Punk Rock Blitzkrieg: My Life as a Ramone

This is an absolute wonderful read. Marky Ramone gives great detail of his life as a Ramone, and before he became part of the legendary punk band. For me, as a younger listener, who was born in the 80's, and can vaguely remember the videos, it's great to read about his life then and now and see what it was like to experience the punk era and to work with people like Dee Dee, Joey, and Johnny, whose personalities seemed to clash. Marky seemed to be the person to calm everyone down.

There are a numerous funny stories Marky shares, whether they are meant to be or not, but they are times he was with Dee Dee Ramone, and I remember hearing Marky say at his talk describing Dee Dee, "You didn't know whether to laugh or punch him." So hanging out with Dee Dee seemed to be crazy and amusing at the same time.

I really enjoyed reading about Marky's younger days. You don't really hear much about that in other books, usually it's pretty slim. All you know really is that he was the drummer for The Ramones from 1978 to pretty much 1996 with a "break" here and there; here Marky goes in pretty good detail, and you get to read about his rough childhood, and his bad boy days in New York.

If you love the Ramones, I strongly recommend this book. It's an incredible look at his life then and a bit past Johnny Ramone's death. You won't be able to put the book down.

I must admit I really enjoyed this book more than I thought I would at the start. Mr. Bell's style is clear, crisp and to the point. He handled his retelling of his battle with the bottle with class and tact. It is an inspiration to hose who want to break away from addiction and start life all over with a clean slate. I was never a big fan of the Ramones but Marky's book made me get on-line to listen to more of their music and I must I admit I enjoy the sound more now after all of these years. His insights into his relationships with band mates Johnny, Joey and Dee is very interesting. He is honest but he never hits below the belt. I really enjoyed reading about the Ramones encounters with Roger Maris, Johnny Rotten, the Clash, Stephen King, Sting and the Clash. This book sure brings back to me the despair and desolation of New York City during the lean times of Reaganomics.

A very fascinating read that chronicles the life of one of punk rock’s most accomplished drummers as he rose from a hard rock/early heavy metal background to crossover into the genre that would define his career. When Marc Bell was asked by Johnny Ramone to meet with him regarding the position that Tommy Ramone had vacated, a quick run-through of the band guidelines and a simple audition turned rehearsal was all it took for this Brooklyn native to be rechristened as Marky Ramone overnight. The ups and downs, as well as the personality clashes, are well documented in here and it’s clear that in his first stint with The Ramones, Marky managed to integrate his sound and style into four successful studio recordings, but his efforts into playing the roll as mediator between the other band members fell short. His alcohol addiction was the x factor in his dismissal from the band in 1983, but over time he faced this problem and saw his way back in 1987 where he recorded four more albums and retired with the band in 1996. He still records and tours to this day.

Punk Rock Blitzkrieg reads like a lunchtime conversation with a friend, and that friend happens to be Marky Ramone. Most of the anecdotes within are funny and insightful; they reach out and make a connection. As a legend in his own right, Marky also shares tales of his brushes with fame from his early run in with Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Miles and Jim Morrison to meeting baseball legend Roger Maris, to further brushes with Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Bennett, and drummers Dave Clark, Charlie Watts and Ginger Baker. When he speaks of his former Ramones band mates, all of whom have passed on, he does not sugar coat anything. These were all real people with real problems and with very real addictions, Marky himself included. It is amazing to think how this band managed to exist for over twenty years despite the myriad of personal issues that surface throughout this book. They probably couldn’t get along as people, but they all agreed on the music, and they were damn good at what they did!

Marky Ramone and Rich Herschlag put together something special. It is a real and honest look at someone’s past and all the trials and tribulations that stem from a journey through life. You will laugh, you will relate, you will get piss off and you will rejoice. I’m sure you’ll do what I did and root for Marky from page one all the way to the end. I’m now curious to see what will come next!

