End of the Century: The Story of the Ramones

In Auckland in the 70's we saw/heard much more from the Sex Pistols and Clash although everyone knew about NY Dolls and Ramones. The documentary was great in covering some of the gaps and in that the surviving members got to comment on their own memories or lack of them.

In an early tour to England the Ramones met the Clash and Pistols whom they helped through a back window. It was energising to think that many of the personal connections through a relatively small groups of bands reasonated so widely and so far. It was also of interest to realize that Ramones for all their fame never really cracked it and that is partly what makes them so interesting now.

It was great to relive some of the magic moments and also a bit sad to catch up on more recent events. I wasn't a huge fan but I do remember the day Joey died. I also enjoyed learning about the image making and the constructed views including those awful bowl haircuts. Johnnys role as brand director and developer was a revelation.