Friday July 2, 2021 “Rockaway Beach” The Ramones
I always wondered if even the Ramones took themselves seriously but regardless it feels appropriate to include them for a frivolous Friday with summer song “Rockaway Beach ''
As you may know, there is no one in the group whose name is actually Ramone even though the original Ramones, Joey, Dee Dee, Johnny and Tommy, all unfortunately deceased, adopted that as their last name.
The Ramones never appeared on Saturday Night Live, but they did have an offer in 1977 when the planned musical guest, the Sex Pistols, had visa problems and couldn't get into the country, and the Ramones were offered the spot that night. They turned it down, and the gig went to Elvis Costello, who left his mark by stopping his performance and launching into a song he wasn't supposed to play.
The Ramones are frequently referenced as the first punk rock act because they specialized in under three minute, very basic, three chord songs with no real guitar solos, maybe because they couldn’t play them. They have recorded sixteen albums/CDs and were the first ‘punk’ group to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Why are they called the Ramones? Somehow they came across the fact that Paul McCartney used the name Paul Ramone when he checked into hotels to remain somewhat anonymous.
Stay safe and well...and those of us in the NY area of a certain age can completely relate to the lyrics of Rockaway Beach. The bus ride is too slow so it’s best to hitch a ride.