I have personally known the Ramones since childhood and have heard many a story from them about their lives in the Ramones. However, after reading this book, I have gained new insight to the overall story.
I REALLY enjoyed reading the book. Marky's story really touched me and struck such a harmonious tonic, sub dominant and dominant chord within me.
As I was reading this book, I truly admired the way in which Marky bought himself back from the lowest point of his existence after leaving the Ramones. In my opinion, many people with half his status wouldn't have been so heroic to disassociate themselves from their image to do what he did in order to recover. That to me was SO brave. It took perseverance and was just amazing to read!
Also, I was humbled reading how Marky tried to help Dee Dee, Joey and John when he came back into the band (both spiritually and as well as creatively).
If you want to get the real deal from the guy who was there, get this book. Whatever you already know, forget it and let this one be your guide. It will take you on a journey that culminates about what Rock and Roll is all about (as well as what the Ramones were all about).

Mark recently produced a book about himself and his adventures about his life and the Ramones, the book is titled Punk Rock Blitzkrieg: My Life as a Ramone. The book starts from the beginning with Marky’s life in Brooklyn New York- exploring music with his twin brother Fred and building a name for himself in the newly minted Punk Rock movement of 70’s in New York. What is great about the book is the detailed narration of the birth of Punk Rock in the East Village. As well as the relationship of the band members this is less than healthy at times. Drug addiction and stealing for Dee Dee, Marky’s own problems with alcohol, the OCD of Joey and the control freakish nature of lead guitar Johnny is all unfettered and documented in the book. In our conversation, Marky comes off as a cool and non-egotistical, self-actualized man that has a lot of life experiences to share, a guy that understand his history and is simply passionate about his music. Addiction is always a lure for anyone especially musicians, and 4 years away from the Ramones in the 80’s was a good motivator in keeping Marky sober. There are some interesting interactions between other legends of the 80’s between the Ramones and Stephen King, the Clash, Roger Maris and Sting. The

Fans of The Ramones, punk rock, and music in general will love Punk Rock Blitzkrieg, Marky Ramone’s honest and genuine autobiography. I’ve been a fan of the band ever since I heard New York DJ Meg Griffin play “Beat on the Brat” on her radio show in 1976. I bought that first album, and every one after that. Marky and I are both from Brooklyn, from adjacent neighborhoods, so I particularly enjoyed the early part of the book, where he talks about “hitters” and lime rickeys and other Brooklyn touchstones.

I was impressed with the depth of Marky’s musical knowledge. He takes this stuff very seriously, and I found his thoughts about how each of the album was conceived and recorded especially illuminating. Phil Spector has always been a fascinating enigma, so I really enjoyed hearing Marky’s description of Phil and the recording of End of the Century. I lived in the city in the late 70’s and early 80’s, and this book really brings back great memories of those days. He truly captures the exciting punk vibe that was sweeping New York at that time.

Marky is brutally honest about his battle with alcohol. For a guy with so many accomplishments, he never comes off as being arrogant or egotistical whatsoever. In fact, his humility, authenticity, and true love of the music and the fans comes through on every page and in every story. I’ve read many autobiographies that look back on the New York punk scene – Patti Smith’s, Richard Hell’s, and Cheetah Chrome’s, to name a few – but I think I enjoyed this one the most, probably because to me, the music really comes first, and Marky really gives the music the respect it deserves.

I just spent the night with Marky Ramone. I stayed up all night reading my "signed by the author" copy of his book.
"Punk Rock Blitzkrieg" is an authentic and ofttimes, poignant, peek behind the scenes of what went on during the Ramones' Hey (Ho) day.
The author's frank approach to storytelling is fresh, a strong and confident solo, cinematic, yet void of grandeur.
"It's a Long Way Back," but Marky makes room on the seat next to him as he recounts his rock and roller coaster ride in a Ford Econoline, and in the telling, we get a glimpse of the time and hard work it really takes to be a working musician, as well as the toll constant touring takes on one's soul.
Many of his anecdotes in the book are stories that even most die-hard Ramones fans won't know.
I really enjoyed looking at the photographs of Marky with a veritable who's who in the book. Someone needs to create Six Degrees of Marky Ramone. In fact, rock stars to celebrity chefs are Ramones' fans; enter Anthony Bourdain, stage right.
One thing is evident, drumming keeps you young. With his inimitable style, Marky Ramone has found the fountain of youth in his music, as in photo after photo, he never seems to age.
Marky's talent as a drummer was recognized early on, and it's a testimonial to his musicianship, perseverance, level head that he's a success and a survivor.
Bravo Marky!

