Thank you so much, CJ! It’s an absolute pleasure to have you here with us. So, let’s dive in—back in 1992, the Ramones came to Mexico for the first time. How was that experience for you? Do you remember it well?
CJ Ramone:
Crazy. All the Latin American countries, and even places like Spain, the crowds are just wild for some reason. They really identify with the Ramones. When we came to Mexico, I was lucky because Arturo Vega, the guy who designed the Ramones logo and was our lighting director, is originally from Chihuahua. He took me around the city, mostly to drink! I don’t usually do the tourist thing—I see a city through the bars, you know?
Now, going a little further back—what went through your head when you got the call from Johnny Ramone telling you that you were in the band? What did you imagine it would be like to join the Ramones?
Are you a Ramones fan? Imagine if they called you up and said, “Come play bass!” That’s the best way I can explain it. It was surreal because I grew up as a fan. I idolized them. In fact, when I heard that Dee Dee had quit, I said, “I’ll never go to another Ramones show—it isn’t The Ramones without Dee Dee.” But instead, I went to every show.
Over the years, you’ve had so many incredible experiences with the Ramones. What would you say is your most memorable?
Probably, my very first show with them was huge. But I’d say the very last show is something that stands out. Lemmy came up on stage with us, and there I was, standing next to him, playing and singing together. We even did “Ramones,” the song Lemmy wrote for us. One of the lyrics is “CJ, now hit the gas,” and that moment—nothing beats that. Three children, military service, traveling the world, doing all sorts of dangerous things… but nothing will ever top that moment. Yeah, it’s definitely the height of everything for me.
On that note, the dynamic between the band members, especially Johnny and Joey, is often discussed. How would you describe the internal dynamics of the Ramones?
Well, a lot of people talk about the drama, but it wasn’t as intense as people think. It was more like living in a house where the mom and dad didn’t get along. They didn’t fight or yell at each other, they just didn’t talk, unless it was about a new record or some business decision. They were respectful to each other—it was all about business, not personal stuff. Of course, earlier on there was a lot of drama with girls, drugs, and alcohol, but by the time I joined, everyone had calmed down. No more partying, just focusing on the music.
Now, one thing that made the Ramones iconic was their visual aesthetic—those layered jackets, the haircuts, everything. How do you think the band’s image influenced their success?
Fashion played a big part in punk rock and music in general, especially in New York. Tommy Ramone, the guy who built the Ramones, was very aware of the art and fashion movements happening in the city at the time. He wanted us to look like street-tough Americana—leather jackets, t-shirts, Levi’s, and Converse sneakers. That was Tommy’s idea. It really became a big part of the Ramones’ identity. We became the all-American band, not just for our sound, but for our look. I think that’s something that resonated all over the world.
Moving on to something a bit more philosophical—what’s your personal definition of punk?
Just doing it your way. The Ramones weren’t punk in the same way the Sex Pistols or the Clash were, or even like Blondie or Talking Heads. But they were all punk because they did it their way. Punk has always been about that individuality, that spirit of not fitting in. Hell, you could even say Little Richard was punk. He did rock ‘n’ roll his own way, and that was the essence of punk, even before it had a name.
And if you go back further, even the term “punk” was used for street-tough kids in the 50s, people who didn’t fit into society’s norms. It’s always been a term for outsiders. Punk took over art, fashion, and music in a big way, and it’s evolved through the decades. But it’s always been about doing your own thing.
Now, shifting gears a bit, we wanted to dive into your new music. We absolutely loved your album The Holy Spell. Do you have a favorite track from the album, and what inspired it?
Oh man, Hands of Mine is probably my favorite track from The Holy Spell. Some people might not hear it as “punk” on first listen, but if I’m doing it, it’s punk. I’m not trying to copy anyone—I’m doing it my way, from my perspective. That’s what punk is at its core.
It’s funny, because people think a song has to fit a mold to be considered punk, but it doesn’t. You make it yours, and that’s where the power lies.
You’ve mentioned how much your music feels like your “children.” Do you feel a special connection to every album you’ve made, or are there some that stand out more than others?
Absolutely. All of my albums are like my children. I’ve worked with so many talented musicians, and I’ve had the opportunity to create with some amazing people over the years. It’s been a fun ride, and I’m proud of the music I’ve made.
But by 2019, I was really feeling tired—emotionally and physically. That’s when I decided to retire from solo touring. It was a natural progression. And then the Gimmies, who I’d done a few shows with, reached out. The way they tour is different—it’s smoother, more organized. No more chaos. It’s a good way to retire, honestly.
We have a quick round of questions from our followers, so let’s jump into that! First, what’s the best bass line you’ve ever created?
The bass line from Spider-Man—that was a fun one. We covered that for the Saturday Morning Cartoonsrecord, and I got to pick the song. It was a cool walking bass line, and it was really fun to play.
What about your favorite Ramones song to perform?
Outsider is probably my favorite. We didn’t play that one often, but when I did, it really resonated with me. I also loved performing songs like Danny Says, Baby I Love You, and I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend. We didn’t always get to play the poppier Ramones tracks live, but I brought them into my own set, and it was a blast. Fans loved it too.
It’s always refreshing to hear those hidden gems! Now, for a fun one—what’s your favorite band of all time?
Hands down, Black Sabbath. I grew up listening to them before I even got into punk. There wasn’t much of a punk scene where I was, but I found Black Sabbath on my own. That was my introduction to hard music. If I’m honest, I probably listen to Black Sabbath more than any other band now. They’re iconic.
We love Black Sabbath too! And lastly, for anyone starting out in music today, what advice would you give?
Honestly? Make sure you have a backup plan. It’s tough out there to make a living doing music these days. You’ve got to be ready to hustle, and make sure you’re making a living doing something else. It’s a grind, especially now.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us today, CJ! It’s been such a pleasure to hear your stories and insights. We can’t wait to see what comes next for you!
Cosmic Soul Music 