Punk Supergroup: Billie Joe Armstrong, Tim Armstrong & Travis Barker Form Cretin Family to Honor Ramones

A star-studded tribute to the legendary punk band The Ramones took place at Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles on Sunday, August 30. The "All-Star Cretin Family" band delivered a high-energy performance, honoring the pioneering New York punk group's 50th anniversary since the release of their seminal self-titled debut album in 1976. This special one-night-only event brought together an iconic lineup of musicians and guests.

The core of the "All-Star Cretin Family" band featured an impressive roster: Green Day's lead singer and guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong, Rancid frontman Tim Armstrong, Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, and former Ramones bassist CJ Ramone. The entire event was expertly hosted by actor John Travolta, adding another layer of celebrity to the celebration of a half-century of punk rock history.

The band blazed through a 19-song set, encompassing many beloved and "deranged" tracks from the Ramones' landmark 1976 debut LP, including iconic anthems like "Blitzkrieg Bop," "Beat on the Brat," and "Havana Affair." The setlist also delved into other classic hits from the Ramones' extensive catalog, thrilling fans with songs such as "Cretin Hop," "Commando," "Rockaway Beach," "Sheena is a Punk Rocker," "Do You Wanna Dance," and "I Wanna Be Sedated." Their rendition of The Trashmen's "Surfin’ Bird" was also a highlight.

The tribute was further elevated by a series of surprise, unannounced guest appearances. Comedian and former SNL cast member Fred Armisen joined the band for "Danny Says," while The Linda Lindas, described as the Ramones' spiritual goddaughters, hopped on stage for "I Wanna Be Sedated" and the band's cover of Joe Jones’ "California Sun." The evening culminated with a special appearance by punk icon Billy Idol, whose first band, Generation X, was heavily influenced by the early sound of Joey, Johnny, Dee Dee, and Tommy Ramone. Idol performed "Beat on the Brat," Generation X’s own hit "Ready Steady Go," and joined the band for the show's closing number, "Blitzkrieg Bop."

Billie Joe Armstrong expressed his exhilaration during the show, captured in a fan video, noting his excitement about getting to "play with Travis Barker for the first time in my entire life" and sharing the stage with "a God damn Ramone," referring to CJ Ramone. CJ Ramone, aged 60, was a member of The Ramones from 1989 to 1996, taking over bass duties from original member Dee Dee Ramone. This performance served as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of The Ramones, whose four original members – singer Joey (d. 2001), bassist Dee Dee (d. 2002), guitarist Johnny (d. 2004, buried at Hollywood Forever), and drummer Tommy (d. 2014) – have all passed away, yet their music continues to inspire generations.