The Ramones visited London in July 1976 for their first shows outside the United States, performing a pair of legendary gigs that are often cited as a pivotal moment in the birth of the UK punk rock scene.
The band played two shows in London, supporting the headlining act the Flamin’ Groovies. Their UK debut at the Roundhouse on July 4 and a second show at Dingwalls on July 5. These shows were highly successful, drawing large crowds of up to 3,000 people at the Roundhouse, far more than the typical audience of 150 they were getting in New York City at the time.
The Ramones’ fast, raw, three-chord sound had a massive impact on the nascent British punk scene. Members of many future pioneering British punk bands were in the audience such as The Clash, the Sex Pistols, The Damned, and Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders. Accounts from the time describe the British bands and fans being inspired to form their own groups after seeing the Ramones, realizing that they could create powerful music with a simple, high-energy approach.
Photos from the visit by the band’s manager and photographer Danny Fields capture the band members, including Joey and Dee Dee, hanging out at the venues and in the streets in London:
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