On March 15 one of the “Ramones” founders Tom Erdelyi released his debut solo album as a duo called “Uncle Monk”. “Uncle Monk” is an alt-country punk-bluegrass duo featuring Tommy Ramone on vocals, mandolin, guitar, banjo and dobro and Claudia Tienan (ex-“The Simplistics”) on vocals, guitar and bass. “Uncle Monk” music is rooted in old-time and bluegrass influences. To this mix they have added twangy guitar textures to create a sound with a new sensibility.

On February 21 was released another “Ramones” DVD bootleg named “Ramones: The True Story”. This is the true story of the “Ramones” featuring founder member Tommy Ramone, long suffering tour manager Monte A. Melnick, art director Arturo Vega and Hilly Kristal, founder and owner of CBGB’s. Also included are rare broadcast interviews with Joey, Dee Dee and Johnny Ramone previously unreleased on DVD.
The “Ramones” story has been hyped, mythologised and distorted. This is the complete review of the history and music of the band during its seventies heyday which draws on the recollections of the survivors who were actually there on the inside of the “Ramones” camp to reveal the true factors which shaped the music and career of this extraordinary band.