If you’re a Ramones fan, or even if you’re not, you can hitch a special themed ride on the NYC Ferry to Rockway Beach in Queens, New York, on August 16 and 17 celebrating the 50th anniversary of the punk legends’ first performance at CBGB.
The Ramones first concert at the famed New York City club took place on August 16, 1974. It also marked the debut of the band’s classic original quartet lineup of Joey Ramone on lead vocals, Johnny Ramone on guitar, Dee Dee Ramone on bass, and Tommy Ramone on drums.
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In honor of the anniversary, NYC Ferry has partnered with Rhino Entertainment, Warner Music Group, and New York Punk to offer three Ramones-themed rides to Rockaway Beach on Friday, August 16, and Saturday, August 17. Although the first two “Rockaway Route” rides already took place on August 16, fans still will have one more chance, on August 17, to enjoy the specially curated Ramones-centric trip.
The ferry will leave from Wall St./Pier 11 at 11:42 a.m. ET. It then will stop at Sunset Park/Battery Park at 12:08 p.m., before arriving at Rockaway Beach at 12:38 p.m. ET.
Participating commuters will receive an exclusive “50 Years of Ramones” sticker (while supplies last). They also will be treated to a Ramones takeover on the ferry’s digital screens. In addition, the Ramones’ 1977 tune “Rockaway Beach” will be played on the boat as it leaves Wall St./Pier 11. Passengers also will be able to enter a raffle offering a Ramones prize pack from Rhino.
Meanwhile, anyone in Rockaway Beach this weekend may want to check out the Rockaway Beach Bakery. The bake shop is selling limited-edition “Ra-scones” pastries and “Now I Wanna Sip Some (Cold) Brew” coffee drinks.
More About the 50th Anniversary Ramones Celebration
In conjunction with the Ramones’ anniversary, Spotify is streaming a special “This Is Ramones” playlist.
Meanwhile, Rhino is planning a variety of other special Ramones events and releases throughout the rest of 2024. In September, limited-edition vinyl versions of the band’s Rocket to Russia (1977), Too Tough to Die (1984), and Road to Ruin (1978) albums will be released.
The Rocket to Russia reissue will be pressed on 180-gram “Gabba Gabba Hey.” The disc will be packaged with a booklet featuring listening notes, and an art print of the band members.
The Too Tough to Die reissue will commemorate that album’s 40th anniversary. It will be pressed on 180-gram “blue cloudy” vinyl. The Road to Ruin LP will be pressed on 180-gram “orange cloudy” vinyl. The three discs will be available for pre-order at VinylMePlease.com, starting on August 30.
Other Ramones releases and promotions will be announced in the coming weeks.
More About the Ramones’ History
The Ramones’ actual first show took place on March 30, 1974, at a small Manhattan studio. At the time, the band performed as a trio, with Joey on drums, Johnny on guitar, and Dee Dee on bass and lead vocals.
The Ramones went on to play at CBGB more than 70 times. Of course, they eventually toured all over the world before breaking up in 1996. Sadly, all four original band members have passed away: Joey (Jeffrey Hyman) in 2001, Dee Dee (Douglas Colvin) in 2002, Johnny (John Cummings) in 2004, and Tommy (Thomas Erdelyi) in 2014.
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