Commando: The Autobiography of Johnny Ramone [Hardcover]

Johnny Ramone (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2012

Raised in Queens, New York, Johnny Ramone founded one of the most influential rock bands of all time, but he never strayed from his blue-collar roots and attitude. He was truly imbued with the angry-young-man spirit that would characterize his persona both on and off stage. Through it all, Johnny kept the band focused and moving forward, ultimately securing their place in music history by inventing punk rock. The Ramones were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002—two years later, Johnny died of cancer, having outlived two other founding members. Revealing, inspiring, and told on his own terms, this highly designed memoir also features Johnny’s assessment of the Ramones’ albums; a number of eccentric Top Ten lists; rare historical artifacts; and scores of personal and professional photos, many of which have never before been published.

Praise for Commando:
“Amazing book . . . dense and throbbing with character—enough to bring this departed New York icon barking back to life.” —New York Daily News

"Johnny's delightful, sadly posthumous autobiography, Commando, is just like its author—as punk as it gets." —Wall Street Journal
“Ramone memoir reveals charming, grumpy punk icon.” —Reuters
“There's no grand confessional to end Commando, just a nod of gratitude toward family, friends, and fans. Its characteristic succinctness rings genuine.” —Austin Chronicle

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Abrams Image (April 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 081099660X
• ISBN-13: 978-0810996601
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 0.7 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (58 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #97,016 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John Cummings (1948–2004), aka Johnny Ramone, was ranked by Rolling Stone as #16 on its list of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.” In Time’s rating of the “10 Greatest Electric-Guitar Players,” he was named, in a fit of appropriate rebellion, #11.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Abrams Image (April 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 081099660X
• ISBN-13: 978-0810996601
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 0.7 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (58 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #97,016 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 44 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars First rule is... Be brutally honest March 16, 2012

By David Burd

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

After many books about the Ramones, written both by insiders and outsiders, we now have the band's inside story from the one who was there from the very beginning until the very last show, Johnny Ramone. Johnny's perspective on the Ramones history is interesting not only because he performed at every show, endured every grueling van tour, and made it through every recording session, but because Johnny himself was such a unique individual. Especially in the music business, where hard-working conservatives are the exception and not the rule.

With a military school background and a deeply ingrained work ethic, Johnny wasn't your average rock star, fixated on sex and drugs and avoiding responsibility. He was focused on making the band successful and keeping the quality consistently high. Commando is less of a tell-all book about the personality conflicts within the group (that gossip has been covered elsewhere) and more of a sober assessment of Johnny's and the Ramones' successes and failures over their long career. Johnny's highly developed business sense comes through loud and clear (and loud!). Attention up-and-comers: Commando is a textbook for anyone who wants to start a band and make a living at it.

Being one of the architects of punk, Johnny's story is told with unflinching honesty. It's as much about "I don't care what you think" as it is about maintaining his own personal integrity. Johnny candidly admits to the bad stuff he did (some of it a little shocking) as well as the phenomenal job he did keeping the Ramones together and working steadily. It's neither boastful nor apologetic. It is what it is.

The text is very much in Johnny's own voice. You almost feel like he's talking to you when he discusses his friends, his former girlfriends, and his wife Linda.... He touches on his religious beliefs, his political leanings, and his tenacious dedication to the band over and above all else. In addition to the text there are handwritten notes and pages from his calendar, plus Johnny's famous lists of favorite horror movies, favorite Elvis films, favorite ball players, etc. He grades the Ramones albums like high school homework assignments. Johnny's likes and dislikes are surprisingly fun to read about.

Mention should be made of the excellent design of the book; not just the layout, the graphics and the generous number of rare color photos, but the glossy paper stock, sturdy binding, and novel hard cover. Framed in faux blue denim, it's signature sewn which means it won't fall apart, and it looks great on a shelf. In this age of Kindles, this is one book you'll want to own physically, not electronically. It's a piece of art unto itself.

The book was brilliantly edited by John Cafiero from the notes and manuscript Johnny was working on as he was dying. It's hard not to get choked up at the end, but there are no tears. That's the way Johnny wanted it. Read more ›

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Extraordinary Book!! April 1, 2012

