Marky Ramone's Blitzkrieg - The Dome, London 21st January 2026
Reviewed by Matt Wisdom • 26 January 2026
Depending on your definition of the word "Punk", you'd be hard pressed to find another group with a claim on being the first of that particular genre than the Ramones. Formed in Forest Hills, Queens, New York, in 1974, they were always overflowing with originality, identity, attitude, and energy. Place all that alongside wonderfully eccentric, punchy songs, and an image to match, and it was a very heady mix indeed. The original line-up was Tommy, Johnny, Joey and Dee Dee (you know that, anyway) In all honesty, some of the Ramones songs would be considered outrageous by some, even today. From that alone, we can imagine the cultural impact they had unleashing those songs on the planet from the mid-1970's. Accolades arrived, too; placed in the top 30 artists of all time by Rolling Stone Magazine, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (at the earliest point possible), and also a Grammy lifetime achievement award.
Their longest standing Drummer, Marky Ramone, is on long-awaited trip to the UK at present, and his first stop is The Dome, London. He's chosen three fine fellow musicians to play the Ramones classics with him, namely Inaki "Pela" Urbizo (Vocals), Martin Sauan (Bass), and Marcelo Gallo (Guitar). They play the songs with energy and honesty, without ever veering into cliche. The evening starts in admirably frenetic fashion, with "Do You Wanna Dance?", "Havana Affair", "Teenage Labotomy", "Commando", and "Beat On The Brat" rifled off in no time at all. Very little between song patter either, and it's clear they are going to try and get through as much as they can this evening.
I'm reminded how deftly the Ramones were with melody, and very inventive choruses. I've always thought that the overall melange of their songs is so interesting. In a lot of respects, they were very underrated. More importantly, though, discerning rock fans have always taken to them and given them their proper credit. "We're A Happy Family", "Let's Dance", "Surfin' Bird" and "Rockaway Beach" are some of the standouts during the mid section of the set, and it's astonishing that over 15 songs have been played, and it transpires that were are only just approaching halfway through the set. Just like the old days.....
Ramones never shied away from playing covers, with a few thrown in this evening. A great version of "Have You Ever Seen The Rain?" is played this evening, with the set closing out with "Pinhead", "Cretin Hop", "Rock n' Roll High School" and "R.A.M.O.N.E.S" (by Motorhead). Such a great way to end, also considering their strong friendship with each other.
After a fairly long wait, the group return for an encore consisting (unsurprisingly) of several songs. "Kill That Girl", fires out frenetically, with another cover ("What A Wonderful World"). When you hear that song, you all of a sudden can't imagine it any other way. Ramones always shook a cover song to it's core. "Blitzkrieg Bop" is the finale this evening, and what a finale too. Marky and his group are representing the legacy of the Ramones very admirably, and you could tell from the crowd that they are cherishing a chance to hear the songs of a much-loved, innovative and never-repeated group. "We're A Happy Family"......
Photos by Daniela Pagliuca
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