This morning, we learned that a quintessential American band – arguably the forefathers of an entire musical genre – had only one record with enough U.S. sales to be certified gold. Seemingly stranger yet, it came in the form of a 30-song compilation album.
How is it possible that a band so incredibly influential as The Ramones would have to wait 14 years for recognition like that?
Weird, right? Not exactly. In fact, and on second thought, it’s sort of a cliche.
Make great music, sell few records, watch your importance build over the years and all of a sudden, out of nowhere, it’s time to lower your head. Congratulations, your work is now cited as a masterpiece.
Not everyone is able to take that bow, though. Rivers Cuomo can laugh it up over the acclaim his sophomore release eventually received. Nick Drake cannot.
All four founding members of the Ramones saw their album go gold in 1988 and three of them were around to celebrate their 2002 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. When the band was given a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011, however, the only original member alive to accept the award – just 35 years after their first performance – was drummer Tommy Ramone.
How sad.
Standing with Tommy at the podium, though, was his eventual replacement, Marky Ramone. “I want to thank all the fans who continue to perpetuate the legacy of the Ramones,” said Marky, a perpetuator himself. “I hope it continues.”
It certainly continues tonight at George’s Majestic Lounge where C.J. Ramone, who replaced original bassist Dee Dee in 1989 will play with the band’s former producer Daniel Rey.
We’re not sure what the setlist will look like, but it will undoubtedly include plenty of those 30 songs from Ramones Mania.
Check it out if you can. This is as close as it gets.
Happy Birthday
Locals: Jay Stout, Gina Litzinger, Jaron McTee, Teresa Campbell, Patti Richardson, Vicki Amen Redfeather, Amy Ricketts, Randy Covey
Others: Musician Cat Stevens is 63, actor Robin Williams is 60, comedian Jon Lovitz is 54, and actress Hatty Jones is 23. Also: Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961) and Don Knotts (1924-2006).
The list
- Fayetteville Square: Farmers’ Market
- Rogue Pizza Co.: Guta
- Fix Ultralounge: Hot Colors fashion show
- JJ’s Grill: Russ Hutchinson
- Lewis & Clark Outfitters: Comfort/Cruiser Ride
- Foghorn’s on College: Jeff Fox
- Jose’s: Earl & Them
- Powerhouse Seafood: 1 Oz. Jig
- Mojo’s Pints & Pies: Jacob and Isayah
- Bariola’s Pizzeria: Josh Hicks & The Showcase / Tiffany Christopher and Steve Prudaddy
- Kingfish: Kingfish House Band
- George’s Majestic Lounge: CJ Ramone
- Smoke & Barrel Tavern: Matt & Gus Smith
Public meetings
- Room 326: Bid Opening: Bid 11-46, Construction – Drake Field Pavement Improvements – 2:00 p.m.
- Room 326: Policemen’s Pension and Relief Board of Trustees * – 3:00 p.m.
- Mt. Sequoyah: Pre-Bid Meeting: Bid 11-47, Spray Foam Insulation Services – 3:00 p.m.
- Room 111: Planning Agenda Session and Tour * – 4:00 p.m.
- Room 326: Ordinance Review Committee – 4:30 p.m.
- Room 326: Telecommunications Board * – 5:30 p.m.
- Yvonne Richardson Center: Southeast Fayetteville Community Center – 6:30 p.m.
* Meetings scheduled to be televised by the Fayetteville Government Channel are indicated with an asterisk
