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The Ramones are still one of the most well-known punk bands in history and for good reason. Although elements of punk were appearing in garage rock throughout the ’60s, The Ramones are often considered the first true completely punk rock band. They didn’t receive much commercial success in their early years, but they came to be one of the most important bands in rock ‘n’ roll paving the way for punk bands to follow into the future.

On March 18th 2002, exactly 20 years ago, The Ramones were rightfully recognized for their contributions to rock and punk when they were officially inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Dee Dee, Johnny, Joey, Tommy, and Marky were the members specifically named. Each member gave a brief speech thanking each other, their fans, and President Bush.  Green Day, a band heavily influenced by The Ramones, performed a tribute of Ramones’ songs including “Teenage Lobotomy”, “Rockaway Beach”, and “Blitzkrieg Bop.”

The induction ceremony would be one of Dee Dee Ramone’s final appearances as he died of a heroin overdose on June 5th, 2002.

Watch The Ramones perform live at The Rainbow in 1977 here: