MARKY RAMONE — Punk Rock Blitzkrieg: My Life As A Ramone
January 28, 2015, 9 years ago
(Simon And Schuster)
Marky Ramone is the only one left. The four deceased original Ramones, Johnny, Joey, Dee Dee and Tommy, will forever be immortalized as being pioneers of punk rock. Marky was a member of the classic Ramones lineup that existed from 1978 to 1983, when he was fired for drinking too much. Marky rejoined the band four years later and put in a total of 15 years behind the drum kit before the band called it quits in 1996. Before Marc Bell became Marky Ramone, the Brooklyn native and self-taught drummer cut his teeth in influential bands such as Wayne County and The Backstreet Boys, Richard Hell and the Voidoids and Dust. Punk Rock Blitzkrieg: My Life As A Ramone uncovers the drummer’s high and low points throughout his life. During his time with the band, Marky experienced some good moments (Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, recording the End Of The Century album), and some not so good moments (arrested for driving through a furniture store while drunk and getting fired from the band).
Co-writer Rich Herschlag manages to translate Marky’s thick Brooklyn accent throughout its 416 pages. Marky’s first-person dialogue is straightforward and honest, especially when he’s discussing his drinking problem and his rehabilitation period. However, Marky doesn’t hesitate getting in several pot-shots at the other members throughout the book; Johnny’s right-wing stance and racist views, Joey’s obsessive-compulsive disorder and lack of hygiene, and Dee Dee’s erratic behavior and rampant drug use. However, it’s not in a malicious or vengeful way, it’s just the way Marky recalls these moments.
Throughout the book, Marky thanks Tommy for laying down the drum foundation for him to follow. Other memorable moments include behind-the-scenes of the making of the movie Rock ’n’ Roll High School, playing the US Festival, their crazy South American fans and finally the band’s farewell concert at the Palace Theatre in Hollywood on August 6, 1996. Although Marky brings up some interesting points, there are also some events he recalls that seem trivial and come off as a little one-sided. Obviously, since the other members aren’t around, you just have to take Marky’s word for it.