Written By: Sam Santiago
Two cultural landmarks born in 1976 will be honored this summer as Hollywood Forever Cemetery hosts a special event celebrating the 50th anniversaries of both the Ramones and Brian De Palma's horror classic, Carrie.
Taking place Aug. 30 in Los Angeles, The Official Ramones 50th Anniversary Tribute will commemorate one of the most influential bands in music history while also giving horror fans a chance to revisit one of the genre's defining films on the big screen. This is a major event folks and we already know for a fact it will sell out.
Headlining the evening is a rare performance by Cretin Family, a one night supergroup featuring Tim Armstrong, Billie Joe Armstrong, Travis Barker, and CJ Ramone. Together, they'll perform a set of Ramones classics in tribute to the legendary New York punk pioneers.
The celebration will also include a double feature screening of the newly restored 50th Anniversary Edition of Carrie alongside Propeller: One Way Night Coach, presented by John Travolta. A DJ set from Shepard Fairey and additional surprise guests are also planned, with proceeds benefiting Dr. David Agus' cancer research at the Ellison Institute.
While the event bridges music and horror, it's fitting that both anniversaries share the spotlight. Released just months apart in 1976, Carrie and the Ramones' self titled debut each helped redefine their respective genres in ways that are still being felt today.
Directed by Brian De Palma and adapted from Stephen King's debut novel, Carrie introduced audiences to one of horror's most tragic and unforgettable characters. Sissy Spacek's heartbreaking performance as Carrie White, combined with its unforgettable prom night finale, cemented the film as an instant classic and helped usher in a new era of supernatural horror.
At nearly the same time, four losers from Forest Hills, Queens, were stripping rock music down to its bare essentials. Joey, Johnny, Dee Dee, and Tommy Ramone became the blueprint for short fast and loud music that some called Punk. Their blisteringly fast songs, minimalist style, and relentless energy inspired generations of musicians, from hardcore to alternative rock and pop punk. Every place the Ramones played, a new band would pop up. They took 2 minutes of raw energy, all down strokes and 16th notes, and drilled into us all that rock n roll could be simple yet powerful.
Their influence reached far beyond New York. When the Ramones played London's Roundhouse on July 4, 1976, future members of The Clash, Sex Pistols, and The Damned were in attendance, helping ignite the U.K. punk movement and forever changing the direction of rock music. The Ramones were there first.
Five decades later, both the Ramones and Carrie remain as influential as ever. One reshaped the sound of punk rock. The other redefined supernatural horror. Their legacies continue to inspire filmmakers, musicians, and fans around the world.
The Official Ramones 50th Anniversary Tribute takes place Aug. 30 at Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles. Tickets are available now at this link.