d) The Ramones

The Ramones, hailing from Queens, New York City, are recognized as the first true punk rock group, forming in the 1970s. Their music, characterized by its simplicity, raw energy, and fast tempos, marked a departure from the elaborate and often heavily produced music of the time. The Ramones’ sound was stripped down, direct, and unpretentious, embodying the punk ethos of rebellion against the mainstream music industry. Their debut album in 1976, with its rapid-fire songs and blunt lyrics, had a seismic impact on the music scene. The Ramones influenced not just the punk genre but also the broader landscape of rock music. Their legacy lies in their approach to music-making, inspiring a “do-it-yourself” ethos among countless bands and musicians and contributing to the emergence of alternative and indie rock genres.