About 20 years ago, I saw the Ramones play in New York. I’d seen them play before, usually in smaller clubs, but this time it was a big venue. I can’t remember the name of the place, but I seem to recall that the Sugercubes were playing there the next day, in what I think may have been their first US show. I think the Ramones were playing with the Dickies that night. Anyway, before the bands took the stage, they showed some videos without sound. I vaguely remember seeing scenes from the movie Killer Klowns from Outer Space. And then there was this video of the Ramones on Live with Regis and Kathy Lee. I can’t remember what it was about the watching the video projected without sound that night, before the Ramones broke through their trademarked green fog to the theme from The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, but it made a huge impression on me. I remember at the time being pissed that I’d missed seeing the interview on television. I remember thinking that I’d never know what they were talking about. And it made this indelible mark on my mind. I’ve thought about it often since then, but tonight was the first time it occurred to me to look on YouTube.
And now I wish I hadn’t found it.
It’s not that it’s terrible. It’s interesting. It’s just not what I was hoping for… My memories, even without the sound, were better.
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I was there with you Mark. It was at The Ritz, before it moved (they mention this several times on the clip). It was the Dickies, yeah, and, don’t forget, The Psycho Sluts from Hell. Great show.
Shit. I forgot about the Cycle Sluts from Hell… I remember they had a song called something like, “We’re Gonna Squish Your Nuts Like Grapes.” And they did these synchronized “knee into crotch” motions.
Another memory… and I don’t know if this is right… Did they have men playing the instruments for them? I seem to recall a male drummer who was all chained up.
I can’t believe that Dee Dee, Johnny and Joey are all dead. It’s terribly sad. I just thought they’d be around forever.
Not as good as GG Allin on the Jane Whitney Show.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-hR9G1ZO6Q
I *heart* the Ramones.
Thanks for posting this.
I too am a Ramones fan. I too wish I hadn’t watched it. Although, how could I avoid it at this point. Is it wrong that I felt like punching Kathy Lee, with her pompous, condescending tone, after she made the comment about how “capitalism just kinda snuck right in there”? Man I can’t stand that woman, never could. Glad he has somebody new, although Kelly Ripa is almost equally as irritating.
All that being said, long live the Ramones!