Legendary punk band from New York did not achieve commercial success, but built an immeasurable legacy in rock
The Ramones They are a perfect example that an important band doesn’t always end up selling millions of records. Although it was extremely influential and relevant in the development of punk rock, the group initially formed by Joey, Johnny, Dee Dee and Tommy Ramone he only won one gold record in the United States (for his 1976 debut album) and two others in Brazil and Argentina (both for Mondo Bizarro, from 1992) – and it was practically only here, in South America, that his shows were held in large arenas.
However, their importance was so great that their work will continue to be debated for decades to come. Especially when successful artists and bands remember how this humble New York group inspired them.
This is the case of Metallicawho never stopped paying homage to the Ramones. The most recent occasion took place during an interview with the guitarist Kirk Hammett to Rick Beato’s channel on YouTube (transcription via Ultimate Guitar). On that occasion, he reflected on how specifically Johnny Ramone, his fellow instrument player in the punk band, served as an inspiration for him and his thrash metal colleagues.
Initially, Hammett commented that the great influence of Ramones in the sound of Metallica came from the use of so-called “downpicking”, a guitar technique that can be roughly translated as “down picking”. The name itself says: it is the act of playing the strings using only downward movements, instead of alternating with upward movements. This helps create a heavy atmosphere, as the focus will be on the lower strings, as well as allowing for greater agility.
“I do this [downpicking] since I was a child and it’s all because of Ramones and of Sex Pistols…”
Right away, Kirk revealed that he maintained a friendship with the late Johnny, who passed away in 2004. The member of Metallica described the colleague Ramones as someone “very funny” and “a very crazy and divisive character, who went against others just for fun”.
“He used to tell me, ‘Kirkthe only good heavy metal band that exists is black Sabbath‘. As you wish, Johnny. He said, ‘all these other guitarists are rubbish, the best guitarist there is is Jimmy Page‘.”
Kirk Hammett, Johnny Ramone and influence
Still during the interview, Kirk Hammett he said he always left Johnny Ramone speak the greatest absurdities. Precisely because, soon after, he used to remind his idol how influential he was.
“I let him have his opinions and said: ‘John, you have been a great influence on me’. I said that all the time. And he: ‘How can I be an influence on you?’. How can I be an influence on you? I said, ‘your picking style [downpicking], it influenced so many people…’ I asked how he developed this and he said that was the only way he could keep time. And he created a whole musical style that way.”
James Hetfield and the Ramones
Partner of Kirk Hammett at the Metallica, the vocalist and also guitarist James Hetfield is another to constantly highlight the influence of Ramones. In a 2017 interview with Newsweek (via the Igor Miranda website), the frontman was invited to point out his biggest references on the six strings. Describing himself as a “percussive” guy, he stated:
“I like playing drums on the guitar. I’m a rhythm player and obviously I’m a rhythm guitarist, so there are great rhythm players out there: Malcolm Young (AC/DC), Rudolf Schenker (Scorpions) and I would say Johnny Ramone (Ramones).”
Specifically about Johnny, James declared:
“He has a great right hand: a lot of downward picking, like a machine. He tries to sound that way.”
In 2022, during a promotional video for the manufacturer Ernie BallHetfield reflected on Ramone and another great influence: Tony Iommi, from Black Sabbath.
“I’m a bit rough to play and I’m always more interested in the riff, the base of the song. Tony Iommi He’s a master at it: he plays and everyone follows him. There were also Johnny Ramone with its fast and intense downpicking. This shaped my style, which is a kind of combination of punk rock and heavy metal, like combining speed with the melodic part.”
Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
