Commando: The Autobiography of Johnny Ramone [Hardcover]

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.

Let me begin this by saying that I am extremely surprised by this book that I casually bought. It brought me to tears at the end, (I'm a male in my 50's, ex-Marine) and gave me a penetrating glimpse into my adolescence, but first a little history. My youth was spent in and around N.Y.C., either as a privileged kid in a North Jersey suburb, or at a place we had in the city. I revolted against my upbringing all throughout my school years, and found a source of intense excitement with this new band, The Ramones. We're talking 76' here, I picked up on Leave Home. First one went by me. I was 12 years old then. Anyway, I soon became a nut for the Ramones, and would see them everywhere I could. N.J., The city, Queens, Long Island. I would go see Dee Dee at comic book conventions and just the weirdest places. I would ever so often see Johnny on the Subway, he was always dressed just like he was onstage, the jacket,.... everything. I would always go up to him and say, "Johnny, I'm a huge fan and I just wanted to say that you are the God of Thunder. Only you are able to do this. You rule." I would smile and he would give me a serious look and reply, "Thanks a lot.... that really means a lot to me. That's the kind of thing that keeps me going!" Then he'd smile.
I lost touch with the Ramones after Road to Ruin, I tried, but there was endless better music out there. When Joey died I was pretty emotional because he was the sweetheart of the band. But Joey told a rather 1 dimensional picture of Johnny that this autobiography clarifies completely. I cried when I got to the end of the book because I realized what an incredible person he was. Amazing ethics and standards. Sure, a lot of imperfections, but what resonates with me is the integrity. I realized that I was looking for the very things he believed in. Linda, If you're reading this, my deepest condolences for his moving on. I had a powerful intuition as a kid that this dude was something very special, besides the greatest chopper/dragster joyride slice of exhilaration in music we will ever hear. If you can hear me up there Johnny, I will always carry you in my heart, you live on in me. Peace.

While reading this book it felt like Johnny Ramone was sitting on the couch next to me telling me HIS story. This is a must have for any Ramones fan. Not only do you get his whole back story, he also provides his own "capsule reviews" of each and every Ramones release. It's great to get Johnny's insight. Also, there's amazing and rare photos everywhere you look. Johnny's sense of humor shines through as well. Again, must have.