The Marones

The MARONES were started in the summer of 2001. There was a fundraiser to benefit Cystic Fibrosis in South Lake Tahoe. Davin Marone (original guitar player) and Ernie Marone (original drummer) came to Andy Marone (bass) with the idea of starting a RAMONES tribute. Larry Marone was asked to sing for the group since he was friends with all the guys and knew the words to all the Ramones songs. Larry had seen the Ramones at least 17 times and they were his favorite band for the last 25 years. The MARONES played the benefit and continued to play and learn Ramones songs. At their peak, they knew 85 of the Ramones 189 songs. The original lineup lasted 2 years. Ernie moved to Louisiana and Davin started a Johnny Cash tribute band. Larry wasn't ready to give up. He spent $1800 on a PA and discovered that he could actually sing and sound like Joey. Andy didn't want to stop either because, "I like free drinks at the bar." That and a little bit of local celebrity kept the MARONES alive.Larry first talked to Danny Marone. He was in an old school punk band in town and played several gigs with the original Marones. "Right from the start, I knew I was in. I wanted to be Johnny, but if they already had a guitar player, I could play the drums." Danny got to play guitar and Jared Marone got behind the skins. "Jared was like 18 years old and wasn't really a fan of the Ramones. He could play the drums, but he wasn't over 25 years old, so I knew he wouldn't last." Danny Marone was right. After about six months, Jared quit. Fortunately, Adam Marin Marone was ready to step in. Adam had been in a MISFITS tribute band for about six months before he joined. He was in his mid twenties and had been a RAMONES fan for over a decade. Larry, Andy, and Danny have been playing together since 2002. Adam joined in the summer of 2004 and learned 50 songs in less than a month. "It's easy to learn the songs when you've been listening to them for 10 years" Adam said. His first gig was the Strawberry Bowl Skate Jam pool contest where the Marones were the house band and played during the skateboard contest. Apparently the crowd of skate punks was too wild and the Strawberry Bowl Bash has been put on hold for several years now.Team Goon said, "These guys have the whole sound and vocals dialed in. If you close your eyes and just listen, it sounds like it's really the Ramones."The MARONES have enjoyed local succes by playing shows at CAESARS' TAHOE as well as local nightclubs all around Lake Tahoe, Sacramento, Reno, and Mammoth Mountain."We just love playing RAMONES songs. We get together one night a week and play 'em all. Maybe learn a couple. A lot of people don't get how romantic the RAMONES were. They were trying to write songs like the BEATLES 'I wanna hold your hand' as well as other 50's and 60's pop songs. They influenced everybody that came after them. There wouldn't be the SEX PISTOLS or the CLASH without the RAMONES. They never had a ..1 hit. I think they're more popular today than in their heyday. We miss them. We try to play just like they did.The MARONES use the RAMONES' January 7th, 1978 show in New York City as a reference. 1-2-3-4! everything and don't fool around between songs. RollingStone magazine called the RAMONES 'The most important band that never made it.' The MARONES are trying to keep rock & roll alive..... and drink for free."