A New Photographic Book Pays Tribute to The Ramones

NEW YORK ( Independent Lens) "They were extraordinary both in the musical way and in their look. In the days of glam rock they were savage and extreme and in the days of the long suites they hit them with two minutes songs. They were a punch in the stomach. The Ramones were the essence of Rock 'n' Roll." Chris Frantz of Talking Heads. Back in 1974, something glorious was created in Forest Hills, New York. Anybody wise enough to take notice during that time will attest to this truth. For those of us not fortunate enough (or smart enough) to witness first hand this extraordinary phenomenon, at long last we have access to photographer Chip Dayton's live and behind the scenes pictures. Featuring an introduction by friend and rocker Jesse Malin, The Ramones is above all else a loving tribute to the band.

After the release of the The Ramones eponymous debut in 1976, it was evident that the band would be playing an influential part in defining rock history. They would soon be sparking the British punk movement in the '70s; inspiring US hardcore though the '80s and '90s; and now, once again, their popularity has resurfaced in international garage rock revivalism. Jesse Malin wonderfully sums up their unusual sound as a 'rip-your-head off, break-your-heart two-minute blast'. One of the earliest photographers to work with the band was Chip Dayton, a regular visitor to the now legendary CBGBs club in New York City, where the Ramones regularly played to audiences, including the likes of Andy Warhol, Debbie Harry and Lou Reed. Dayton's black and white shots defined the Ramones' appeal as a live band and were featured on their album 'Road to Ruin'.

His backstage shots provide an even more revealing look at the band, a strong visual aesthetic that The Ramones were aware of and keen to promote. As Dayton recalls:

They looked in the mirror, most definitely. Joey was always fussing with his hair. He had the longest hair and yeah, was kinda vain, maybe. They were all always checking their belts and stuff. But the unified look was a conscious decision. Their little variation was the T-shirts. They never wore the same T-shirt.

This compelling mix of color and black & white pictures is a visual treat for any fan. It is also a curious insight into an era long before Queer Eye for the Straight Guy and celebrity clothing lines. The band launched a look that was unknown and unstyled yet became completely addictive, somehow transforming the raw immediacy of their music into an image. In doing so, The Ramones gave millions of kids from around the world the courage to be who they wanted to be. The recent death of Johnny Ramone has not softened anybody's admiration for this seminal punk band. The Ramones are one of those bands that are so important, their influence will shine on brightly even after most of the members' lives sadly come to an end. In fact, as a testament to their continued relevance, this spring also sees the television premiere of "End Of The Century: The Story Of The Ramones" which will air on PBS April 26, 2005 as Part of Independent Lens' April Music Month.

The Ramones, well what more can we say�
"Gabba gabba
We accept you
We accept you
One of us"