Johnny Ramone

Born:October 8, 1948

Place of Birth:Long Island, New York, USA

Passed Away:2004-09-15

Known For:Acting

Biography

John William Cummings, famously known as Johnny Ramone, was a legendary guitarist and songwriter born on October 8, 1948. He was a pivotal figure in the punk rock scene as the founding member and guitarist of the iconic band, the Ramones. Johnny's distinctive guitar playing style and powerful stage presence solidified his status as a music icon.

Throughout the Ramones' extensive career, Johnny Ramone's raw and aggressive guitar riffs became synonymous with the band's signature sound. His influence extended far beyond the punk rock genre, earning him a spot on Rolling Stone's "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" list in 2003. Time magazine also recognized his talent by naming him one of the "10 Greatest Electric-Guitar Players."

Johnny's contribution to music was not only through his exceptional guitar skills but also as a primary songwriter for the Ramones. His straightforward and no-nonsense approach to songwriting reflected the band's ethos and resonated with fans worldwide. Songs like "Blitzkrieg Bop" and "I Wanna Be Sedated" stand as timeless classics that continue to inspire new generations of musicians.

Despite his reserved and stoic demeanor offstage, Johnny Ramone's intensity and passion for music shone through every performance. His dedication to his craft and unwavering commitment to the Ramones' vision were instrumental in shaping the band's enduring legacy. Johnny's influence on punk rock and rock music, in general, remains unparalleled to this day.

Beyond his musical talents, Johnny Ramone was also known for his distinctive fashion sense, often seen sporting leather jackets and his trademark sunglasses. His iconic look became synonymous with the punk rock aesthetic of the era, solidifying his status as a cultural icon. Johnny's impact on music, fashion, and popular culture continues to be celebrated and revered by fans and fellow musicians alike.

Tragically, Johnny Ramone passed away on September 15, 2004, leaving behind a profound legacy that continues to resonate with music lovers worldwide. His uncompromising dedication to his craft and his role in shaping the punk rock movement have solidified his place in music history. Johnny Ramone's influence on the music industry and his enduring legacy as a rock pioneer ensure that his memory lives on for generations to come.

Photos

Filmography

Acting

Rock 'n' Roll High School

Self

1979

A group of rock-music-loving students, with the help of the Ramones, take over their school to combat its newly installed oppressive administration.

1991: The Year Punk Broke

Self

1992

David Markey's documentary of life on the road with Sonic Youth and Nirvana during their tour of Europe in late 1991. Also featuring live performances by Dinosaur Jr, Babes in Toyland, The Ramones and Gumball.

Night Lunch

Self

1975

This is Poe and Král's first effort, shot on small-gauge stock, before their more well-known endeavor The Blank Generation (1976) came to be. A "DIY" portrait of the New York music scene, the film is a patchwork of footage of numerous rock acts performing live, at venues like Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, the dive bars of Greenwich Village and, of course, CBGB.

25 Years of Punk

Self

2001

Lou Reed narrates this Television special that takes a look back at the beginnings of the punk rock movements in New York & England, the underground punk scenes in the 70's & 80's, and the punk resurgence in the 90's. A collaboration between VH1 and Spin magazine.

End of the Century: The Story of the Ramones

Self

2003

A years-in-the-making documentary on the legendary punk band the Ramones. Through a mixture of archival footage, archival and new interviews with all members of the band's various lineups, and new interviews with a number of their contemporaries, the film traces the peaks and valleys the band experienced over the course of its 20-plus year career before disbanding in 1995.

Stranded

Lowell

2001

A team of astronauts on the first mission to Mars crashes onto the surface, losing contact with Earth. With no other recourse, and help millions of miles away, the crew is forced to make desperate choices in order to stay alive. Will they be able to survive as the minutes slip away?

Ramones: We're Outta Here!

Himself

2004

Documentary covering The Ramones' long and eventful history, with footage from their final ever show at the Palace in Hollywood, 6th August 1996. Interviews with Joey, Johnny and drummer Marky, tributes from other rock icons including Richard Hell, Debbie Harry and Lemmy.

Dancing Barefoot

Self

1995

In this 1995 made-for television biopic, see legendary musician and filmmaker Ivan Kral as he made music history. With guitar and camera in the 70s, playing with Iggy Pop, Blondie and Patti Smith Group, he triumphed, rising from refugee to rock icon.

New York Rock at the BBC

2008

Celebrating the cream of the New York rock scene, including classic performances from the Ramones, New York Dolls, Television, Blondie, Lou Reed and more. 01.New York Dolls - Jet Boy (Nov 1973) 02.Patti Smith Group - Horses (May 1976) 03.Talking Heads - Psycho Killer (Jan 1978) 04.Television - Foxhole (May 1978) 05.Ramones - Don't Come Close (Sep 1978) 06.Blondie - I'm Alway Touched By Your Presence Dear (Mar 1978) 07.Lou Reed - Waiting For The Man (Dec 1984) 08.John Cale - Dying On The Vine (Dec 1985) 09.Sonic Youth - Sugar Kane (Dec 1992) 10.Patti Smith - Because The Night (Apr 2002) 11.Lou Reed - Perfect Day (May 2003) 12.John Cale - Venus In Furs (Oct 2003) 13.David Byrne - This Must Be The Place (May 2004) 14.Antony And The johnsons - Hope There's Some One (Jun 2005) 15.The Strokes - Last Nite (Jun 2006)

The Blank Generation

Self

1976

The cream of the New York new wave/punk crop, filmed live at CBGB when the scene was just beginning. Includes performances by Patti Smith, Blondie, Television, the Ramones, Talking Heads, the Heartbreakers, the Shirts, Wayne County, the Marbles, the Dolls, Miamis, Harry Toledo, and the Tuff Darts (w/Robert Gordon).

