EVERETT TRUE – Hey! Ho! Let’s Go! The Story of the Ramones

RELEASE YEAR: 2026
BAND URL: https://omnibuspress.com/products/hey-ho-lets-go-the-st0ry-of-the-ramones?srsltid=AfmBOop-OBwnFd-WxDMgsGKZPCGxPIUdLtnY2SPVSRjLK4NUQf37u6R0

Few bands are as influential and important as the Ramones are in wider musical and cultural context, and their classic and much-loved song material remains as fresh-sounding and innovative now as it did when it first blared out of the speakers in 1976. Spreading from the New York underground scene like wildfire, their anthems became songs to live by for outsiders, freaks, and the downtrodden. Just as it was with the pioneering The Velvet Underground back in their 1960s heyday, the Ramones may not have sold a gazillion albums, but the undeniable power and huge impact of their recorded outputs as well as their spirited live performances were transcendental in that those who witnessed them went home wanting to start a band themselves. In that sense, the legendary US punk rockers came up with a sound and a blueprint that directly influenced and encouraged a plethora of groups and artists from all corners of the rock and metal landscape to shape and mold a sound and musical identity of their own. A brief glance at the bands who have paid tribute to the Ramones over the years will tell you as much.  

Everett True’s superbly researched and action-packed book captures the essence of what the Ramones were all about, what made them tick creatively, how and why they persevered for twenty-something years, and why many of their records are held in such high regard. But there is more. Much more. The author lays bare and unravels the deep-seated dysfunction that permeated the group for many years, yet one that they stubbornly and almost proudly defied in order to keep the show on the road. As we are expertly guided through the charismatic members’ formative years and early musical aspirations, the corrosive disharmony that rather quickly abounded once they had joined forces, the grinding tours and crazy shenanigans that seemed never-ending at times, and all the drama and hurt that one can think of, what becomes clear is that the group embodied absolute creative genius and projected an unwavering dedication to what they were doing and what they believed in. Much space is devoted to the strained and oftentimes toxic relationship between Johnny Ramone and Joey Ramone in particular, and a better understanding of what made them polar opposites is certainly gained thanks to True’s probing analysis. In fact, one can only marvel at the fact that the two icons continued to tour and make music together for as long as they did.   

The fast-paced and strangely intense narrative of the band is perfectly suited to True’s energetic, suitably critical, and delightfully audacious way of crafting a damn good and gripping story that leaves room for reflection. Granted, some of the recollections of those interviewed do not necessarily sparkle off the page and quite a few of them are somewhat humdrum, but fortunately, the majority of memories and anecdotes that appear throughout are a real treasure trove. It just so happens that the interviews conducted with CJ Ramone are some of the most illuminating and interesting ones included, which may come as a suprise to some. In addition, the fact that the content of each LP and how it was conceived are thoroughly examined is a huge plus as is the fact that every line-up of the outfit is discussed and given its fair due. Those of us who worship ridiculously underrated gems such as Pleasant Dreams, Too Tough to Die, and Brain Drain will find an awful lot to appreciate about this fascinating piece of literature, which essentially evokes a wonderful punk rock world itself all but vanished.