By J. Evans

Format:Hardcover

Let me begin this by saying that I am extremely surprised by this book that I casually bought. It brought me to tears at the end, (I'm a male in my 50's, ex-Marine) and gave me a penetrating glimpse into my adolescence, but first a little history. My youth was spent in and around N.Y.C., either as a privileged kid in a North Jersey suburb, or at a place we had in the city. I revolted against my upbringing all throughout my school years, and found a source of intense excitement with this new band, The Ramones. We're talking 76' here, I picked up on Leave Home. First one went by me. I was 12 years old then. Anyway, I soon became a nut for the Ramones, and would see them everywhere I could. N.J., The city, Queens, Long Island. I would go see Dee Dee at comic book conventions and just the weirdest places. I would ever so often see Johnny on the Subway, he was always dressed just like he was onstage, the jacket,.... everything. I would always go up to him and say, "Johnny, I'm a huge fan and I just wanted to say that you are the God of Thunder. Only you are able to do this. You rule." I would smile and he would give me a serious look and reply, "Thanks a lot.... that really means a lot to me. That's the kind of thing that keeps me going!" Then he'd smile.
I lost touch with the Ramones after Road to Ruin, I tried, but there was endless better music out there. When Joey died I was pretty emotional because he was the sweetheart of the band. But Joey told a rather 1 dimensional picture of Johnny that this autobiography clarifies completely. I cried when I got to the end of the book because I realized what an incredible person he was. Amazing ethics and standards. Sure, a lot of imperfections, but what resonates with me is the integrity. I realized that I was looking for the very things he believed in.... Linda, If you're reading this, my deepest condolences for his moving on. I had a powerful intuition as a kid that this dude was something very special, besides the greatest chopper/dragster joyride slice of exhilaration in music we will ever hear. If you can hear me up there Johnny, I will always carry you in my heart, you live on in me. Peace. Read more ›

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars MUST HAVE! March 26, 2012

By Simon Alexander

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

While reading this book it felt like Johnny Ramone was sitting on the couch next to me telling me HIS story. This is a must have for any Ramones fan. Not only do you get his whole back story, he also provides his own "capsule reviews" of each and every Ramones release. It's great to get Johnny's insight. Also, there's amazing and rare photos everywhere you look. Johnny's sense of humor shines through as well. Again, must have.

17 of 22 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Johnny's autobio ROCKS! I know, I photographed their West Coast tours, 76-78 April 4, 2012

By Jenny Lens

Format:Hardcover

First, I don't want to repeat anything which has been written ...Little intro: I photographed, followed, and hung w/the Ramones during their first West Coast Tour, August 1976. To say that experience changed my life is an understatement. I saw and heard things I've never shared and still won't. I hung w/Dee Dee. I saw the interaction between he and Johnny. I continued to photograph the Ramones on the West Coast til end of 1978. Never as close to them as that first summer, when everything was so new. Later I was busy photographing other bands, while others photographed them. Life changes, but our first loves always "occupy a chamber of our hearts." (Anais Nin)

It is VERY hard for most to look back on one's life, see things clearly, remember everything (esp living the hectic "on the road" life of the Ramones), let alone know how or what to share honestly. Finding words describing our lives is not easy!

** Johnny's autobio is a REVELATION! I was stunned by his articulate intelligence, his willingness to admit to sometimes silly, demeaning, meaningless behavior which is NORMAL. Most ppl drink, fight or suppress all that. PLUS such heart-warming, down-to-earth stories, opening up in ways most men won't, especially someone as guarded as he.

HE and his band-mates turned their personal inner lives into the BEST ROCK MUSIC EVER. I told Dee Dee someday they'd be as big and influential as the Beatles. He said I was crazy. Well, we know who was really crazy. Sad, beautiful Dee Dee, who never quite 'got' it that he and the Ramones were, even in 1976, so beloved, talented, and vitally important. I say crazy with so much love and admiration for his sweet soul. That is why I hung with him....

I cannot imagine what it was like to work that hard, to see other bands get the glory and money and they still had to go at it. Then when their lives finally nice and secure, ready for the next phase, death took out all the lead men, THE original and most enduring members.

Sure, the Ramones finally made money, at the very end of their too-short lives. They worked for it! The comment about Johnny's thing about money: at the time, IF he had NOT watched over the money, the Ramones would have stopped touring and recording early on! Also, what's wrong with having a nest egg? He never even saw that coming, after years of financial hardship. Look at all the rather obscure rockers today living in mansions. WHY were the Ramones so overlooked by radio and mass media? Yet they kept at it. AND they changed rock music forever.

The fact Johnny wrote with NO bitterness is so admirable!

Compared to all other bios about performers, this in your face, stripped down, bare-bones, gutsy, touching, endearing, heartfelt, heartbreaking book is just like their songs. Fast, to the point and breathless. You gotta feel very ALIVE reading this.

I am a HUGE reader of Hollywood history, especially movie history, as well as some rock bios. I was so touched Johnny wanted to be a movie director after the Ramones stopped performing. It was a true passion of his, being an avid movie fan and collector of memorabilia, not some passing phase. How I wish he could have seen his wish come true. I wonder what films he would have directed? Whatta loss ...

