From atlanta.thebackstagebeat.com
CJ Ramone
Brings The Spirit of The Ramones
Back To Atlanta!
by Don de Leaumont on July 15, 2011
CJ and his band which featured legendary Ramones collaborator Daniel Rey (sporting a shirt that said “Hey Ho Let’s Go!) on guitar took the stage with and stepping up to the mic addressed the audience: “We’re gonna have fun tonight Atlanta! BLITZKRIEG BOP! 1-2-3-4!” and the place went nuts. In classic Ramones fashion, without stopping CJ and company kicked into “Judy Is A Punk” but it was “Beat On The Brat” that whipped everyone into a frantic mosh pit complete with fist pumping chorus sing a long. This audience was about ⅓ the size that I’m used to seeing but the energy and excitement expressed by these people was 3x their size. It was really beautiful thing to see so many smiles and so many people young and old high fiving, hugging and singing along.The show was made up of classic Ramones songs ranging from the popular (Judy Is A Punk, Cretin Hop, Beat On The Brat) to the obsucre (My Back Pages, Endless Vacation, Poison Heart). In true Ramones fashion, the show was closed out by “Pinhead” which had every changing “GABBA GABBA HEY! GABBA GABBA HEY!” As CJ and band left the stage, the crowd began chanting the legendary “HEY HO, LET’S GO!” encore chant. CJ took the stage laughing and said, “You guys said the magic words!” After talking about his album that will be coming out sometime towards the end of the year, the band played a new song that CJ wrote for his fallen brothers called “3 Angels On My Shoulder” which was a really fun yet touching song that is as good as any classic Ramones song I’ve ever heard. “Do You Wanna Dance” literally had people dancing all over the place with each other in old school sock hop fashion and for the finale, the Lemmy Kilmister penned “R.A.M.O.N.E.S” brought the house down with a huge roar. Bidding us all a good night, CJ and company left the stage.It was so amazing to see 3-4 generations of Ramones fans in one room reliving the good old days and in some cases getting their first opportunity at seeing the closest to a Ramones show that they will ever see. You know how sometimes you can just feel that magic at a show where you feel moved and connected with the performance? This was one of those and for an hour and 15 minutes, there was not a care in the world for me or anyone else in that room. That’s when you know you’re seeing a special show and trust me, this was a special night. To restate a lyric from the late, great Joey Ramone: “All is very well, C.J. is here!”
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CJ Ramone @ NXNE 2011
Date: June 16, 2011
City: Toronto
Venue: The Bovine Sex Club
Rating: 4.5/5
Hometown:
Queens, NY
Background/ Composition:
Check the name, son: CJ is the former bassist for the Ramones. He shared vocal duties with longtime Ramones producer and collaborator Daniel Rey, who accompanied him on guitar.
Grade: 92
Comment:
For anyone who never had the privilege, it was about as close
to seeing the Ramones live as you could get. The set was
made up of Ramones songs, and drew heavily from
the band's first three albums.
Achievement of Rock 'n' Roll Expectations:
80-100:
Exceeds skill and knowledge expectations,
i.e. rocked us so hard we peed our pants.
70-79:
Achieves required skills and knowledge. Meets rock 'n' roll standard.
60-69:
Demonstrates some skills. Approaches rock 'n' roll standard.
50-59:
Demonstrates some required skills and knowledge in a limited way.
00-50: Has not demonstrated required skills or knowledge.
Learning Skills:
E=Excellent, G=Good, S=Satisfactory, N=Sad Really
Oral And Visual Communication
Eye Contact: E
Pronunciation: E
Stage Presence: E
Stage Banter: E
Image: E
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
CJ came across as both confident and humble,
but when he got started there was not time for talking.
He introduced each song by yelling the song's title
and counting in; there was no better way to kick of a show
than yelling, "Blitzkrieg Bop! 1-2-3-4!"
Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: E
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: E
Work Habits: E
Organization: E
Audience Participation: E
Sound: E
Composition: E
Songs: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
CJ had the room in his palm before he got onstage;
the room was buzzing and the line outside became more anxious. His voice, and Rey's, who took over, sounded crisp
and clear. The songs were faithful, but his own; it certainly wasn't like seeing a cover band.
Other Skills And Areas Of Interest:
Charisma: E
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: G
Sexiness: G
Haircut: G
Indie Rock Footwear: E
Nods To Disposible Fashion: G
Cool Equipment: G
Level Of Inebriation: G
Actual Ability: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
I don't know what was better: the vibe, the sound, or the song choices (CJ closed with Motorhead's "R.A.M.O.N.E.S,"
a nice touch.). I hate to say you had to be there,
but you had to be there.
