I wont lie, I boldly stole this photo from Mickey Leighs Facebook timeline. Theres Mickey and his big brother along with mom Charlotte in days gone by. Joey looking happy as a clam cheesing for the camera. What a nice sensible haircut and no glasses!
Today would have been his 61st birthday. Theres a crazy reality check. Joey Ramone and his rock and roll legs at age 61. There is a huge difference in say Mick Jagger in his 60s and a 60 year old Ramone.
The Ramones were fun fast and full of angsty energy. The Stones, a rock band with steady habits.
Joey Ramone was many things to many people and most I have encountered found him not to be the most friendly guy, thus adding to his rock and roll swagger. I thought he was a great guy but my eyes were clouded with idol worship.
There was an awkward gangly discomfort he projected. False or not he seemed a man uncomfortable in his own skin. No one can dispute that without The Ramones a whole lot of bands wouldn't have ever come together. The band and the boy created a whole new look and style without really realizing it.
Every song sounds the same? Sorta but some sucked and some didn't and it didn't matter cuz a minute later they were on to something else. A rock and roll trip suitable for the ADD crowd, actually they may have created Attention Deficit Disorder in the speed of their sets.
Best tune? Solo is "Wonderful World" from the LP "Don't Worry 'Bout Me", best Ramones tune?…'Rockaway Beach', yeah… turn it up today.