RICHIE RAMONE plays Hi-Fi Rockfest Sep. 26
Recently off of his world tour, Richie Ramone is taking the stage at Hi-Fi Rockfest in Long Beach Sep. 26 alongside some other great artists.
Well known for being one of the drummers for The Ramones, he has ventured off into a solo career, which shines a light on what he’s capable of as a frontman and songwriter.
Concert Guide Live caught up with Ramone to chat about festivals, Joey Ramone and band advice.
CONCERT GUIDE LIVE: You’re going to play the Hi-Fi Rockfest alongside some great acts, what are you most stoked for?
RICHIE RAMONE: I find festivals a lot of fun; you have the pleasure to play alongside some great musicians and friends. I look forward to playing but also seeing some of my friends’ bands play.
CGL: You’re both a drummer and a singer, where does your heart lie?
RR: Playing drums since I was five, the drums were my first love. I moved to the front to sing and mix things up, but drumming is where it’s at. It was my first instrument so there’s no gimmick.
CGL: What would you say is your biggest weakness as a drummer?
RR: I don’t know, I’m not a big double-bass drum player, I have more of a traditional drum style. In general, drumming and singing is a bit challenging. You have to be ready for it. You have to be in shape and gasp for air every once in awhile.
CGL: Back to the Ramones — you were the only Ramone to come into the band as a lead singer and drummer. As a drummer, was there any difficulty presenting your stuff confidently to them?
RR: At the time I didn’t think about it. We became friends right away. We were with each other every day for four years. Joey pushed me to write and sing. He was so secure with my music and very confident in me. I don’t think I ever doubted anything because he always made me feel good about what I wrote.
CGL: What advice do you have for musicians trying to establish their career today?
RR: In today’s industry you have to work even harder. There are a lot of people trying to “make it.” You have to use technology now and know how to work the media. Today’s challenge is not so much finding people that appreciate your music but getting them to come out and support you.
CGL: What is the difference between the LA and New York music scenes?
RR: I don’t think there is much difference except the weather. In New York if they don’t like you they will tell you right away. Here in California I feel they string you along for a while and then they tell you.
CGL: Your relationship with Joey was special, what was the best thing that you took away from this relationship?
RR: It gave me a direction of who I wanted to be and what I wanted to write. Before that, I was all over the place.