Commando : The Autobiography of Johnny Ramone

Raised in Queens, New York, Johnny Ramone founded one of the most influential rock bands of all time, but he never strayed from his blue-collar roots and attitude. He was truly imbued with the angry-young-man spirit that would characterize his persona both on and off stage. Through it all, Johnny kept the band focused and moving forward, ultimately securing their place in music history by inventing punk rock. The Ramones were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002—two years later, Johnny died of cancer, having outlived two other founding members. Revealing, inspiring, and told on his own terms, this highly designed memoir also features Johnny's assessment of the Ramones' albums; a number of eccentric Top Ten lists; rare historical artifacts; and scores of personal and professional photos, many of which have never before been published. Praise for Commando: "Amazing book . . . dense and throbbing with character—enough to bring this departed New York... ϡ쯦랠 Raised in Queens, New York, Johnny Ramone founded one of the most influential rock bands of all time, but he never strayed from his blue-collar roots and attitude. He was truly imbued with the angry-young-man spirit that would characterize his persona both on and off stage. Through it all, Johnny kept the band focused and moving forward, ultimately securing their place in music history by inventing punk rock. The Ramones were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002two years later, Johnny died of cancer, having outlived two other founding members. Revealing, inspiring, and told on his own terms, this highly designed memoir also features Johnnys assessment of the Ramones albums; a number of eccentric Top Ten lists; rare historical artifacts; and scores of personal and professional photos, many of which have never before been published. Praise for Amazing book . . . dense and throbbing with characterenough to bring this departed New York icon barking back to life. New York Daily News "Johnny's delightful, sadly posthumous autobiography, Commando , is just like its authoras punk as it gets." Wall Street Journal Ramone memoir reveals charming, grumpy punk icon. Reuters There's no grand confessional to end Commando , just a nod of gratitude toward family, friends, and fans. Its characteristic succinctness rings genuine. Austin Chronicle Johnny Ramone, Born John Cummings (1948-2004), Was A Founding Member Of The Ramones, One Of The Most Influential Bands Of All Time. Before That, Though, He Was A Kid From Queens, New York, Who Didn't Think Twice About Throwing Tvs Off Roofs, Hurling Bricks Through Windows, Decking People's Parents, Or Robbing Old Ladies. He Eventually Found His Reprieve From A Dead-end Life Thorough Rock And Roll. The Book Also Features Johnny's Assessment Of The Ramone's Albums; A Number Of Eccentric Top-ten Lists; Pages From His Legendary Black Books, With Concert Notes; And Scores Of Personal And Professional Photographs, Many Of Which Have Never Been Published Before.--p. [4] Of Cover. Foreword / Tommy Ramone -- Prologue -- Chapters -- Epilogue / Lisa Marie Presley -- Album-by-album Assessment -- Johnny's All-time Top Ten -- Afterword / John Cafiero -- Afterword / Linda Ramone. Written By Johnny Ramone ; Edited By John Cafiero With Steve Miller And Henry Rollins. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. A photo-packed memoir by the Ramones guitarist and “true iconoclast” (Publishers Weekly).Raised in Queens, New York, Johnny Ramone founded one of the most influential rock bands of all time, but he never strayed from his blue-collar roots and attitude. He was truly imbued with the angry-young-man spirit that would characterize his persona both on and off stage. Through it all, Johnny kept the band focused and moving forward, ultimately securing their place in music history by inventing punk rock. The Ramones were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002—and two years later, Johnny died of cancer, having outlived two other founding members. Revealing, inspiring, and told on his own terms, this memoir also features Johnny's assessment of the Ramones'albums; a number of eccentric Top Ten lists; rare historical artifacts; and scores of personal and professional photos, many of which have never before been published.“Feels like a conversation with Johnny.” —The Boston Globe Johnny Ramone, born John Cummings (1948-2004), was a founding member of the Ramones, one of the most influential bands of all time. Before that, though, he was a kid from Queens, New York, who didn't think twice about throwing TVs off roofs, hurling bricks through windows, decking people's parents, or robbing old ladies. He eventually found his reprieve from a dead-end life thorough rock and roll. The book also features Johnny's assessment of the Ramone's albums; a number of eccentric top-ten lists; pages from his legendary "black books," with concert notes; and scores of personal and professional photographs, many of which have never been published before."--Page 4 of cover Raised in Queens, where he worked as a plumber while honing his guitar chops, Johnny Ramone eventually became a founding member of The Ramones, one of the most influential rock bands of all time. This is Johnny Ramone's story and the story of The Ramones from start to finish, told in Johnny's own words and on his own terms.