20 April 2016
John Ross Bowie introduces his new project ‘A Play About the Ramones’ on Indiegogo. Image: via Getty Images
The Big Bang Theory‘s John Ross Bowie, better known as Barry Kripke on the hit comedy, has written a play, A Play About the Ramones, about a punk rock band that was formed in Forest Hills Queens, New York in 1974, The Ramones who became a major influence to the punk rock movement in the 1970’s in the United States and United Kingdom.
A Play About the Ramones written by Bowie, is currently available on the Indiegogo site campaigning for funds to produce the play in the Los Angeles area. Bowie views it as an opportunity to bring together talent in both the theatrical arena and music scene in the Los Angeles communities together on stage. Funds raised by the campaign will go directly for paying cast, crew and the theater where it will premiere (The Bootleg Theater).
It is Bowie’s wish to open the play at the Bootleg in 2016 as it is the 40th anniversary of the Ramones’ first record and the 15th anniversary of Joey’s untimely death.
Historically the band evolved from their punk rock beginnings, to take on a more “pop” sound in the 1978-1983 era.
The Ramones remained on tour for 22 years, performing 2,263 concerts. In 2002, the original four members as well as Tommy’s replacement on drums, Marky Ramone, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2011, the group were awarded the Grammy® Lifetime Achievement Award.
By 2014, the original four members of the band had all passed away (Joey Ramone, lead singer; Johnny Ramone, guitarist; DeeDee Ramone, bassist; and drummer Tommy Ramone.
A Play About the Ramones, written by John Ross Bowie who will also be producing the play, will focus on the dramatic period of time when the Ramones recorded their fifth album, ‘End of the Century’ with the infamous and legendary producer, Phil Spector. As described on the Indiegogo site, “Hearts were broken, guns were drawn and a legend was born – so funny, sexy and tragic it has to be true.”
See how you can participate in bringing this play to life!