We’re stepping back and we’re delving deep into the Far Out Magazine Vault for more hidden gems. Here, we have unearthed a gem from the late Tommy Ramone.

The Ramones, a now-iconic punk rock band that formed in the New York City neighbourhood of Forest Hills, Queens in 1974, is regarded by many as the first true punk rock band of the movement.

Touring virtually non-stop for 22 years, their live performances became famous for its furious energy and their popularity continued to grow to unimaginable lengths. It was a fever that began right from their first performance on March 30, 1974.

With 14 studio albums, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and an undeniable legacy, it’s easy to forget that a band of this magnitude were unknown once upon a time.

Trying to make their way in the music industry, their late drummer Tommy Ramone was tasked with writing a press release to send out to all music publications willing to listen to their material.

The statement, which was half realistic and half a tongue in cheek, explained that The Ramones were “not an oldies group” and “not a glitter group” and were in fact “musicians, degenerates or dentists.”

We’d say that was a pretty accurate descriptions. You can see the full image below and a transcription:

“The Ramones are not an oldies group, they are not a glitter group, they don’t play boogie music and they don’t play the blues. The Ramones are an original Rock and Roll group of 1975, and their songs are brief, to the point and every one a potential hit single.



“The quartette consists of Johnny, Joey, Dee Dee, and Tommy Ramone, Johnny, the guitarist, plays with such force that his sound has been compared to a hundred howitzers going off. Joey, the lead singer, is an arch villain whose lanky frame stands threatening center stage. Dee Dee is Bass guitar and the acknowledged handsome one of the group, and Tommy is the drummer whose pulsating playing launches the throbbing sound of the band.



“The Ramones all originate from Forest Hills and kids who grew up there either became musicians, degenerates or dentists. The Ramones are a little of each. Their sound is not unlike a fast drill on a rear molar.“

Source: Open Culture