The bigger the show, the better I'd play. It was what I was waiting for, and I'd never get nervous.

Rocket to Russia' is, I think, my favorite Ramones record. We reached our peak at that point.

I figure people drift toward liberalism at a young age, and I always hope that they change when they see how the world really is.

You can't change music by yourself.

Some bands blow it before they even play. The most important moment of any show is when a band walks out with the red amp lights glowing, the flashlight that shows each performer the way to his spot on the stage. It's crucial not to blow it. It sets the tempo of the show; it affects everyone's perception of the band.

I didn't want the Ramones being told what to be doing, and I wanted the Ramones being presented in the right light - the remaining Ramones.

Rock 'n' roll is meant to entertain. Hippie folk singers are supposed to be singing about leftist views, but I don't think rock 'n' roll was ever that way. I don't remember the early rock 'n' rollers ever expressing any political views.