A celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Ramones self-titled 1976 debut album comes to Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles on Aug. 30 and include a performance of Ramones hits by a punk supergroup that includes Green Day‘s Billie Joe Armstrong, Rancid‘s Tim Armstrong, Blink-182’s Travis Barker, and Ramones’ bassist C.J. Ramone.
Actor John Travolta will host the event which includes a screening of the 1976 horror movie “Carrie,” in which Travolta appeared, as well as his recent film as writer-director “Propellor One-Way Night Coach.” Artist Shepard Fairey will play a DJ set and other surprise guests are expected.
“I’m excited to celebrate the best band ever with Ramones fans from all over the world, and to welcome our new generation of fans,” said Linda Ramone, wife of the late guitarist Johnny Ramone, in a written statement. “See you at Hollywood Forever. Hey Ho, Let’s Go! Gabba Gabba Hey!”
The Ramones formed in 1974 with Johnny Ramone, singer Joey Ramone, bassist Dee Dee Ramone, and drummer Tommy Ramone. All four are now gone, though former longtime members such as C.J. Ramone and drummer Marky Ramone keep the legacy alive.
Both Johnny and Dee Dee are buried at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, where a statue of Johnny Ramone playing guitar was dedicated in 2005, leading to annual tributes to him in the years that followed.
Each of those celebrations included pickup bands of fellow musicians and fans, which have included musicians such as Tim Armstrong, Billy Idol, Fred Armisen and Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones.
“From the moment I first heard the Ramones, music was never the same,” Tim Armstrong said in a written statement. “They are my favorite band of all time. I can’t wait to play those great and perfect Ramones songs with my friends CJ, Travis and Billie. It’s gonna be wild!”
Like many bands, Green Day and Blink-182 incorporated healthy doses of the Ramones in their own mix of music.
“The spirit of the Ramones is alive in every backyard punk show, punk club and festival,” said Billie Joe Armstrong, singer-guitarist for Green Day, in written remarks. “Generation after generation of cretins and weirdos become Ramones lovers. Kids are influenced by the Ramones and they don’t even know it yet. ¡Viva Ramones!”
Added Barker, of Blink-182: “The Ramones are the blueprint. Punk rock wouldn’t be what it is today without them. I’m honored to celebrate 50 years of one of the greatest bands ever!”
Movies, especially the ones the Ramones loved, are shown on the outdoor screen; in past years, these have included “Pulp Fiction,” which in 2024 brought Travolta to his first Johnny Ramone Tribute; “The Warriors”; and, of course, the Ramones own “Rock ‘n’ Roll High School.”
“Two years ago, I had the pleasure of experiencing the Hollywood Forever Johnny Ramone Tribute for the first time,” Travolta said in a written statement. “It was a blast, and I want to return again for the Ramones tribute. With showing something new, my directorial debut, “Propeller One-Way Night Coach.” And something old, the 50th anniversary of original ‘Carrie.’
“It is going to be a fun night. See you there!” he finished.
Proceeds from the tribute will go to cancer research at the Ellison Medical Institute in Los Angeles.
Tickets for the Official Ramones 50th Anniversary Tribute go on sale at 11 a.m. Pacific on Tuesday, July 7 at Ticketweb.com/event/the-official-ramones-50th-anniversary-hollywood-forever-tickets.