Review: Too Tough To Die: A Tribute to Johnny Ramone

Too Tough To Die: A Tribute to Johnny Ramone
Mandy Stein

Plain Jane Production
Street: 2006

Too Tough to Die documents the 30th anniversary tribute concert to the Ramones, which occurred in LA in 2004 just two days prior to Johnny’s death. Johnny helped to plan the 30th anniversary tribute concert, despite his failing health. The performers and interview subjects read like a who’s who of the music world. Everyone from Thurston Moore, Debbie Harry, Henry Rollins and many others have something to say about how the Ramones changed the face of music and how Johnny personally influenced their lives. Red Hot Chilli Peppers, The Dickies and an assortment of other rock legends cover the songs that made the Ramones legendary. A few of my favorites were the Tim Armstrong and Brett Guerwitz cover of “Sheena is a Punk Rocker” and the Henry Rollins and Steve Jones covers of “Judy Is a Punk,” “Commando” and “Blitzkreig Bop”. The Ramones created music that is truly timeless, the songs were simple, but genius. Although they’re music may not have caught on initially, they have left behind a legacy that can be witnessed with every punk rock band that emerges onto the music scene. -Jeanette Moses