Marky Ramone keeps punk classics alive with Blitzkrieg band coming to Ardmore Music Hall
Hey Ho, Let’s Go! Marky Ramone joined The Ramones in 1978. They released the album, “Road to Ruin” that year, which included one of their most famous hits, “I Wanna Be Sedated.”
Before The Ramones, Marky played in the protometal band Dust — and with early punk pioneers Richard Hell and The Voidoids — before Tommy Ramone asked Marky to be his replacement.
During Marky’s tenure with The Ramones, he appeared in the cult film, “Rock ‘n’ Roll High School,” recorded with Phil Spector, and carefully documented his touring experience in what would become the certified gold-selling DVD, “Ramones: Raw.”
When the band broke up in 1996, Marky played in The Ramainz with two ex-Ramones bassists, Dee Dee, and CJ Ramone, and also played drums on Joey Ramone’s solo album, “Don’t Worry About Me.” He started the band Marky Ramone and the Intruders, received a lifetime achievement award from MTV in 2001, and has hosted “Marky Ramone’s Punk Rock Blitzkrieg” on Sirius XM since 2005.
Marky continues to keep the music of The Ramones alive to this day and will bring his band, Marky Ramone’s Blitzkrieg, to the Ardmore Music Hall on Dec. 18 for a night of Ramones’ classics.
We had a chance to discuss what it was like joining The Ramones, his current band, playing at top-speed, and a brand new single.
Jay Honstetter for The Morning Call: Going a ways back, what was it like getting started and moving around from Dust
to Richard Hell and The Voidoids and ultimately to The Ramones? What was it like transitioning and was it hard to get settled into the Ramones? Marky Ramone:
Dust, The Voidoids and Ramones each had their own style and I feel fortunate to have been a member of all three bands. Musically, I felt comfortable with Ramones style from my very first rehearsal. Socially, I immediately fit into the group as well. We were all New
Yorkers around the same age and we all liked most of the same bands. I already knew Joey and Dee Dee socially from hanging out at CBGB’s and that helped too.
Q: You played in the Ramones for 1 5 years, and have continued to keep the music alive, from The Ramainz to Marky Ramone’s Blitzkrieg. Why do you think it is that the music of The Ramones continues to resonate with people and
keeps them coming back for more?
A: The songs are catchy and people can easily relate to the lyrics and beat. I believe that’s why they appeal to so many people from all generations.
Q: Who’s in the current lineup of Marky Ramone’s Blitzkrieg, and what was the criteria for picking band members? A:
The lineup is Pela (vocals), Martin (bass), Marcelo (guitar) and myself. I always look to play with musicians that are skilled professionals and also passionate about the music itself. Our shows are very high energy, so it has to be people that are prepared for that.
Q: Thinking back on your
1 5 years in The Ramones, you played on some of the greatest albums ever recorded, were in “Rock ‘N’ Roll High School,” worked with Phil Spector, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall
of Fame … and the list goes on. But for you, if you had to think of one highlight, or just something so memorable about playing in the band, what would it be? A:
After playing 1,700 amazing shows with the Ramones all over the world it’s impossible to point out one specific moment. For me, just being able to be a part of something like that is very satisfying.
Q: I remember seeing you live a few times when I was a teenager, and loved how fast you played to the point where I only wanted to listen to live Ramones recordings because the studio albums seemed so slow after that. Did you guys intentionally speed up the songs more and more live, was it a conscious decision? A:
Yes, we did enjoy playing the songs faster live because performing live is always different than recording in the studio. When you’re sharing a musical experience with an audience it’s always more high energy than in an isolated setting.
Q: What kind of music do you listen to these days? Any bands or artists in particular that you’ve been enjoying lately? A:
I always enjoy listening to the classics. Bands like The Beatles, The Who, Motown artists, Little Richard,
James Brown, and The Kinks. In recent years I’ve also been listening to more jazz as it’s a style that I’ve grown to appreciate.
Q: After this run of shows in December, what’s next for you? Any plans lined up? A:
For 2023, I have a few tours planned for Europe and South America, which is something I’m looking forward to. I also have a new single out with my band. It’s our own fresh take on the song “New York, New York.” It’s available on all music streaming services so you should definitely check it out.
MARKY RAMONE’S BLITZKRIEG LIVE
When: 7 p.m. Dec. 18 Where: Ardmore Music Hall, 23 East Lancaster Ave., Ardmore
How much: $25-$55 Tickets and info: ardmoremusichall.com
Jay Honstetter is a contributor to The Morning Call. Follow him on Twitter @ jayhonstetter