Ramones: Raw

Himself

2004

Punk icons the Ramones star in this compilation of rare concert and behind-the-scenes footage that spans the band's 30-year history. The 20 vintage live performances include "Blitzkrieg Bop," "I Wanna Be Sedated," "Sheena Is a Punk Rocker" and "Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment." Also featured is a never-before-seen 1980 performance that aired live on European television, other rare TV appearances, celebrity cameos and home video footage.

I Ramones

Himself

1980

I Ramones is a half-hour of concert footage captured in Rome in 1980, just after the release of the Phil Spector-produced album End of the Century. Shot on film, it laid forgotten in the vaults of an Italian television station for two decades after its one-time broadcast.

Hey! Is Dee Dee Home?

2003

Punk rock devotees will welcome director Lech Kowalski's reflective video portrait of late bassist Dee Dee Ramone and his life as a music industry icon -- including his self-destructive bouts with heroin. The centerpiece of the hourlong documentary -- which is peppered with vintage performance clips -- is a 1991 interview with a clean Dee Dee, who talks at length about his storied career and penchant for living on the edge.

Ramones: Punk 'N' Rock 'N' Roll

Guitars

2012

Tracklisting: 01 Blitzkrieg Pop 02 I Want To Be Well 03 Glad To See You Go 04 You're Gonna Kill That Girl 05 Commando 06 Habana Affair 07 Cretin Hop 08 Listen To My Heart 09 I Don't Wanna Walk Around With You 10 Pinhead 11 Do You Wanna Dance 12 Now I Wanna Be A Good Boy 13 Now I Want To Sniff Some Glue 14 We're A Happy Family 15 Rock 'N' Roll High School 16 Pinhead 17 I'm Against It 18 Do You Remember Rock 'N' Roll Radio 19 I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend 20 Biography

Lifestyles of the Ramones

Self

1990

Documentary on the Ramones, including archival footage, interviews and music videos, this was first released on VHS in 1990 and later re-released on DVD as part of the WEIRD TALES OF THE RAMONES box set in 2005, with expanded content. HEY, HO, LET'S GO!

Ramones: Videobiography

2007

Rare performance footage and frank archival interviews offer an uncensored and all-access pass into the storied career of these punk rock legends.

Punking Out

Himself

1978

The film documents the beginning of the punk rock movement in New York City at CBGB's, a punk night club, and the lifestyle that revolves around this scene. It presents a sometimes shocking look at the attitudes and motivations behind the movement through interviews with outspoken club-goers and band members of the Ramones, Richard Hell and the Voidoids, and the Dead Boys.

The Ramones: It's Alive (1974-1996)

Johnny Ramone

2007

Punk forefathers Joey, Johnny, Dee Dee, Tommy, Marky, Richie, and C-Jay Ramone outlasted almost every one of their legions of followers. For over twenty years, they delivered their signature garage-flavored, ear-shattering chainsaw level and pop-skewed sound through a string of now-classic, loud-and-fast punk rock LPs, and 2,263 concerts together. This new two DVD set captures the essence of the legendary racket they made with over four hours of rare and previously unreleased live footage that's the closest you can get to experiencing this blitzkrieg of a band. From their earliest performances at lower Manhattan's CBGBs to international festivals in front of hundreds of thousands of fans, IT'S ALIVE 1974-1996 is your VIP ticket to the Ramones. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002, the band may be gone, but their sound and influence are indestructible.

Ramones: Live at Musikladen

1978

Live performance of original punk rockers The Ramones on the West German television show 'Der Musikladen' in 1978. The band's 50-minute set features some of their best-loved hits such as 'Blitzkrieg Bop', 'Sheena Is a Punk Rocker' and 'Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment'.

The Last Pogo Jumps Again

2013

A history of Toronto punk and new wave. A history of the first wave of Toronto punk rock and new wave music, from when the Ramones played in 1976 through to when the cops gave Teenage Head the boot at "The Last Pogo" concert in 1978.

Ramones - Live at US Festival

Guitar

1982

The Ramones at the US Festival in San Bernadino, CA on September 3rd, 1982. Also included in Ramones - It's Alive

Ramones - Live at Winterland

1978

San Francisco, California, Winterland, December 28, 1978 1 - Rockaway Beach 2 - Teenage Lobotomy 3 - Blitzkrieg Bop 4 - I Don't Want You 5 - Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment 6 - Rock 'N' Roll High School 7 - I Wanna Be Sedated 8 - I Just Wanna Have Something To Do 9 - Sheena Is A Punk Rocker 10 - I'm Against It 11 - Commando 12 - Needles And Pins 13 - Surfin' Bird 14 - Cretin Hop 15 - Listen To My Heart 16 - California Sun 17 - I Don't Wanna Walk Around With You 18 - Pinhead 19 - Do You Wanna Dance? 20 - We're A Happy Family

Ramones: It's Alive - The Rainbow

1979

The Ramones played the Rainbow Theater in London on December 31, 1977. The show became It's Alive, which was released in April 1979.

Sheer Terror: Beaten by the Fists of God

story teller

2005

Sheer Terror were one of the most famous Hardcore bands ever to have come out of the blistering and world famous NEW YORK Hardcore scene. They are truly legends in their own right and this package brings you their reunion shows that took place on October 9th and 10th 2004 at CBGB's. Not only are there the live shows, but included in this phenomenal package are all kinds of bonus extras including interviews with the band, early footage and interviews with some of the HC and Punk scene's leading bands who have all been touched by the furious nature of Sheer Terror's bludgeoning HC.

Crew

Rock 'n' Roll High School

Original Music Composer

1979

A group of rock-music-loving students, with the help of the Ramones, take over their school to combat its newly installed oppressive administration.