideas of idiots no matter what kind of uniform they wear, be it a suit or a mohawk.

Too true - most of the punks I know are as lockstep and doctrinaire in their thinking as the people they decry, maybe more so.

Husker Du rocks!

Yes they do. But I still can't get over the drummer in my first band leaving to go live with Bob Mould! Bob's cool though - loves to talk wrestling!

Anybody starting a rocker/punk ping list, please include this old fart.

[sauropod]

Count me in.

[proud American in Canada]

Rock 'n Roll High School bump! I loved the Ramones--and to find out Johnny is a Republican?!

I wonder if he is a Freeper, too?

[Heyworth]

I got to see the Clash twice. Or maybe one and a half times. First time was the Combat Rock tour, and it was the greatest show of my life. Second time was that "Cut the Crap" tour, after Joe fired Mick. Kinda sucked.

Lately I've been really enjoying the last Strummer album a lot. Took a few listens, but now it holds a steady place in my car CD changer. The version of Marley's "Redemption Song" is just heartbreaking. You were lucky to meet him. I've talked to a few people who did, and all of them talked about what a nice guy he was. As for "Straight to Hell," you must be a glutton for punishment if you own the DVD. Yeesh.

[BobS]

I prefer the Anti-Nowhere League. They were the last group to have a large outdoor concert in Belgrade, Yugoslavia before that country blew up. Their bus got burned during their riot of 100,000 drunks.

[bc2]

would you like to be on the punk/rock ping list?

Take care!

[bc2]

You've all been added to the list! We have a lot of names so far, keep 'em coming!