The Ramones. Photo: Danny Fields via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Were The Ramones Brothers? Their Unique Backstory
How were the Ramones brothers able to navigate the rock ‘n’ roll life as leaders of the then-burgeoning punk movement? Were they even truly related? Today on Jukebox Saturday Night, we re-explore the Ramones legacy, the story behind their band name, and if they’re bound through both music and blood.
The origin of the name ‘Ramone’
Family matters
So, were the Ramones brothers, or were the Ramones related to one another in any way? The short answer is no. Unlike the Bee Gees, all the founding Ramones members were simply friends who found one another in Forest Hills, Queens, New York.
John Cummings (Johnny Ramone) and Thomas Erdelyi (Tommy Ramone) knew each other first because they were high school friends. In the mid-1960s, they played in a band called the Tangerine Puppets. Later on, they were joined by Jeffrey Hyman (Joey Ramone) and Douglas Colvin, who would be the first to adopt the Ramone name as Dee Dee Ramone.
In an interview, Marc Bell (Marky Ramone) mentioned that it was Dee Dee who convinced the others to follow suit. Though there are different theories around the web for how the name ‘Ramone’ came up – one involving throwing darts at a phonebook to see which name it landed on – Johnny has explained the real meaning behind the moniker.
The first ‘Ramone’
Were the Ramones brothers? It seemed they were more like The Beatles.
The name ‘Ramone’ was inspired by Paul Ramon, a pseudonym used by Paul McCartney during a 1960 tour in Scotland. According to McCartney, ‘Ramon’ sounded like a French name, which lent an air of sophistication – it’s reported that he would check into hotel rooms with this name.
The Ramone recall
Now that we know the answer to ‘Were the Ramones siblings?’ is ‘no’, why did they all decide to use the name? It seemed they didn’t want to go the way of some forgotten 70s bands. Thinking no one would bother to learn both their first and last names, they decided to make it easier for everyone and go by ‘Ramone’ instead, according to Tommy.
That said, Dee Dee has spoken in jest about the name change, joking that they had to do it to cover up Thomas Erdelyi’s peculiar surname.
While the Ramones aren’t actually related, there’s no doubt that they were one of the few bands at the time who presented a consistent persona – not just in name but also in their look, band dynamics and relationships. This unified appeal soon came to reflect their burgeoning influence on fashion for punk rock lovers – and as the original members of punk royalty. In a way, you could call them brothers.
The other ways the Ramones stood out
Jumping from role to role
So how did the Ramones brothers (at least in name) distinguish themselves from the rock ‘n’ roll scene? In the same way the Little River Band members changed over the years, the Ramones band members decided to reconsider their very own roles within the band.
Originally, Tommy was set to manage the band. But when Dee Dee Ramone found it challenging to sing and play bass at the same time, a new lead singer had to step up to the plate, and that was Joey. But even Joey struggled with playing the drums and singing all at once.
Funnily enough, when auditions for the band’s new drummer would come in, Tommy would give them a little demo of how to play the songs. So it’s no surprise that Erdelyi, too, became a Ramone.
Their ‘uniform’
So, were the Ramones brothers trying to look like blood-related brothers, at least on the outside? When it came to their fashion choices, the band had a uniform of leather jackets, torn jeans, band t-shirts and sneakers – all of which became iconic.
What happened to the Beatles when they all changed their hair? With those mop tops, they became even easier to spot and remember. Similarly for the Ramones, their uniform was a deliberate choice that created a cohesive, recognisable image that reflected their rebellious, anti-establishment attitude.
Their minimalist attire, which drew inspiration from 1950s greaser fashion, complemented the DIY ethos of the punk movement.
Short sets, even shorter songs
How were the Ramones brothers able to keep their fanbase happy throughout the decades, even when it came out that they weren’t actually related? Well, the band was known for their short, fast-paced songs and live sets.
Johnny explained that the speed of their music made the songs shorter so that they got in their best material and left the audience wanting more. He believed no band should play for more than an hour. But while all the members had a hand in the proliferation of the Ramones punk movement, Johnny’s fast-playing style defined the Ramones’ sound, making their performances intense and memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Were the members of the Ramones actually brothers?
If you’re wondering, ‘Were the Ramones brothers?’ the answer is no. The original members simply decided to adopt the Beatles-inspired surname to make the band’s persona more unified and easier to recall.
How did the Ramones influence punk rock?
How were the Ramones brothers (so to speak) a massive influence in the punk rock sphere? Many would argue that they invented it.
The Ramones pioneered the fast-paced, stripped-down punk rock sound with their short, aggressive songs. Their 1976 debut album set the blueprint for punk, especially American punk and hardcore, for the next two decades.
Their simple, three-chord music and raw energy, coupled with their rugged but consistent fashion sense – pioneered the ‘do-it-yourself’ ethic of punk rock and inspired a rebellious and minimalist aesthetic. Influential bands like the Sex Pistols, The Clash, Black Flag and Green Day have all cited the Ramones as major influences.
How many tours did the Ramones go on?
According to reports, the Ramones played 2,263 concerts over 22 years, from 1974 to 1996. Known for their intense, non-stop performances, they rarely took breaks between songs. This incredibly busy schedule, packed with high-energy shows, was key to the Ramones cultural impact on the punk rock scene.
The final Ramones concert was on August 6, 1996, at the Palace in Hollywood, California, bringing their lengthy global farewell tour to a bittersweet end. By 2014, all of the founding Ramones members were up in R‘n’R heaven, enjoying some much-deserved rest after a life of relentless touring.
Bringing back the good old days on Jukebox Saturday Night
Over the years, Jukebox Saturday Night has blossomed into a beloved show with a loyal fan base.
With a deep love of music and a desire to give back to like-minded music lovers, founder Ken Sparkes devoted his time, money and efforts so real rock ‘n’ roll retained its rightful place on our TV screens. Though Ken has passed away, his legacy continues through his nephew and son, who are committed to keeping the spirit of Jukebox Saturday Night alive.
Their goal is to honour Ken’s vision by ensuring that real music remains vibrant and accessible on the airwaves, whether listeners want to hear Golden Earring hits, rave about The Beatles’ deep cuts or wonder how The Cramps’ Poison Ivy or The Bangles’ Susanna Hoffs are doing now. Join us as we continue to celebrate and pay tribute to your favourite artists.
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