Returning to tour Australia for what he has now announced will be the final time, former Ramones bass player CJ Ramone hits town this week with this killer band, playing the Ramones tunes that Ramones fans know and love, in the powerful high-energy style that Ramones fans know and love. If you missed the Ramones, or just miss them, this is a must-see show.
CJ wasn’t an original member – sadly, none of the originally four are still alive – but he replaced founding member Dee Dee Ramone as the bass pumping, “1-2-3-4” yelling heart and soul of the Ramones. 23-year-old CJ, who was only 10 years old when the band released its seminal first album in 1976, rose to the occasion, never letting Dee Dee’s energy flag for a moment and bringing never-say-die enthusiasm to the band when it needed it most. The late and great Tommy Ramone meant it when he thanked CJ for “keeping the band young” at the Ramones’ Rock’n’roll Hall of Fame induction in 2002. CJ was with the Ramones for nearly a decade and played on the band’s final three studio albums, Mondo Bizarro, Acid Eaters and Adios Amigos. His presence is clearly felt and heard on all three via his powering bass, a handful of lead vocals on each, and original tunes. CJ also appeared on the live albums Loco Live, Greatest Hits Live and We’re Outta Here where he can be heard singing Dee Dee’s songs.
CJ has continued to take the Ramones music around the world, while at the same time keeping the spirit alive with a handful of his own new records in the same style. His new album The Holy Spell on Fat Wreckords is a ripper and features a Ramones style blast through the old Dave Edmunds & Rockpile/Graham Parker tune “Crawling From the Wreckage” that anyone who wore a leather jacket in 1979 will surely love.
We caught up with CJ to ask what his favourite Ramones songs are and why, and here’s what he came back with.
Rock’n’Roll High School
“I love the traditional R’n’R sound and the rebellious teenage lyrics. With the movie and a great video tied in, it is a Ramones classic!”
It’s A Long Way Back To Germany
“Dee Dee in a rare melancholy mood, pining for the days of his youth in Germany where he lived as a child.”
Rockaway Beach
“This song will forever remind me of summers on the beach when I was a teenager. Perfectly captures a moment in time.”
I’m Against It
“It’s a jump-right-in, fast and loud dose of the signature Ramones sound and lyrics. Sums up how I thought when I was a kid, if everyone else likes it, I’m against it!!!”
Judy Is a Punk
“The perfect Ramones song. 2nd verse same as the first.’”
All’s Quiet on the Eastern Front
“Dee Dee’s description of the streets of NYC in the small hours is exquisite. It’s the city I knew growing up.”
My Brain is Hanging Upside Down (a.k.a Bonzo Goes To Bitburg)
“Easily one of the best songs in the catalog. The sing a long to the chorus was a highlight at the show. NAH, NAH NAH NAH...!”
Here Today, Gone Tomorrow
“Absolute tear jerker of a song written by Joey. He croons his most heartfelt lyrics with a melody that makes this tune timeless.”
You’re Gonna Kill That Girl
“Love the intro on this one! It is a murder ballad/horror flick/R’n’R song. The background vocals at the end are sooo good!!!”
Warthog
“Because it’s Dee Dee at his best!!!”
Catch CJ Ramone and his killer band in Australia for the last time ever this month:
Cairns – 11/09/2019 – Edgehill Tavern
Gold Coast – 12/09/2019 – Coolangatta Hotel
Brisbane – 13/09/2019 – The Zoo
Melbourne – 14/09/2019 - Croxton Bandroom
Geelong – 15/09/2019 – Barwon Club
Canberra – 18/09/2019 – The Basement
Sydney – 19/09/2019 – Factory Theatre
Newcastle – 20/09/2019 – Small Ballroom
Narrabeen – 21/09/2019 – Narrabeen Hotel
Ballarat – 25/09/2019 – Korova Lounge
Adelaide – 26/09/2019 – Lion Arts
Hillarys – 27/09/2019 – Bar 1 Nightclub
Bunbury – 28/09/2019 – Prince Of Wales
Perth – 29/09/2019 – The Rosemount
Listen to the Ramones on Spotify
Listen to the Ramones on Apple Music
