Billie Joe Armstrong and Travis Barker are to form a punk supergroup to honour the Ramones at an upcoming 50th anniversary celebration.
On Tuesday, organisers announced that the Official Ramones 50th Anniversary Tribute event will be held at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles on 30 August.
The spectacle will feature the first-ever performance of Cretin Family – comprised of the Green Day frontman, Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, Rancid singer-guitarist Tim Armstrong, and Ramones bassist C.J. Ramone.
“The spirit of the Ramones is alive in every backyard punk show, punk club, and festival,” Armstrong praised in a statement. “Generation after generation of cretins and weirdos become Ramones lovers. Kids are influenced by the Ramones, and they don’t even know it yet. ¡Viva Ramones!”
Proceeds from the gig will benefit Dr. David Agus’s cancer research at the Ellison Institute Research Foundation.
Meanwhile, Barker described the Ramones as “the blueprint” for punk rock.
“I’m honoured to celebrate 50 years of one of the greatest bands ever!!!” the musician exclaimed.
In addition, John Travolta will present his debut film, Propeller One-Way Night Coach, and a 50th-anniversary screening of his 1976 movie, Carrie.
“Two years ago, I had the pleasure of experiencing the Hollywood Forever Johnny Ramone Tribute for the first time,” Travolta gushed. “It was a blast, and I want to return again for the Ramones tribute! With showing something new, my directorial debut, Propeller One-Way Night Coach. And something old, the 50th anniversary of the original Carrie. It is going to be a fun night. See you there!”
The Ramones, who released their debut studio album in 1976, helped establish the punk rock movement in the U.S. and toured virtually non-stop for 22 years.
By 2014, all four of the original members, including lead singer Joey Ramone, had died.
The Blitzkrieg Bop hitmakers were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.
