Main content

Rory Sutherland on Johnny Ramone

4 Extra Debut. Rory Sutherland chooses Johnny Ramone of the band the Ramones. With Mathew Parris. From 2021.

Johnny Ramone is a founding member of the seminal New York punk band, the Ramones.

Famed for their blisteringly short songs played at breakneck speed, the Ramones burst onto the scene in 1976 with tracks like 'Blitzkrieg Bop', 'I Don't Wanna Walk Around With You' and 'Judy is a Punk'.

When they played The Roundhouse in London journalist Chris Salewicz was there, and afterwards he said all the British punk bands started to play their songs twice as fast. But, nominating Johnny Ramone is advertising expert Rory Sutherland who reveals, it's Johnny Ramone's contradictions that really form the basis for his choosing him as a great life.

Johnny was a staunch Republican at a time when punk was perceived as a largely left-wing movement. In fact, for Rory, anything that aims to disrupt the status quo can be punk - including Brexit!

Johnny studied tapes of the Ramones performances to ensure that they looked, sounded and moved in what he felt was the right way, and his aim was to make a million dollars and retire early. Matthew Parris presents, ready to shout "1,2,3,4".

Producer: Toby Field, for BBC Audio in Bristol

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2021.

Available now

28 minutes

Broadcasts

  • Tue 14 Dec 202116:30
  • Fri 17 Dec 202123:00
  • Next Thursday10:00
  • Next Thursday16:00
  • Next Friday00:00

Great Rock and Roll Lives

Great Rock and Roll Lives

Stories of inspiration from great musicians from Bowie to Billie Holliday

Download this programme

Download this programme

Subscribe to this programme or download individual episodes.

Podcast