The Godfathers of Punk with three chords and straightforward lyrics

Spill Magazine review ‘All Good Cretins Go To Heaven: The Enduring Spirit of the Ramones’

All Good Cretins Go To Heaven: The Enduring Spirit of the Ramones, by Jenn L. Beckwith, is a unique publication, and an interesting addition to the growing number of books about the fabled Godfathers of Punk. Billed as “an open love letter to Ramones from the fans and those closest to them, sharing their love in photos, artwork, and memories,” the book is part music and cultural history lesson, part interview, part testimonial, and part oral history. Capably researched by Gary Lynn Clevenger, and compiled and written by Beckwith, there is triumph in mounting such an effort, and seeing it to fruition. 

Read Bryan Williston’s full review from Spill magazine here: https://spillmagazine.com/spill-book-review-jenn-l-beckwith-all-good-cretins-go-to-heaven-the-enduring-spirit-of-the-ramones/

And Blabbermouth talk about the 280-page retrospective exploring the history, influence, and lasting cultural impact of the band that changed rock and roll forever, here: https://blabbermouth.net/news/new-book-celebrates-enduring-legacy-of-ramones-as-debut-album-turns-50

Commenting “With three chords and straightforward lyrics, the RAMONES embraced a stripped-down, high-energy approach that was both primal and revolutionary when it arrived in the shape of the self-titled debut album "Ramones" in 1976. They went on to influence some of the most recognizable rock, punk and metal bands of the next several decades, ranging from BLACK FLAG, NIRVANA, METALLICA, CIRCLE JERKS, WHITE ZOMBIE, PEARL JAM and GUNS N' ROSES, to name just a few. The mighty MOTÖRHEAD even dedicated a song to them.

The RAMONES perfectly represented and encapsulated the essence of the underground, holding true to their sound and style for decades, inspiring multiple generations, and establishing eternal cultural significance despite never achieving true commercial success themselves.”

The book was released worldwide on April 23, 2026, marking the 50th anniversary of the RAMONES' self-titled debut album and is published jointly by DiWulf Publishing (US) and Earth Island Books (UK).