Great read! Must for any Ramones fan. There are a lot of books about the Ramones this is one actually written by a Ramone. It’s also a great story about a drummer who just kept on drumming! I found it very inspirational and can apply some of the life lessons to my own life as well. The highlights are definitely the inside to The emerging punk rock scene in New York that took place in the late 70s. Just a great book all the way around!

Having read most of the books about the Ramones that have been released over the years, this book (along with 'On The Road With The Ramones' by Monte A. Melnick) are among the best. And in addition to great insight into the Ramones, there is fascinating/interested stories to learn about one of the most underrated punk rock bands ever, Richard Hell & the Voidoids (which Marky was also a member of). Highly recommended!

This is a fantastic autobiography written by the last surviving member of the legendary American punk rock group The Ramones. Marky was awarded, along with his band, not only the lifetime achievement award from both MTV and The Grammys, but also was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It's truly incredible to hear the stories straight from a true music icon. It's all here. This is the definitive story of one of the most influential punk bands ever. These guys defined the sound of American punk rock. Very well written and truly enjoyable. Thanks Marky!

Very enjoyable from beginning to end. The ending was sad with the losses of Joey, Dee Dee and Johnny-makes me miss them and feel like I knew them (although I never met them). Marky seems like he was one of the few in the band to get along with everyone (to some degree) and be able to tell the story-capturing the good and bad.

I loved reading Marky Ramone autobiography book! One of the best punk rock stories I have ever read.
It doesn't only talk about music... It takes you on a journey documenting what was the political & social situation of the time.
You get so into his story telling as is so down to earth, real and reflects his passion not only for music but fashion...
It's like a rollercoster going from edge to edge you get so into the story!
You must read this book if you want to feel how it was to be a rock star in the middle of a cultural, political & social war where new styles of music were born! ✌?️

Absolutely Loved the book. Marky does such an amazing job of putting you right in there with the Ramones throughout the book. Marky made me feel like I was right there on tour with the band. I loved the background chapters leading up to when Marky joins the Ramones. The book brings back great memories of a great time for Rock and Roll. The more you read, the more you totally get hooked on the story of Marky's life and you just can't, and don't want to put the book down.
Hope there will be a Movie Version soon. Meanwhile looking forward to seeing another Marky Ramones Blitzkrieg show soon. Keep On "Rockin" Marky Gabba Gabba Hey!!!!

I have read several books by Rich Herschlag, Before the Glory, BillyBall, The Interceptor - one thing for sure .... I knew I was going to have a great time learning all about The Ramones. And truth be told - Rich surpassed himself on this - I loved learning about Marky Ramone and the bands music, although I wasn't alive in the early 80's I am really digging their music !

Most autobiographies take too long with the pre-fame years, Marky has just about the right amount here and keeps it interesting. He also goes into his very interesting pre-Ramones years with Dust and other punk rock luminaries. Recommended as a good companion piece to the must-read Please Kill Me if you are a fan of the Ramones or this time period and genre of music.

Marky Ramone- Punk Rock Blitzkreig Review

This book candidly chronicles every aspect of Marky's life as a Ramone, starting with his love of music,which led him into one of Punk Rock's most successful bands- The Ramones
Marky gives us a no holds barred read that does not leave out any detail, from the ups and downs of his early days in the band to his struggles with alcoholism , his triumph over his addiction, and his return to the band.
Most of all ,this book will keep you riveted, and capture your imagination, as you join Marky throughout his journey.
Marky's book is one that you will not want to put down! I highly recommend this book !

Are you thinking of buying this book??? RUN don't walk to your nearest bookstore or click BUY right here on the store!! Out of ALL the Ramones books I have read THIS is by far the BEST -and I have read them all! I actually felt like I was riding to a show in the van with these guys, I could almost smell Joey, EEK! Marky serves up a helping of punk rock at it's finest, it's FRESH,RAW,HONEST,FUN AND DIRTY. I like all these things and so do YOU, so do yourself a favour and dig into the pages of the best Ramones bio of the century!

