GREENMUSE is a regular reader and fan contributor at antiMUSIC, the views expressed here don't necessarily reflect those of antiMUSIC or our sponsors, but we are sure you will enjoy what he has to say! 

I�ve claimed punk for little more than 4 years, lets face it not everyone was born with green liberty spikes. While looking back over punk roots, I listened to the Clash, and the Damned, Sham 69, but for quite a while I over looked the Ramones, to this day I know not why. Then about a year ago when I finally listened to them it was pure magic. At first listen, it was like this is silly, then it goes to this is pretty damn good, and then finally, this is what music should sound like! Pure, simple, and heart felt. Joey put a lot of feeling into the vocals, and best of all, the man could sing! Even my wife admits this and she hates punk with a passion. 

Sadly I never got to see the Ramones live, but I know a few that have, and they say it was the most energy filled show they had ever seen. 

Up until Joey died, the critics over looked the Ramones, heaping credit for the punk movement onto the Sex Pistols and the Clash. Joe Strummer himself said, �without the Ramones, there would have been no Clash.� The punk and music community in general owe a deep debt to Joey and the boys, sadly it took a death for them to get a portion of the respect they deserve. 

When I heard of Joey�s death, it was like someone let all the air out of a balloon. I probably even shed a few tears. At first I thought it was a mistake, but soon realized it was all too true. It was like John Lennon's death for a previous generation. The king of punk had fallen, but at least it wasn�t from something stupid like, a drug overdose. I�m not sure if it was ever public, but I never even knew he was sick, its just like you assume your parents will always be there: Joey Ramone couldn�t die, he�s a legend, but he could die, and did, but he and all the Ramones will go down in history as legends. Thank you Joey for all the great music you have left us with. You will never be forgotten, you will always hold a special place in my heart and mind. The ground you trod in the formative years of the movement we call punk, will remain sacred for all time. Damn I miss you Joey.  -GREENMUSE.