There’s no denying it, The Ramones paved the way for a lot of today’s Punk rock artists, and no doubt countless others. There’s still some argument as to whether they were the first Punk rock band, but without a doubt they were one of the most influential.
I was surprised and upset at the same time after watching this week’s past Grammy Awards. During the random roll credits that show Artists that either weren’t significant enough to be shown in the show-couldn’t make it to the show-or were deceased, that the Ramones actually won a Lifetime Achievement award—can I get a hell yeah?!
Someone somewhere is listening to “Sheena is a Punk Rocker” or rocking out to “Blitzkrieg Bop” right now…I’m also sure that somewhere a lone soul is singing “I wanna be Sedated.”
How many bands covered these great songs? I could probably name a dozen.
Some random facts about the Ramones? Yes, everyone loves random facts.
-None of the Ramones were actually related; they all adopted the name for the bands sake.
-The Ramones toured virtually non-stop for nearly 22 years.
-Debut album was released in February of 1976, self titled, Ramones.
– “I wanna be Sedated” is featured on the popular game, Guitar Hero.
Congrats to the Ramones! You have something tangible to show now for all the hard work you put into your music, you really kicked the asses of every one who thought you couldn’t make it.
In the word’s of Dee Dee Ramone,
“I’d like to congratulate myself, and thank myself, and give myself a big pat on the back.”
Yes, you should.
*this post can also be seen at http://www.surfacescratchers.com
Color of Outdoors by Mandy Joy Poole 
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