In 1976 the Ramones released their first album, Ramones, and since then rock music has never been the same. The Ramones arguably launched the punk movement and not only inspired bands like the Clash and the Sex Pistols, but also gave hope to millions of teenage wannabe rock stars worldwide. I had the good fortune to see the Ramones perform in 1979 at the Dr. Pepper Festival in Central Park, as well as a number of times after that. They were exhilarating live and they sound as good today as they did back then. Now, 40 years after the release of their first album, the Queens Museum is honoring the pride of Forest Hills with an exhibit called Hey Ho! Let’s Go. Try to see it before it wraps up on July 31. And this past Saturday (6/18), Punk Rope paid tribute to Joey, Johnny, Dee Dee, and Tommy with a free Punk Rope class at Lowery Plaza in Sunnyside, Queens directly under the 7 train. It doesn’t get much more punk than that. The musical fuel was, of course, the Ramones first album. We played it start to finish. We yelled “Hey Ho! Let’s Go!” during “Blitzkrieg Bop”; we pogoed to “Today Your Love, Tomorrow the World,” we played tag to “Judy Is a Punk,” and we jumped our hearts out to “Beat on the Brat.” 14 great songs. One very special day.

The Ramones capture the heart of a young rope jumper.