In August 1976, the Ramones arrived in Los Angeles to play their first West Coast concerts at the Roxy, stepping into an environment defined by skepticism from the local press and a music scene far removed from their New York roots. Per musicianvoice.com, the group had previously positioned themselves at the forefront of New York City’s booming punk movement, secured a contract with Sire Records, put out their first LP, and performed a pair of historic concerts in London thirty days prior.
While the band had generated buzz in New York and London, punk had not quite made its way out to California at this point. Writing in the Los Angeles Times on August 1, 1976—just ten days before the Roxy debut—critic Robert Hilburn expressed doubt about the group. Hilburn compared their album cover photo to a post office wanted poster and questioned whether the group was acceptable in 1976.
Despite the critical headwinds, Joey, Johnny, Dee Dee, and Tommy Ramone played back-to-back shows at the Roxy on August 11 and 12, 1976.
Critical Reception and the West Coast Landscape in 1976
When the Ramones touched down in L.A., mainstream pop and arena rock dominated the commercial landscape. According to musicianvoice.com, Frampton Comes Alive! topped the Billboard 200, while Yes were headlining stadiums, and “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” by Elton John and Kiki Dee was on top of the Hot 100.
Local media coverage reflected a cultural disconnect. In his preview for the Los Angeles Times, Robert Hilburn argued that the band lacked the imagination of Patti Smith, the art of Bruce Springsteen, the musical affection of Dr. Feelgood, and the fury and growl of Aerosmith. In Hilburn’s assessment, provided the band adheres so strictly to the conventions of punk rock, the music and aesthetic of the Ramones prove simple to enjoy yet hard to accept.
Concert listings from the era further highlight the environment. The Los Angeles Times listed the Roxy dates in tiny print on their calendar page near upcoming public lectures like “Practical Applications of Self-Hypnosis,” “Who Killed John Kennedy,” and “How Relationships and Sexual Enhancement Really Happen,” while major events included Jethro Tull and Robin Trower at the L.A. Coliseum, and Kiss with Ted Nugent, Montrose, and Bob Seger at Anaheim Stadium.
The Roxy Debut and Musical Legacy
The Roxy seats about one percent as many people as the Angels’ ballpark, yet it sounded pretty full when the band took the stage. On the second night, August 12, 1976, Joey Ramone greeted the crowd, shouting, “Good evening, we’re the Ramones, and if you’re a loudmouth, baby, you better shut up,” as documented in a surviving tape.
Over a 33-minute set, the group played 13 of the 14 songs from their debut.
Next Steps and Public Archives
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