The Ramones were a pioneering American punk rock band formed in 1974 in Forest Hills, Queens, New York City. Widely regarded as one of the first and most influential punk groups, the Ramones helped define the genre with their fast, stripped-down sound and simple, catchy songs. Each member adopted the surname Ramone, inspired by Paul McCartney’s pseudonym Paul Ramon, though none were actually related. The original lineup—Joey, Johnny, Dee Dee, and Tommy Ramone—remained central to the band’s identity despite lineup changes over their 22 years together. The Ramones performed over two thousand concerts, released fourteen studio albums, and became icons of punk culture, even though mainstream commercial success eluded them during their career. After disbanding in 1996, the band’s legacy has grown, earning them induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002 and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. Today, the Ramones are celebrated as trailblazers whose influence is still felt across generations of music.