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Johnny Ramone

With his 'buzzsaw' downstroke technique and antipathy towards the showboating solos favored by the rock elite, guitar hero Johnny Ramone not only defined The Ramones' primitive sound, but also gave hope to a generation of musicians whose passion perhaps outweighed their ability. Ramone might not have been the most technically gifted guitarist, but his no-nonsense direct approach was undeniably a pivotal part of the New Yorkers' rise from underground unknowns to celebrated punk pioneers. One of only two Ramones to last the entire course of their influential 22-year-career, Johnny appeared on each of their 14 studio albums and played every single one of their 2263 shows, before their official split in 1996, while also occasionally dabbling in film. Ramone kept a low profile in the eight years up until his untimely death in 2004, but his signature speedy and simplistic style remains just as prevalent in today's rock scene as in the band's late 70s heyday.