Commando: The Autobiography of Johnny Ramone Hardcover – Illustrated, April 1, 2012

I was quite surprised to see that this autobiography had come out, and probably wouldn't have if I hadn't bought I Slept With Joey Ramone. I haven't read that book yet, but when I got this I started reading and couldn't stop. It is written simply but clearly, and fills in a lot of gaps -- a lot of questions I had about the Ramones after seeing the DVD documentary End Of The Century: The story of the Ramones. In the End Of The Century documentary, which I think is really well done, you see these people Johnny is mentioning in his narrative, but I was left with the impression that it was solely because Johnny "stole" Joey's girlfriend that they'd had issues. He and Linda were clearly a lot more careful with hurting Joey's feelings than comes across in the movie, because they didn't want the band to break up over it. It was more the bad experience of the Spector-produced album that he credits the bad blood to. Also he gives a lot of praise to C.J., and makes it pretty clear what happened when various people "left" or were let go.What really stands out in the book to me is how he was kind of aimless and randomly violent when he was young, and turned that energy into a discipline that could make the Ramones one of the -- if not the -- best bands in Rock and Roll. It is also sad that the radio never gave them any air time, because I actually thought the Ramones had broken up when I bought Pleasant Dreams around 1981 or so! I still could have seen them live, and only got into their music when it wasn't possible for me to go see them live, and I still kick myself for it. The mark of a great band is one that can get their act together for show after show, and really make a good time for the fans and even make amends if something happens to cause a show to be cancelled. Johnny was the glue that held them together for this, and it's enlightening to read this account, and a lot of fun to read about his interaction with other groups of the time, like Blondie, the Talking Heads, Iggy Pop, The Cramps, and many more. The book is short, but it makes up for it with really beautiful photos and nice thick heavy stock covers that make it look like pop art or something. Bottom line: all true Ramones fans should love this book. Five stars plus.End of the Century - The Story of the RamonesRamones: It's Alive 1974-1996 The Ultimate Double Live DVDI Slept with Joey Ramone: A Family Memoir

After many books about the Ramones, written both by insiders and outsiders, we now have the band's inside story from the one who was there from the very beginning until the very last show, Johnny Ramone. Johnny's perspective on the Ramones history is interesting not only because he performed at every show, endured every grueling van tour, and made it through every recording session, but because Johnny himself was such a unique individual. Especially in the music business, where hard-working conservatives are the exception and not the rule.With a military school background and a deeply ingrained work ethic, Johnny wasn't your average rock star, fixated on sex and drugs and avoiding responsibility. He was focused on making the band successful and keeping the quality consistently high. Commando is less of a tell-all book about the personality conflicts within the group (that gossip has been covered elsewhere) and more of a sober assessment of Johnny's and the Ramones' successes and failures over their long career. Johnny's highly developed business sense comes through loud and clear (and loud!). Attention up-and-comers: Commando is a textbook for anyone who wants to start a band and make a living at it.Being one of the architects of punk, Johnny's story is told with unflinching honesty. It's as much about "I don't care what you think" as it is about maintaining his own personal integrity. Johnny candidly admits to the bad stuff he did (some of it a little shocking) as well as the phenomenal job he did keeping the Ramones together and working steadily. It's neither boastful nor apologetic. It is what it is.The text is very much in Johnny's own voice. You almost feel like he's talking to you when he discusses his friends, his former girlfriends, and his wife Linda. He touches on his religious beliefs, his political leanings, and his tenacious dedication to the band over and above all else. In addition to the text there are handwritten notes and pages from his calendar, plus Johnny's famous lists of favorite horror movies, favorite Elvis films, favorite ball players, etc. He grades the Ramones albums like high school homework assignments. Johnny's likes and dislikes are surprisingly fun to read about.Mention should be made of the excellent design of the book; not just the layout, the graphics and the generous number of rare color photos, but the glossy paper stock, sturdy binding, and novel hard cover. Framed in faux blue denim, it's signature sewn which means it won't fall apart, and it looks great on a shelf. In this age of Kindles, this is one book you'll want to own physically, not electronically. It's a piece of art unto itself.The book was brilliantly edited by John Cafiero from the notes and manuscript Johnny was working on as he was dying. It's hard not to get choked up at the end, but there are no tears. That's the way Johnny wanted it.