Today, July 18, 30 years of the release of their latest studio album of Ramonesthe emblematic “Goodbye friends!”.
Ramones: The origin of a legend
Arising in Forest Hills, Queens, New York, in the mid -1970s, the Ramones (Johnny, Joey, Dee Dee and Tommy Ramone) They broke into the music scene with a fresh, raw and revolutionary proposal. Its direct sound, short and catchy songs, and a simple but shocking aesthetic, laid the foundations of the punk rock movement.
With iconic albums like “Ramones” (1976), “Leave Home” (1977) and “Rocket to Russia” (1977), the band quickly won the recognition of the criticism and loyalty of an audience that sought something different from what progressive rock and album offered.
Throughout their career, the Ramones remained faithful to their style, despite changes in the music industry and trends. His discography, composed of fourteen studio albums, is a testimony of his constancy and his ability to create timeless hymns that continue to resonate in new generations.
The last stage and the emblematic “Goodbye friends!”
In the early 90s, the band began to consider the possibility of retiring. After almost two decades of incessant tours and recordings, fatigue and personal differences began to feel. Despite this, the Ramones decided to embark in a last cycle that would culminate with the recording and launch of their fourteenth and last study album: “Goodbye friends!”.
Posted July 18, 1995“Goodbye friends!” It was the final testament of energy and spirit that the Ramones still maintained. Produced by Daniel Reythe album had a mixture of versions and new compositions that retained the raw and direct essence of the band. The list of songs included songs such as “I Don’s Want To Grow Up”, “Makin Monsters for My Friends”, “It’s not for me to know” and “She Talks to Rainbows”.
In addition, the album presented some interesting peculiarities: the Japanese version included as an extra theme “Ramones”a song originally recorded by Motörhead As a tribute to the Ramones themselves in their 1916 album. For its part, the American version of the album surprised with the inclusion of “Spider-Man” As a hidden track, a slightly different version than the Ramones had previously recorded for the Tribute Tribute Morning album: Cartoons’ Greatest Hits.
While “Goodbye friends!” He did not reach the commercial impact of his initial works, for many fans represented a worthy farewell, with songs that maintained the energy of the band and demonstrated their ability to continue delivering that unique sound that characterized them. The election of the title, “Goodbye friends!”, It was a clear sign of his intention to say goodbye to his audience in a definitive way.
Ramones-1995 Goodbye friends.webp
After the publication of this last material, the Ramones announced their farewell tour, a global tour that would allow them to say goodbye to their followers worldwide. It was a bittersweet decision, but necessary for a band that always prioritized the road and direct contact with its audience.
Argentina and the Ramones: an unconditional romance
The relationship between the Ramones and Argentina is a separate chapter in the history of the band. From its first visits in the late 80s, the band found in the Argentine public a special connection, an unique energy and devotion. The Ramones shows in Argentina were true celebrations, with stadiums full of fans who chanted each song with an overflowing passion.
For many young Argentines, the Ramones were not just a band; They were a symbol of rebellion, authenticity and freedom. His music transcended idiomatic and cultural barriers, becoming the soundtrack of a generation.
The band, meanwhile, felt a genuine appreciation for their Argentine fans. Joey Ramone I used to mention in interviews the warmth and fervor of the public in Buenos Aires, considering them some of the best in the world. The passion of Argentine fans for the Ramones was so great that, even after their dissolution, the band remained a cultural icon.
The farewell of the Ramones on Argentine soil
The farewell tour of the Ramones, known as “Goodbye Friends Tour”arrived in Argentina in March 1996 For a last great show that would be recorded over fire in the memory of thousands of fans. The show in the River Plate Stadium It was a massive, emotional and loaded event of a feeling of melancholy for the imminent end, but also of joy for having been part of that historical moment.
That long-awaited day was made up of a luxury line-up: Superuva, 2 minutes, Attaque 77, Die Toten Hosen and Iggy Pop.
Finally, they appeared, Marky, Johnny, CJ and Joey Ramone gave everything for the last time together on our ground with A repertoire of 34 furious songs played in an hour and 16 minutes. It was an epic farewell, a mutual gratitude between the band and her followers who had forged an unwavering link over the years.
The Ramones left the Argentine stage leaving A legacy, not only musical but also culturalthat is still alive in each punk band that arises in the country and in each kid who discovers his music. Thirty years after the launch of “Goodbye friends!”, The influence of the Ramones remains as strong as ever.
Source: Ambito
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
