While a relatively minor player of The Ramones in the grand scheme of things, replacing founding bassist Dee Dee in 1989 and remaining until their 1996 retirement – long past their creative prime – CJ Ramone in 2015 is one of two former Ramones still alive to play their music with any real authority or experience (Marky Ramone also continues to tour with a full band playing Ramones classics). With an all-star band featuring two members of legendary punk rock staple The Adolescents, plus a repertoire of surprisingly good original songs, CJ’s delivery of Ramones classics coupled with originals could have been an embarrassing mess, yet ultimately became one of the best shows in recent memory.
Cosmic Kahuna’s fuzzed-out blend of Australian pub rock and Dinosaur Jr.’s J Mascis at his noisiest and shreddiest quickly filled out the bandroom: impressive for a band new on the scene. The always killer Meanies did exactly what it is they always do: in your face, yet strangely melodic punk rock, invariably ending with frontman Link finding himself on the floor, shirtless, or both. Their short, high energy set perfectly braced the crowd for the Japanese by way of Melbourne pop-punk institution Mach Pelican. Although playing over 800 shows in Melbourne in their original tenure, almost even having a hit single with the genius Dance in Chicago,the band’s appearances these days are rare and desperately anticipated. Taking to the stage in leather jackets on a 35 degree day, the band blasted through countless bubblegum pop punk sing-a-long gems at breakneck speed, with not even a break between songs to catch their breath. A perfect set from a band Melbourne needs back more than ever.
CJ Ramone and his band took the stage and immediately broke into songs from his last two solo records. Although warmly received by fans, the early introduction of Judy is a Punk kicked the set into gear and reassured every punter that they would be hearing Ramones essentials. With classics Do You Wanna Dance, Rock N Roll High School and Commando in rapid succession, CJ’s strong voice and thick New York accent reassured his position as one of the only remaining spokesmen for the music and legacy of The Ramones. Eschewing the standard encore schtick, the band finalised with Motörhead’s ode to the band R.A.M.O.N.E.S,the ideal end to a hot and sweaty punk rock show and a loving tribute to one of the most important bands of all time.
BY JOE HANSEN
Photo by Ian Laidlaw
Drank: Coopers.
Loved: Punk rock sweat.
Hated: Nothing. It was perfect.
