Long Live Richie Ramone

“Hey Ho! Let’s Go!” The classic battle cry will inevitably reach the rafters this Sunday as Richie Ramone, one of the last remaining member of classic punk-rock act The Ramones, brings his leather-clad gospel anew to Eugene.

Since parting ways with the godfathers of the New York punk scene in 1987, Ramone has done time in The Rock n’ Roll Rats as well as The Gobshites. He’s even tried his hand at classical composition. But shaking the Ramones’ moniker can be tough.

Sporting all the swagger of Iggy Pop, Ramone’s 2013 solo debut, Entitled, smashes to pieces any assumptions that his new music would simply ape his namesake. The lone exception being a cover of “Smash You,” which Ramone tears through tactfully, rebranding the classic with his own unique rough-and-tumble charm.

This is where The Ramones comparisons stop. In lieu of the “oh-ay-ohs” of yesteryear, Richie Ramone defers to a crooning not unlike that of Billy Idol, buried under 40 years of a pack-a-day habit. Shedding the carefree party persona of his youth, Ramone’s music epitomizes the man he’s grown into. He has endured punk rock to transcend to a higher plane of weather-beaten but victorious rock ‘n’ roll survivor. Ramone is a lifer, a road-weary cautionary tale to some and the brightest inspiration to others.

Joining Richie Ramone are tour mates Dime Runner, local high-octane punk rockers Not A Part Of It and Xboyfriends 9 pm Sunday, April 19, at Black Forest; $7. 21-plus.

[Story has been edited. It orginally stated that Richie Ramone was the last remaining member of The Ramones. Marky Ramone is also a remaining member.]

A Note From the Publisher

Dear Readers,

The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.

That’s because of you!

Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.

Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.

We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.

And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.

None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.

As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.

Thank you for standing with us!