Ramones

by Chip Dayton (photographer)

The Ramones must now rank as one of the most brilliant prototypes ever. The New York CBGBs scene graduates helped spark British punk in the '70s, inspired US hardcore through the '80s and '90s, and again their 1-2-3-4 attackk style has resurfaced in international garage rock revivalism. Undoubtedly the genius of the four leather-jacketed 'brudders' from Queens lay in their ability to subvert all-American machismo with cartoon geekishness, as much as in their fusion of '60s girl group tunes and punk. In order to convey the Goofy-goes-Alice Cooper aesthetic they needed great image makers, and one of the earliest and best was New York photographer Chip Dayton. Whilst studying photgraphy in the mid-'70s, Dayton took a borrowed Canon F-1 down to the now legendary CBGBs club and began a series of live shots which would eventually comprise the seminal Ramones action frames. His extensive collection of black and whites from their buzz-saw gigs defined the band's appeal (featuring on their live album Road To Ruin) and glued them eternally to the hearts of rock fans. With revealing backstage portraits, Dayton's collection comprises essential rock history, as well as a fitting Ramones memorial, following the recent loss of founding members Dee Dee and Joey.

128 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2005

Reviews

[Mikey James · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s just a photo album, basically. But they are wonderful photos. You can really hear the music in them.

[Harold · Rating 4 out of 5]

All pix no text, no context