Mickey Leigh literally grew up with Joey Ramone (Jeffrey Hyman) and wrote it all down from the humble family beginnings in Forest Hills, Queens to the final days of Joey’s battle with lymphoma (and beyond). Often cited as the first punk rock band, The Ramones were born through Joey’s frustration and love of classic rock and roll. The days of Max’s Kansas City and CBGB’s are told through Mickey’s eyes as a part diary and commentary on the history of the band.
Leigh has numerous descriptive passages from Joey as a “strange-looking figure towering over a curious crowd of onlookers” and taking pride in being “different.” The narrative succeeds in making you feel like you’re in the room listening to the first time Mickey heard “Judy Is A Punk” or playing through numerous injuries and dealing with band in-fighting. The fact that the band continued on for so many years despite all the conflicts and shuffling memberships is proof of Joey’s toughness. And Leigh does make himself look good here in the story, after all it’s his POV. For Ramones’ fans this is a must-have. Even if you aren’t a big fan of their music, you will still enjoy reading this book.