Ramones Wedding Songs: A Punk Rock Blitzkrieg for Your Big Day
If you want your wedding reception to be anything but ordinary, the Ramones are your secret weapon. As the architects of American punk, the Ramones traded in speed, simplicity, and infectious hooks. For a wedding, their music is the ultimate “energy pill.” Whether you need a 1-2-3-4 count-off to start the party or a distorted love song that still feels sweet, the Ramones bring a New York City cool that bridges the gap between classic rock and alternative edge.
Essential Ramones Wedding Moments
- The Ultimate Party Starter: “Blitzkrieg Bop.” Released in 1976, this is the definitive punk anthem. Its “Hey! Ho! Let’s Go!” chant is one of the most recognizable in music history. It’s the perfect track to play right after the first dances to signal that the real party has officially begun.
- The Surprise First Dance: “Baby, I Love You.” While they are known for noise, the Ramones’ 1980 cover of this Ronettes classic (produced by Phil Spector) is a legitimate love song. It reached #8 in the U.K. and offers a wall-of-sound romance that is perfect for a couple who wants a first dance with a punk rock soul.
- The High-Energy Sing-Along: “I Wanna Be Sedated.” Released in 1979, this track is a staple of rock radio and wedding dance floors alike. Its catchy, driving rhythm is impossible not to move to, making it a great “all-hands-on-deck” song for the peak of your reception.
- The Whimsical Dance Track: “Do You Wanna Dance.” This 1977 cover of the Bobby Freeman hit turns a ’50s standard into a punk rock whirlwind. It’s a great way to bridge the gap for older guests who know the original while keeping the energy high for the younger crowd.
Expert DJ Tips for a Ramones Set
- Short and Sweet: As I noted in my 1970s book, punk songs are famously short, often under three minutes. This is a huge advantage for a DJ! You can “hit” a Ramones track, get the crowd jumping, and move into the next song before the energy dips.
- The “Surf-Rock” Connection: Many Ramones tracks like “Rockaway Beach” or “California Sun” have deep roots in 60s surf rock. If you have a beach-themed wedding but still want to rock out, these tracks are the perfect middle ground.
- Punk Rock Romance: For a bride who wants to show her “Sheena” side, “Sheena Is a Punk Rocker” is a fantastic choice for a bridal party grand entrance or a high-energy spotlight moment.
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Ramones Highest-Charting Billboard Hits
U.K.
- #8 Baby, I Love You, 1980
- #22 Sheena Is a Punk Rocker, 1977
- #36 Swallow My Pride, 1977
- #39 Don’t Come Close, 1978
- #54 Do You Remember Rock ‘n’ Roll Radio?, 1980
- #67 Rock ‘n’ Roll High School, 1979
- #69 Somebody Put Something in My Drink, 1986
- #69 Poison Heart, 1982
- #81 Bonzo Goes to Bitburg, 1985
- #85 Howling at the Moon (Sha-La-La), 1984
- #85 A Real Cool Time, 1987
- #98 Crummy Stuff, 1986
Wedding Hits
#1 I Wanna Be Sedated
Released in 1979 on the album Road to Ruin
Nothing to do, nowhere to go, oh
I wanna be sedated
#2 Blitzkrieg Bop
Released in 1976 on the album Ramones
They’re generating steam heat
Pulsating to the back beat
The blitzkrieg bop
#3 California Sun
Released in 1977 on the album Leave Home
The song was originally released in 1961 by Joe Jones.
They sin and I’ll sin They fly and I’ll fly
Where they’re out there having fun in the warm California sun
#4 Sheena Is a Punk Rocker
Released in 1977 on the album Rocket to Russia
Well New York City really has it all
Oh yeah, oh yeah.
Sheena is a punk rocker
#5 Rock ‘N’ Roll High School
Released in 1979 on the album Rock ‘n’ Roll High School and End of the Century
I hate the teachers and the principal
Don’t wanna be taught to be no fool
Rock, rock, rock, rock, rock ‘n’ roll high school
#6 Pet Sematary
Released in 1989 on the album Brain Drain
I don’t want to be buried in a pet cemetery
I don’t want to live my life again
#7 Rockaway Beach
Released in 1977 on the album Rocket to Russia
The sun is out and I want some
It’s not hard, not far to reach
We can hitch a ride to Rockaway Beach
#8 Do You Wanna Dance
Released in 1977 on the album Rocket to Russia
The song was originally released in 1958 by Bobby Freeman.
Well, do you wanna dance under the moonlight?
Squeeze me baby all through the night
#9 I Don’t Want to Grow Up
Released in 1995 on the album Adios Amigos
Seems that folks turn into things
That they never want
The only thing to live for is today
#10 Baby, I Love You
Released in 1980 on the album End of the Century
The song was originally released in 1963 by The Ronettes.
When you kiss me I just gotta
Kiss me I just gotta
Kiss me I just gotta say
Baby, I love you
Ramones Spotify Playlist
Do you have a favorite Ramones song? Please share your song below in the comments.
