PHOTOSBilly Idol Rocks Ramones’ 50th Anniversary Tribute in Hollywood: See Photos From Star-Studded Performance
Billy Idol helped celebrate 50 years of the Ramones during a star-studded tribute at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
Sept. 8 2026, Published 2:11 p.m. ET
Billy Idol joined some of punk rock's biggest names for a star-studded celebration of the Ramones.
The 70-year-old rocker took the stage alongside Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong, Blink-182's Travis Barker, Rancid's Tim Armstrong and former Ramones bassist CJ Ramone at the Official Ramones 50th Anniversary Tribute on August 30 at Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles.
Billy Idol Joins the All-Star Band
Billy Idol joined Cretin Family, featuring members of Green Day, Blink-182 and Rancid, for the final songs of the night.
Idol was a special guest of Cretin Family, the supergroup formed by Billie Joe, Barker, Tim and CJ specifically for the celebration.
The "Rebel Yell" singer joined the musicians for the final three songs of the night, beginning with the Ramones classic "Beat on the Brat."
The performance had special significance for Idol, whose original band, Generation X, was heavily influenced by the Ramones and the punk movement they helped ignite.
Billy Idol Performs a Generation X Classic
Billy Idol revisited his own punk roots by performing Generation X's 'Ready Steady Go' during the Ramones celebration.
Idol also brought a piece of his own punk history to the stage.
The group performed "Ready Steady Go," a song originally recorded by Generation X, before turning their attention back to the band they were there to celebrate.
Idol remained onstage for the night's finale, joining Cretin Family and The Linda Lindas for a massive rendition of "Blitzkrieg Bop."
Billie Joe Armstrong and Travis Barker Team Up
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Billie Joe Armstrong revealed the Ramones tribute marked his first time he had ever performed alongside Travis Barker.
The tribute marked a notable first for two of the night's biggest performers: Billie Joe revealed it was the first time he had ever played with Barker.
The Green Day frontman was also thrilled to share the stage with CJ, who played bass for the Ramones from 1989 until the group disbanded in 1996.
Billie Joe previously praised the Ramones' lasting impact, declaring that the band's "spirit" remains alive everywhere from backyard punk shows to major festivals.
The Linda Lindas and Fred Armisen Join the Celebration
The Linda Lindas were among the special guests who joined the all-star lineup for several Ramones classics.
Idol wasn't the only surprise guest to get in on the action.
The Linda Lindas joined Cretin Family for "California Sun" and "I Wanna Be Sedated" while Fred Armisen made an appearance during "Danny Says." Green Day touring musician Jason Freese also added saxophone to "Do You Remember Rock 'n' Roll Radio?"
Together, the rotating group of musicians powered through a 19-song set packed with Ramones favorites, including "Sheena Is a Punk Rocker," "Rockaway Beach" and "Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment."
The Ramones Celebrate 50 Years
Billy Idol and the all-star lineup honored the Ramones five decades after the legendary punk band's debut album was released.
The sold-out event marked 50 years since the release of the Ramones' self-titled debut album in 1976 and took place at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, where Dee Dee Ramone is buried and a memorial to Johnny Ramone stands.
John Travolta hosted the celebration, which also included a DJ set from Shepard Fairey and a double-feature screening of Carrie and Travolta's Propeller One-Way Night Coach. Proceeds from the event supported cancer research at the Ellison Institute.
The anniversary arrives as the Ramones prepare for another major honor: the legendary punk group has been named to the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2027.
