Journal of Experiences: A moment in our lives

March 09, 1996

Diary, 

After more than 2 thousand shows, the Ramones said goodbye to the place they liked the most: the stage. And on March 7th, 1996, from the stages in Brazil, where they had one of their most fanatical audiences. I had the luck, honor and privilege of seeing Ramones at their last live show here in Rio de Janeiro.

What a historical show, memorable. It didn't seem the end, but the beginning of the band, such energy and disposition of the guys on stage. Right at the beginning, even before the show started, the atmosphere was incredible. Not on the city, as there was the risk of cancellation due to the rains, but the "Rock Gods" prevented it. People were fraternizing, as if they were long-time friends, as if they were relatives. The place was filled with energy, emotion and the anguish of being the last show. And me, included!

After a while the lights went out and the sensational opening theme "The ugly, The good and the bad" was introduced (it's amazing how as I write this, even after all those years, I get goosebumps). People sang along to the song that has no lyrics! People were vibrating and many were already crying! Joey enters and shouts "Oi Rio", CJ introduces the 1,2,3,4! The themes were performed in the classic Ramones style, without intervals and any blah, blah, blah. As every song that passed, the sensations became more intense. In fact, all the songs were sung at the top of their lungs by the public. Blends of emotions, joy, happiness, vibration, anguish. They all mingled, like the fans there with an emotion that took care of everyone in the venue.

Then It comes to the moment of the classic Pinhead and with its end, the end. People shouting endlessly "Hey Ho Let's Go" screaming for the band to return for a bis. After a few minutes, the band returns without the singer to perform The Crusher, sung by the bassist and the audience, leaving him surprised as it was a new theme. After that, the vocalist returns to perform Poison Heart and the rest of the setlist.

At the end, Joey screamed "bye and Adios Amigos" and begins the farewell without the band on stage and the lights coming on. The fans were stunned, not knowing what to do. They looked at the empty stage, they hugged each other, many tears, I was together, with the rest I could not believe that it was the end.

That was the farewell of the band from the carioca's stages and its history of struggle, perseverance and resistance. Despite the music industry turning its back on them several times. They never corrupted themselves to play more profitable genres. The Ramones remained faithful to their unique musical proposal and to their fans. For things like that, The Ramones will always be in my heart. Hey ho. Let's Go! Forever!

Cya,

Alex