Downstrokes & Discord: Secret Johnny Ramone

by Roxy Ramone, Eileen Polk (Photographer), Cynthia Whitney

The world knows the Ramones as a legendary punk rock band, but Roxy's narrative unveils the hidden struggles, the sacrifices made, and the erasure of her own existence within the Ramones’ Legacy. As Johnny Ramone's life drew to a close, the power dynamics shifted, leaving Roxy out, her presence erased, her history overshadowed. But she refuses to be silenced. Roxy's journey takes you through the heartbreak of discovering Johnny's deception.- the searing pain of being betrayed. Yet, her story doesn't end there. It is within the depths of this betrayal that Roxy finds her true strength, her voice rising from the ashes of shattered dreams. In this raw and unfiltered memoir, Roxy invites you into her world, a world that was intricately intertwined with the iconic Johnny Ramone. As she shares her memories, you'll witness the passionate love affair that ignited amidst the chaos of punk rock, a love that seemed unbreakable in its intensity. But like the chords of their music, their relationship would undergo a dissonance that shattered their dreams. This memoir serves as an anthem for those who have faced similar struggles, for those who have loved fiercely only to be cast aside, and for those who refuse to let their voices be erased. It is a testament to the indomitable spirit of resilience, the strength found in vulnerability, and the power of reclaiming one's own story.

286 pages, Paperback

Published August 24, 2023

Reviews

[Roxy Ramone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the definitive story of what really went on in the Ramones so-called : love triangle, which was actually a square. Told by Roxy, who was the fourth in this tangled web of deceit and lust, it examines her inner feelings and the drama that she and Joey had imposed on them in the spotlife of the punk rock epic. She was somehow written out and erased from all history of the band and the many years she traveled and lived through their evolution, only to be cast aside and her life cheapened and of no value or consequence. Her stories became Linda Ramones stories and suddenly she found herself and many years of her life had vanished. It was like coming out of an amnesiac nightmare to wake up and find that you did not exist. Read this book if you like to know the true gory details.