Review: I Know Better Now: My Life Before, During, and After the Ramones

I Know Better Now: My Life Before, During, and After the Ramones I Know Better Now: My Life Before, During, and After the Ramones by Richie Ramone
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received an ARC audiobook of this title from the publisher through NetGalley...

When I saw a memoir available from a member of the Ramones, I had two quick thoughts. One, that I had to request it. And two, that I thought the original members of the band had all died.....

This was true, and as it turned out, this was written and narrated by a replacement drummer that came along a few years after the Ramones hit it big. Richie Ramone was actually only there for the recordings and tours of a couple of albums in the mid 80s, and while this was an era of the band that might be seen as past their prime, it was still an important turning point in the history of the Ramones. A last surge of popularity perhaps before the final years....

As most musical memoirs tell the story of an artist or band from early on, this one is different. It does tell how Richard Reinhardt grew up and found his love of music, and it covers his life and career. But the big draw, his time as the drummer for the Ramones, had the unique perspective of an outsider coming in (and going out again). While we do get a great snapshot of how the band worked its routines with writing, recording, touring, and dealing with fans and media, the window of perspective here is that of a new member finding his way into the heart of the band.

Highly recommended for those that enjoy a good story of a modern classic rock band, especially someone that enjoys the music.....

Hey hey, let's go....



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