Joey Ramone - Amsterdam T-Shirt Womens

Joey Ramone Amsterdam T-Shirt

May 12, 1977

Copenhagen, Denmark

On the bill: Ramones, Talking Heads

The Ramones’ short, combustible songs were a departure from the sweeping, glam, prog- rock that defined the early 1970s. Their garage rock world was populated by comic books, horror films, and girl groups of the ‘60s.

The Ramones helped downsize rock from arenas and stadiums, bringing it back to its origins—the clubs and neighborhood dives.... Read More

Joey Ramone Amsterdam T-Shirt

May 12, 1977

Copenhagen, Denmark

On the bill: Ramones, Talking Heads

The Ramones’ short, combustible songs were a departure from the sweeping, glam, prog- rock that defined the early 1970s. Their garage rock world was populated by comic books, horror films, and girl groups of the ‘60s.

The Ramones helped downsize rock from arenas and stadiums, bringing it back to its origins—the clubs and neighborhood dives. The Ramones brought a fresh intensity to rock; they are considered the “godfathers of punk.”

Their first U.K. show—on July 4, 1976—inspired the sound of English punk bands like the Clash, Buzzcocks, and the Damned. Their influence in the States was reflected in the music of Black Flag, X, and the Dead Kennedys.

The Ramones’ slogan, "Gabba gabba hey!" first surfaced with the song “Pinhead,” which contained the lyrics: “Gabba gabba we accept you, we accept you're one of us.” During their live shows, a roadie dressed up as a “pinhead” would come on stage carrying a huge sign that read, "Gabba gabba hey.”

Joey Ramone (real name Jefry Hyman) was the drummer in the band’s early days as a three-piece group. But it was obvious that he was more suited as a front man for the band.

The band released 14 albums before calling it quits in 1996. They played 2,263 shows, making them one of the most prolific touring bands ever. In the early years, a Ramones set rarely lasted a half-hour. They would perform 15 songs or so, punctuated by bassist Dee Dee Ramone’s “One-two-three-four!” rapid-fire count-off before the band immediately launched into another song.

The band’s second U.K. tour, in 1977, included a stop in Copenhagen, Denmark. During that show, Joey wore his Amsterdam T-shirt. Most likely, he picked up the shirt during the 1976 tour when the band played the Netherlands. He also can be seen wearing his Amsterdam shirt in promotional photos from that first tour.

After Joey’s death in 2001, the junction of Bowery and Second Street in New York City, near the historic CBGB’s club, was renamed Joey Ramone Place. Hide