This is the story of the Ramones, the New York band whose mission was to keep Rock'n'Roll music alive as it seemed destined to drown in the corporatised mire of seventies prog, schmaltz and disco. Because of the rare archival live music and its unflinching expose of the personal foibles of the members of the group, this Slamdance Film Festival winner was almost not released. It's a portrait of an American band that makes Metallica in 'Some Kind of Monster' look like The Brady Bunch in comparison. Debbie Harry and Joe Strummer are among the many interviewees and contributors to this fast-moving collation from a vast array of fascinating material.
At first, the film makers take us up-close and intimate with the almost fifty year-olds Joey, Dee Dee and Johnny Ramone shortly before their recent deaths. They help flesh-out a story that started in 1974 when four misfits emerged from a New York basement to play their songs. Critics labelled it 'punk' music, a put-down either likening it to atonal, minimalist sonic art, or suggesting they looked like male prostitutes. But Ramones music was new. It was highly-disciplined, thunderous, multi-chord pop with a lineage from Buddy Holly, through 60s girl-groups and the British Invasion that led to the now-famous Bowery club, CBGBs. 'Country, Bluegrass and Blues' it wasn't. The film's title refers to the song Do You Remember Rock'n'Roll Radio? from the album the Ramones recorded with legendary writer and producer, Phil Spector.
With "1-2-3-4" count-offs, "Hey ho!" chants and nursery-rhyme melodies, their stripped-back, high-energy songs were first embraced in the UK and Europe. By 1977 Punk was both the folk music of the western world and a new anti-authoritarian bohemian movement. Among the anthems contributed by the Ramones were Blitzkrieg Bop, Sheena is a Punk Rocker, Rock'n'Roll High School and I Wanna Be Sedated.
The film plots the growth in esteem for the band, with them ultimately inducted into the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame, and securing the NY streetname, 'Joey Ramone Place'. The band retired in 1996 after 2, 263 shows in 22 years of global touring, but still continue to gather new generations of disciples. Brains trust and founding drummer, Tommy Ramone, best understands the dynamics of creativity, performance and discipline that drove the faux 'brudders' on, but subsequent stickmen (the irrepressible Marky, be-suited Ritchie and bemused Clem 'Elvis Ramone' Burke of Blondie, all offer tales of life in the group, too.
The Ramones may have spawned a legion of adoring fans but it was far from a happy family for them on the road. What were the pressures in the van that made Tommy quit at the band's zenith, and led proto-punk bassist Dee Dee to think he was a black rap artist? Why did singer Joey want planes to turn around and repeat their take-offs for him? How come guitarist Johnny didn't speak to Joey for 15 years, all the while making albums together and touring in the same van?
Michael Gramaglia and Jim Fields have produced a sensational, sometimes poignant and often funny account of one of the most exquisitely strange stories from pop's incredible history. Fans will be shocked but enlightened while everyone will be intrigued by the level of dysfunction in the group. Exhilarating in its frankness, this film testifies to the Ramones' ingenuity, perseverance and commitment to their fans. Driven, as the band was, by addiction to the thrill of performing their joyous Rock'n'Roll music live, this unavoidably entertaining film rocks. Hey ho, let's go!
Andrew Bunney Three D Radio Adelaide Australia
At first, the film makers take us up-close and intimate with the almost fifty year-olds Joey, Dee Dee and Johnny Ramone shortly before their recent deaths. They help flesh-out a story that started in 1974 when four misfits emerged from a New York basement to play their songs. Critics labelled it 'punk' music, a put-down either likening it to atonal, minimalist sonic art, or suggesting they looked like male prostitutes. But Ramones music was new. It was highly-disciplined, thunderous, multi-chord pop with a lineage from Buddy Holly, through 60s girl-groups and the British Invasion that led to the now-famous Bowery club, CBGBs. 'Country, Bluegrass and Blues' it wasn't. The film's title refers to the song Do You Remember Rock'n'Roll Radio? from the album the Ramones recorded with legendary writer and producer, Phil Spector.
With "1-2-3-4" count-offs, "Hey ho!" chants and nursery-rhyme melodies, their stripped-back, high-energy songs were first embraced in the UK and Europe. By 1977 Punk was both the folk music of the western world and a new anti-authoritarian bohemian movement. Among the anthems contributed by the Ramones were Blitzkrieg Bop, Sheena is a Punk Rocker, Rock'n'Roll High School and I Wanna Be Sedated.
The film plots the growth in esteem for the band, with them ultimately inducted into the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame, and securing the NY streetname, 'Joey Ramone Place'. The band retired in 1996 after 2, 263 shows in 22 years of global touring, but still continue to gather new generations of disciples. Brains trust and founding drummer, Tommy Ramone, best understands the dynamics of creativity, performance and discipline that drove the faux 'brudders' on, but subsequent stickmen (the irrepressible Marky, be-suited Ritchie and bemused Clem 'Elvis Ramone' Burke of Blondie, all offer tales of life in the group, too.
The Ramones may have spawned a legion of adoring fans but it was far from a happy family for them on the road. What were the pressures in the van that made Tommy quit at the band's zenith, and led proto-punk bassist Dee Dee to think he was a black rap artist? Why did singer Joey want planes to turn around and repeat their take-offs for him? How come guitarist Johnny didn't speak to Joey for 15 years, all the while making albums together and touring in the same van?
Michael Gramaglia and Jim Fields have produced a sensational, sometimes poignant and often funny account of one of the most exquisitely strange stories from pop's incredible history. Fans will be shocked but enlightened while everyone will be intrigued by the level of dysfunction in the group. Exhilarating in its frankness, this film testifies to the Ramones' ingenuity, perseverance and commitment to their fans. Driven, as the band was, by addiction to the thrill of performing their joyous Rock'n'Roll music live, this unavoidably entertaining film rocks. Hey ho, let's go!
Andrew Bunney Three D Radio Adelaide Australia