Ramones manager Danny Fields and special guests remember the moment the US collided with the UK in the early days of Punk

Forty years ago to the day, on 4th July 1976, the Ramones played their debut UK concert at London’s Roundhouse, followed the next day by another at Dingwalls. The shows that long hot summer have achieved legendary status. For many – including members of the Pistols, Stranglers, Clash and Damned watching on – the band’s thrilling, fast, rebellious, New York sound blew open the possibilities of music and gave sudden acceleration to the styles that would become punk. 

Their manager on those nights was Danny Fields, a man with a pivotal role behind some of the great American music of the 20th century. He makes an exclusive appearance, in conversation with Barney Hoskyns, to tell the story of the moment the US collided with the UK, and is joined by some other special guests. The event will also feature a book signing of My Ramones (published this summer by First Third Books) which features Danny’s amazing photography of the band.

The evening concludes with very special screening of Danny Says. This acclaimed new documentary directed by Brendan Toller tells the story of Danny Fields’ remarkable musical and cultural journey since 1966 working for the Doors, Cream, Lou Reed, Nico, Judy Collins and managing groundbreaking artists like the Stooges, the MC5 and the Ramones. Danny Says is a story of marginal turning mainstream, avant garde turning prophetic, and looks to the next generation. 'Danny Say' is the title of a Ramones song written by Joey Ramone, from the 'End of the Century' album. 

The bar opens at 17.30. Try PUNK IPA, our exclusive guest beer from BrewDog.

Supported by the Eccles Centre for American Studies at the British Library

Punk 1976-78 is part of punk London, a year of events, gigs, films, talks and exhibits celebrating 40 years of punk heritage and influence in London

Image: The Clash meet the Ramones by Danny Fields.

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