If you’re a Ramones fan, or not, you can take a special themed voyage on the NYC Ferry to Rockway Beach in Queens, New York, on August 16 and 17 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the punk legends’ first performance at CBGB.
The Ramones first concert at the famed New York City club took place on August 16, 1974. It also marked the debut of the band’s classic original quartet lineup of Joey Ramone on lead vocals, Johnny Ramone on guitar, Dee Dee Ramone on bass, and Tommy Ramone on drums.
In honor of the anniversary, NYC Ferry has partnered with Rhino Entertainment, Warner Music Group, and New York Punk to offer three Ramones-themed rides to Rockaway Beach on Friday, August 16, and Saturday, August 17. Although the first two “Rockaway Route” rides already took place on August 16, fans still will have one more chance, on August 17, to enjoy the specially curated Ramones-centric trip.
The ferry will leave from Wall St./Pier 11 at 11:42 a.m. ET. It then will stop at Sunset Park/Battery Park at 12:08 p.m., before arriving at Rockaway Beach at 12:38 p.m. ET.
Participating commuters will receive an exclusive “50 Years of Ramones” sticker (while supplies last). They also will be treated to a Ramones takeover on the ferry’s digital screens. In addition, the Ramones’ 1977 tune “Rockaway Beach” will be played on the boat as it leaves Wall St./Pier 11. Passengers also will be able to enter a raffle offering a Ramones prize pack from Rhino.
Meanwhile, anyone in Rockaway Beach this weekend may want to check out the Rockaway Beach Bakery. The bake shop is selling limited-edition “Ra-scones” pastries and “Now I Wanna Sip Some (Cold) Brew” coffee drinks
More on the 50th Anniversary Ramones Celebration Spotify is broadcasting a special “This Is Ramones” playlist to commemorate the band’s anniversary. Meanwhile, Rhino is preparing a number of further special Ramones events and releases for the remainder of 2024. The band’s albums Rocket to Russia (1977), Too Tough to Die (1984), and Road to Ruin (1978) will be released in limited quantities on vinyl in September. The reissue of Rocket to Russia will be produced on 180-gram “Gabba Gabba Hey.” The album will come with a booklet containing listening notes and an art print of the band members.