Hits you viscerally and won't let go. I never thought reading Johnny's words would make me cry and endear him to me. He never let most people close to him. I've been repeatedly called "a ball of fire," with tons of exuberant energy. In fact, they told Creem magazine I was "cherubic," not exactly the typical punk fan in 1976 (gosh, I will never forget that quote!). Quiet people who keep to themselves have a hard time with me. I never took it personally.

Years ago I learned a lot from Monte Melnick's "On the Road with the Ramones," THE perfect companion book. THAT book answered so many questions to what I observed, but didn't dare ask nor discuss (out of respect and shyness). Monte's book delves into Joey's various illnesses, which in many ways, helps us to understand and accept Johnny's attitude. The way Johnny dealt w/other band members was actually the right thing. Treat the band like a job, no matter what else going on. Worked for him and for us. These two are THE Ramones books to read!

GREAT, lasting ART is NOT EASY. Most people assume the glamorous, easy life of a rock star is enviable. I admire them so much for hanging in there. For their amazing, transformative shows and lasting recordings, and of course, immeasurable influence. Plus their accessibility. The Ramones were so approachable, especially during those early years. They loved LA and we loved them, as Johnny wrote.

ONE lesson from the Ramones: DO NOT GIVE UP! Believe in your dreams and go for them!

I told Linda Ramone (and Rodney's online assistant), I was so moved that Johnny made a point of saying Rodney was sweet. I always say/write that. OF all the people Johnny met, he made special mention of Rodney. Rodney has done SO much for punk and new music for about 40 yrs, but is so often over-looked or misunderstood.

It's little details like that which endeared me to Johnny. I really didn't start reading ready to be swayed by anything Johnny might say. I found myself loving the Ramones, and esp Johnny, on a whole new level.

The book ended much too abruptly, like his life, and Joey and Dee Dee's.

As for his cancer spreading because he didn't initially seek traditional medical care... he had cancer several years before the first symptoms. He wrote he felt ill in 1997, initial cancer treatment in 1998, but had been ill for five years. That means he was ill from 1993 to passing in 2004. We don't know how much his survival chances would have improved if he sought different treatment initially. I was surprised cos I would think someone as "by the book" as he would have gone to an urologist, not a nutritionist. I truly believe that even in 1997, MOST people were simply NOT aware of prostate cancer like we are now.

Once it became obvious he was that sick, he tried to obtain the best medical care. Prostate cancer is more easily detected and dealt with now, than even a handful of years ago. I think his death made many more aware of early detection. Plus the annual Hollywood Forever tribute which Linda Ramone and John Cafiero produce every year raises awareness and funds for prostate cancer research.

I also must give a big shout-out to Linda Ramone. She is the driving force behind keeping the Ramones legacy so alive. She is a tireless champion of their work. Plus absolutely the kindest person I've ever known in the music industry. Sharp, bright, no nonsense, and extremely loyal woman. I still am stunned that of all the people I've met and photographed, a great many whose legacies I helped build and keep alive (especially pre-internet, with now easy access to photos), I have the honor of knowing Linda Ramone. Johnny's widow, THE woman of their songs, and so much written about her. She has the best business sense who TRULY appreciates those who contributed to their success. Writing that still makes me shake my head.

You never know with rock 'n' roll or life. You never know who are the movers and shakers and who gives credit where it is due. I can't tell you how many books, magazines, docs, CDs, DVDs, online are populated with 50% - 90% of my photos, but you'd never know it. Credits, IF any, buried in the end or the gutters (center binding).

Another shout-out to John Cafiero. Like Linda, assertive, no-nonsense, fiercely loyal and protective of the Ramones and Johnny's legacy. Due to these two, we still are enjoying what da brudders from Queens left us ...

Linda and John Cafiero made sure ALL the photographers received equal billing, right under the photos. If only others would do the same, those of us who documented early punk might not be as obscure or underground as we are.

If you think I am full of it, that's fine. I can only speak my truth. I am so very grateful and pleased to see not only my photos so beautifully reproduced (most of my color shots and many of my black/white, never seen before), also beloved and endlessly patient Danny Fields, Stephanie Chernikowski and others.

Finally, when I saw my name in the "Thanks to," I cried. I never imagined my life would be so entwined with the Ramones, waiting in line to see them at the Roxy, so many summers ago ... I cried cos their early deaths still tears me up.

I believe in miracles. The fact I became whom I am is in no small part due to the Ramones. Gabba gabba hey, thank you Johnny for your brutally honest and brave code of behavior as an uncompromising role model. So needed in this time of false idols. Not that I worship him nor any other human. Inspiring because he was so very human.

BUY THE BOOK: IT IS BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED, durable, great photos, datebooks, one you can pick up and re-read and enjoy many times. VERY insightful too! Remember, this was a man of few words. But such choice words! Truly a lasting, wonderful tribute to and from one of the world's most important, influential, enduring and endearing guitarists. Gabba gabba hey. Read more ›