Billie Joe, Tim, and Travis Celebrate Ramones 50th
The legend of The Ramones celebrated a massive milestone this past Sunday night as the all-star Cretin Family tribute band took the stage at Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles. It was a raucous, unforgettable celebration honoring the pioneering New York punk band’s 50th anniversary, bringing together a lineage of rock royalty in a night dedicated to raw, rebellious energy.
The performance featured a 19-song set packed with the beloved, deranged anthems from the original 1976 self-titled debut album. The lineup of the tribute was stacked with talent, including Green Day singer/guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong, Rancid frontman Tim Armstrong, Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, and CJ Ramone, who stepped into the role of the original bassist, DJ Ramone.
The setlist expertly navigated the punk canon, swinging between iconic tracks like “Blitzkrieg Bop,” “Beat on the Brat,” and “Commando,” alongside deeper cuts such as “Havana Affair,” “Rockaway Beach,” “Sheena is a Punk Rocker,” “Do You Wanna Dance,” and “I Wanna Be Sedated.” The energy was palpable as the band delivered the essential sound of punk rock history.
Adding to the excitement were a number of surprise guests who transformed the tribute into a rock history crossover event. Among those showing up were former SNL cast member and comedian Fred Armisen, who stepped in for a segment, and the spiritual goddaughters The Linda Lindas, who joined the stage to perform “I Wanna Be Sedated.”
The night reached a fever pitch with the appearance of Billy Idol, whose band Generation X was deeply influenced by the early sound of the Ramones. He joined the stage to perform “Beat on the Brat,” along with the band’s cover of Joe Jones’ “Ready Steady Go,” further cementing the cross-generational appeal of the music.
Perhaps the most poignant element of the evening was the presence of DJ Joe Jones, the bassist who replaced Dee Dee Ramone during the band’s prime years (1989-1996). Armstrong shared a powerful moment, reflecting on the history of the band, and acknowledging the passing of the original members—Joey, Dee Dee, Johnny, and Tommy—whose legacies define the enduring spirit of punk rock.
The event served as a vibrant reminder that even half a century after their debut, the noise, rebellion, and enduring spirit of The Ramones continue to echo through rock history. It was a fitting tribute to a band that truly defined a generation with a soundtrack that remains eternally infectious.
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