Hey Ho! Let’s Go! Legendary Drummer Richie Ramone explains why Ramones music is beloved by many.
Richard Reinhart, known by his iconic stage name Richie Ramone, is one of music’s most beloved artists and drummers. He is well known for being the drummer of the punk rock band The Ramones. The incredible drummer is also known for being the only Ramones drummer credited as a lone writer and composer of songs for the band, as well as having sung lead vocals on multiple Ramones songs.
Richie first joined the Ramones in February of 1983. The renowned drummer worked on many legendary Ramones albums such as Too Tough To Die, Halfway To Sanity, and Animal Boy. He appeared in the band’s compilation of Greatest Hits albums, such as Weird Tales of The Ramones and Loud, Fast, Ramones: Their Toughest Hits. He even played more than 500 live shows worldwide with the Ramones, a fantastic feat.
I had an incredible honor and opportunity to interview the legendary drummer. I asked Richie about any fun stories while recording the Too Tough To Die album, his reaction when one of the band’s iconic song “Blitzkrieg Pop was used in Spider-Man: Homecoming or any forms of media in general, and why the song resonates with many people. I interviewed Richie at Pasadena Comic Con 2022 in Pasadena, California
EXCLUSIVE THE ILLUMINERDI INTERVIEW WITH RICHIE RAMONE
Do you have a favorite story from recording the “Too Tough To Die” Album?
Richie Ramone: Any stories? You’re making me go back thirty-three years. People ask me for these specific things, and really just to work with that band and to be part of the Ramones is a blessing in disguise. You know every day was a wonderful story. But Too Tough To Die and recording with Dee Dee is so much fun, and I miss them all.
What was your reaction to having “Blitzkrieg Pop” used in the film Spider-Man: Homecoming? Also what other project film or television surprised you by using that song?
Richie Ramone: I don’t know. I don’t really have a reaction. When it is used for anything, it’s great. People ask me that question about people wearing Ramones T-Shirts, and they don’t know who the Ramones are. But who cares? That is still fun because that means you made something… No, I am not surprised.
[laughs] “Blitzkrieg Pop”, what was really big about that is all the sporting events in America. The “Hey Ho” at the baseball games in New York City and everywhere. Of course, in America, that’s where it’s most rewarding.
Why do you think so many people resonate with “Blitzkrieg Pop”?
Richie Ramone: Wow, you really like that song. I think that people resonate with Ramones’ songs in general because of the message. The Ramones songs are fun. They are for the misfits of the world: people who really didn’t fit in, who weren’t really sure when they were kids. And The Ramones wrote these fun lyrics that were meant to be fun and not serious. Like, “I want to sniff some glue,” and all of that crazy stuff. But it was fun stuff, and that’s why the music is timeless and it still sounds incredible today forty years later. It’s a great band.
Richie Ramone will forever be an iconic and legendary figure in the music industry. His contributions to the punk rock genre are forever timeless, but he is still involved in the music industry today: playing for fans and touring. He also has a new single coming soon which will excite fans. Finally, he is also involved in making movies now—specifically of the horror genre. The legendary drummer is still entertaining and sharing his incredible talent with fans around the world.
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