Marky Ramone is an amazing storyteller and Punk Rock Blitzkrieg is a helluva story to tell. We should all be thankful that he lived to tell it. More than just a sex, drugs & rock 'n' roll ride - Marky's story is one of pure ambition and drive that took him from the tough streets of Brooklyn to the world's stages holding down the "Loud Fast" beat for The Ramones while simultaneously holding his own within this very dysfunctional band of brothers.

The Ramones interpersonal story, in and of itself, would have made an amazing book on its own - with Joey's OCD, Johnny's hatred of Joey (and most things other than baseball, Nixon and being a cheapskate), the incredibly messed up walking pharmacy that was the extremely talented songwriter DeeDee as well as Marky's own struggles with alcohol as he navigates the madness.

All along the way we get to witness some great moments and characters from Dust to Wayne County to Richard Hell to Phil Spector, Blondie, U2, Stephen King, Andrew WK, Anthony Bourdain and the women behind the Ramones.

This is the story of the last Ramone (go ahead and fight me on that) left standing. Even if you're not a fan it's an amazing read.

Excellent read! Great insight to the personalities of Johnny, DeeDee, and Joey. Marky paints a clear picture with his detailed description of what it was like to be a Ramone, also explaining his own early years and where he comes from. No imbellished, dramatized bulls***. Reading this book made me feel like I was having a conversation with him. He puts brilliant touches of humor throughout as well. If you've ever even heard of the Ramones, then Punk Rock Blitzkrieg is a MUST READ!

Awesome read. Not just for Ramones fans but for anyone who loves rock and great stories from the road.
Marky brings you inside one of rocks most important and dysfunctional bands. I could hardly put it down.

Typing a great review from Joplin, MO - There is nothing but great energy when you have been to a Ramones concert, watching Marky pound those drums, and now it was obvious with great story after story in this book - there is no way in the world you can put this book down until you have read the last page. Of course I am a Ramones fan, but I applaud Rich Herschlag n Marky Ramone for a job well done. Simply amazing !

Great stories of Marky's early musical career. However a book about the Ramones with absolutely no photos of the band is strange.
A few of the facts and stories in the book aren't quite correct either. Overall an interesting read.

Awesome book! Marky's insight and raw honesty paints a vivid picture of being in the middle of NYC's early punk scene. He also tells many intersting inside stories of being with the Ramones, on tour and off. This is a great true story about what it takes to be a professional rock musician and the trials and triumphs that go along with it. Highly recomended.

Very enjoyable from beginning to end. The ending was sad with the losses of Joey, Dee Dee and Johnny-makes me miss them and feel like I knew them (although I never met them). Marky seems like he was one of the few in the band to get along with everyone (to some degree) and be able to tell the story-capturing the good and bad.

Fantastic book!! Must-read for any Ramones fan!! Marky is a great storyteller with a lot of personality and a great sense of humor. I highly recommend his autobiography; you won't be able to put it down.

Being a HUGE Ramones fan (since 1978), loving the Richard Hell and The Voidoids' "Bank Generation" album (a near perfect one) and both Dust albums, I was really looking forward to this book. Well music fans, it was definitely worth the wait. Filled with great stories and a fantastic, honest look into Marc Bell's (AKA Marky Ramone) life. Once I started, I couldn't put the book down. Thank you Marky for sharing your story with us fans.

This book is GREAT! It is very interesting as well as insightful, brought back a lot of memories of the good not -so- old days as well. Had me laughing out loud in places. It was so much fun to read, I actually couldn't put it down. Don't miss it!

AMAZING - so many stories that you never knew and very humorous. This is an amazing book. YOu hear rumors but this tells is all. Marky's life was truly something - His before the Ramones, thru the Ramones and now - Could not put this book down till finished!

Punk Rock Blitzkrieg by Marky Ramone is a free NetGalley ebook that I began reading in early April, because, hey, ho, let's go.

Marky's voice is very grandiose and it comes off a little too much like a pop culture history professor talking to a group of kids who have no relevant concept of public life between the 1940s and the present day. It's a somewhat interesting story with some scant dramatic antics, but I expected a grittier punk tone to his writing, instead of a detailed, yet fond nostalgia.