The Ramones are remembered as one of the most influential bands in punk history. They changed the sound of rock music decades ago, bringing a new edge to the genre that reached the masses like never before. Many years later, their work remains hugely popular, with fans continuing to support the legendary musicians, even though they’re no longer releasing new music.
Earlier this month, The Ramones re-released their classic album Rocket to Russia. The effort, promoted by Vinyl Me, Please, celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of the group’s live debut at the famed, now-shuttered CBGB’s venue in the mid-’70s. The band honored that momentous show by dropping a collectible version of the title, which instantly became a bestseller.
Earlier this month, The Ramones re-released their classic album Rocket to Russia. The effort, promoted by Vinyl Me, Please, celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of the group’s live debut at the famed, now-shuttered CBGB’s venue in the mid-’70s. The band honored that momentous show by dropping a collectible version of the title, which instantly became a bestseller.
In the past tracking week, Rocket to Russia sold nearly 3,400 copies, according to Luminate. That sum is up considerably from the frame prior, when it wasn’t back in the spotlight.
The week before it was re-released, Rocket to Russia didn’t quite manage to sell 100 copies in America. The project advanced 3,928% in pure purchases in just a seven-day timeframe, which speaks to both the band’s enduring popularity, and the excitement around the anniversary drop.
All those purchases push Rocket to Russia onto the Top Album Sales chart for the first time. The Ramones’ time-tested collection debuts at No. 25 on Billboard’s list of the bestselling full-lengths and EPs in the U.S., marking their twelfth trip to the ranking.
Vinyl played a huge role in the current success of Rocket to Russia, and the project also reaches a format-specific chart as well. The Ramones debut their decades-old title at No. 10 on the Vinyl Albums chart this week.
The Ramones released Rocket to Russia in 1977, and it quickly gave the band another hit album. The set would go on to climb to No. 49 on the Billboard 200, which marked a new peak for them at the time. It still stands as their second-highest-rising title on the tally and is regarded as one of the most important projects in their discography.
