Vintage Rock Videos Presents A Battle of the Bands

The Ramones and the Clash were both prolific in priming the world for the explosion of punk rock. To this day many popular bands consider the Ramones and the Clash to be key inspiration behind their music. Often regarded as the “Fathers of Punk” the Ramones were an absolute juggernaut playing over 2200 shows throughout the band’s 22 year lifespan. The Clash took the UK by storm in the late 70’s after the release of their first album and were instrumental in bringing the first waves of UK punk bands onto the scene.

So who’s gonna win this round in our 1st battle of the bands? You Decide! Vote or Leave Comments Below!

Hometown : Forest Hills, NY
Founded : 1974
Studio Albums : 14
Founding Members :
* Dee Dee Ramone - bass, lead vocals
* Johnny Ramone - guitar
* Joey Ramone - drums

Formed in Forest Hills, Queens, in 1974, the NY natives set out on what would be a 22 year career as The Ramones. While they all shared the same last name, the band members were not related. Their assumed last names were inspired by an alias used by Paul McCartney (Paul Ramone) which he used to check into hotels. The band’s signature sound was that of short, hard-driving bursts of energetic rock, with a “1-2-3-4″ from Dee Dee Ramone to kick off their songs.

Enjoy the video below of the song titled “Teenage Labotomy” from their 1977 album “Rocket to Russia”.

During the time the music world wasn’t ready for their style of music. The short, loud, and energetic songs drew criticism from many of the day’s music critics. Despite the critics of the time, their live performance were infamous especially those at CBGBs.

Though The Ramones commercial success wasn’t great during their prime they have fostered much acclaim since. In recent years the Ramones have been regarded as one of the most influential bands in history. They were featured in Spin magazine as the #2 greatest rock and roll band just behind the Beatles and are regularly included in those “All-time” lists. The Ramones were inducted to the Rock and Roll hall of fame in on March 18th 2002.

Hometown : London, UK
Studio Albums : 6
Founded : 1976
Founding Members :
* Joe Strummer – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
* Mick Jones – lead guitar, backup vocals
* Keith Levene – lead guitar
* Paul Simonon – bass guitar, backing vocals
* Terry Chimes – drums, percussion

Legend Has it that it was Johnny Ramone who before a July 4th, 1976 concert inspired the young Clash members by telling them “We stink. You don’t have to be good, just get out there and play”. At that time the Clash had yet to play a show, feeling they just weren’t good enough. Well, that day they went out and played, opening up for the Sex Pistols and beginning their journey.

Check out the video below! The Clash performing “I Fought the Law” from their debut self-titled album.

Since their fateful meeting with the Ramones in 76 the Clash set out becoming regarded as one of the most influential bands in history. The Clash is known to have influenced many punk, alternative rock and Britpop bands, through both music and lyrics. Their musical diversity and lyrical sophistication set them apart from many of the burgeoning punk bands of their day. The Clash blended musical styles such as ska, reggae, rockabilly and funk into their tracks and intense stage performances.

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So who do you think deserves to win? Please Vote or Leave a Comment.