Guitarist for the Ramones, from their formation in 1974 to their demise in 1996. Though not the inventor of the downstroke 8th note technique, he was well-known for using this aggresive picking style that created a wall of sound. Also known for playing almost strictly Mosrite ventures II
slab-body guitars, more notably his white Ventures II, and using strictly Marshall JMP100 Super Lead amps, until the amps were stolen and the band bought JCM800's in the early 80's. A
conservative republican, he is known as citing president Ronald Reagan as the greatest president of his time, and at the Ramones inauguration into the Rock and
Roll Hall of Fame, he said "God bless President Bush, and God bless America" at the end of his speech. Johnny had a very strict, no-bullshit approach to guitar playing and stage presence, which infuenced the Ramones' militaristic live approach. Johnny's guitar-style influenced many guitarists after him, including James Hetfield of
Metallica. Great guitarist, and a great
man who died tragically from prostate cancer at the age of 55, in
2004.
RIP Johnny.
"My father would get on these tangents about how he never missed a day's work. I broke my big toe the day I had to go pitch a Little League game and he's going, 'What are you - a
baby? What did I do, raise a
baby? You go play.' -Johnny Ramone
"People drift towards liberalism at a young age, and I always
hope they change when they see how the world really is." -Johnny Ramone
Go Johnny, go go go!
