by Kastle
(Page 2)

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Now, punk rock seems to be back with what started in the grunge movement and quickly opened the doors for bands like Green Day and Rancid to see commercial success with the music that originally was against selling out. How does Joey see the whole thing?

"To me, punk is an attitude, its isn't about having a mohawk hairdo, it's within. I thought Jane's Addiction was a punk band, I thought Nirvana was the closest thing to punk bands of the 70's. It's not about copping the Ramones, that ain't being a punk band, it's about what new input you're going to give it."

Talk of the band breaking up has been coupled with accusations that it's because the Ramones were bitter about younger bands stealing their act and making more money, "That's bullshit," said Joey, "the Ramones have always supported new bands right from the earliest days. People are always looking for some bullshit to say about somebody. Most of the bands that are popular today at one time or another opened up for the Ramones."

While the Ramones may be hanging it up, Joey says he will never stop doing music.

"Music is within me and always has been. It's like a gift, so there's no getting away from it. So the stuff I'll be doing will definitely be music related."

Along with solo projects, Joey also hopes to open a club.

"I've been thinking about this for about 15 years, this concept of just taking little bits from the places I've been around the world."

The other Ramones, CJ and Mark, have other bands they plan to continue with and John is moving to Los Angeles to enjoy married life. For those who need one more Ramones fix, look for their cover of Spiderman on a compilation album and long form video entitled Saturday Morning Cartoons Greatest Hits due out in November. But when all the other bands that came out in the original punk movement have long since crashed and burned, the Ramones have hung around to see a respectable retirement. What has been the key to their longevity?

"With us it was always that we're genuine and that excites us. Without sounding hokey, it's a love, you gotta love what you do, if its real and honest and all that and its fun and what we enjoy doing. We enjoy playing for our fans so they kind of kept us going all these years as well as our own desires and wills. If it's not real after awhile people are going to see right through you."

So once the Ramones finally pack away the leather jackets and the demented flurry of punk classics, Joey admits he's looking forward to having a life again which will include writing, music projects and of course honing his computer skills.

For those who wish to E-Mail Joey, you can find him at GABBA1234@AOL.COM.