CONTEST WINNER
Read the winning entry to our Ramones listener "ride" contest!

July 21st: Join traveling comedian and hypnotist Flip Orley as he visits Yoga master Rodney Yee, a man he's known for years -- on video anyway.

jon langford

Chicago-based artist and musician Jon Langford is our artist reporter this trip. Jon fronts the beloved punk band, Mekons, and the alternative (alt) country band, Waco Brothers. Originally from Wales, Jon saw the seminal punk band, the NYC-based Ramones, play in England in the late 70's and was inspired to start a band, like everyone else. He was also inspired to come to NYC. The Mekons made their way to the U.S. in 1980 and Jon finally met his musical and political inspiration, Joey Ramone, later that decade. Join Jon on his first trip back to his familiar NYC punk locales since Joey Ramone's death from cancer in April. Jon finds his punk rocker friends hiding in plain sight and still full of the old fury.

LISTEN to the piece about Jon's journey to NYC in search of the spirit of Joey Ramone that aired on Weekend All Things Considered. Or plan your own trip between the choices below.

More about the multi-talented Jon Langford - his art, his bands Mekons and Waco Brothers. Read critic Lester Bangs appreciation of The Mekons and Jon's account of a Mekon meeting Lester Bangs.

How did these four guys from Queens come to symbolize American punk? Read through the Ramones' history. Hear the NPR 100 story about the Ramones song "I Wanna Be Sedated". See the shrine to the late Joey Ramone in front of CBGBs, the divey club where the Ramones got their start.

Admit it. You've always wondered what the story is on punk rock. Here's your answer...and some useful links. Plus, take our punk rock quiz!!

Listen to Lois and Dennis, two of punk's BIGGEST fans, as they tell their million backstage stories - on tour with the Ramones, the Mekons, the Doves... Get a glimpse of their memorabilia-filled home, which includes Joey Ramone's autographed pants.

Jon is an outspoken critic of the Nashville music establishment. Read why he thinks country music is dead, how country great Bob Wills could be so under-appreciated in America and why it's important to be Johnny Cash.

Read Jon’s cultural picks on the web and in the world.

Post your stories about Joey Ramone, 80s sub-culture, Tom Jones or anything else that relates to Jon's episode of Along For The Ride.

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