I first met Johnny Ramone in 1979 working together on Roger Corman's ROCK AND ROLL HIGH SCHOOL. You've had to of worked on Corman films to understand this, but there's a camaraderie that develops on the set. Roger is a no-frills producer (some call him cheap) and the cast and crew must really pull together to get the day's work done. I noticed right away that Johnny was taking a very professional approach to this gig. I think everyone was a little nervous about having a punk band on the set, but Johnny and his band mates didn't screw around. I liked that.

We talked during breaks in filming and I was surprised to find out Johnny wasn't a rock and roll head case. He was a very mild-mannered chap that had a passion for old movies and baseball. Cool. He invited me to show they were booked for down in Long Beach opening for Black Sabbath. I was backstage for a very interesting evening.

I don't know who booked this show, but they should of been tarred and feathered. Heavy metal and punk weren't really mixing in 1979 and the Sabbath fans didn't appreciate The Ramones frantic set. After a couple of tunes, beer and whiskey bottles started flying in the direction of the musicians. I was shocked. This was dangerous. I mean, a half full fifth of Jack Daniels from a dozen rows back would hurt.

The Ramones blasted through their set and got off the stage. I
was expecting their attitudes to be one of anger and cautiously approached Johnny. Much to my amazement, he was very philosophical about the evening and very grateful that the liquid hurled on stage hadn't caused electrocution. I thought to myself, that's a pro.

I came to learn over the years with Johnny that that's what he is: The consummate professional. Sure, he was the backbone of the granddaddies of punk...played like a maniac...had the punk hair and wore the torn jeans, but underneath it all, he was a musician making a living.

The Ramones had a prolific run. Nineteen albums, 2,263 concerts worldwide and a cutting edge style that changed the face the music. In 1996, after twenty-two years , the band announced they had called it quits. We've heard that before. Bands quit, then tour. Quit again and reform to make a record. That's not the case here. Johnny announced his retirement. He wanted to go out with dignity. He didn't want to be some old-timer hanging on. Like a ballplayer WHO's had a great career, Johnny knew when to hang up his glove.