A tribute from MACHINERGY to the eternal RAMONES

Believe it or not, they are one of MACHINGERY major influences.

“I Don?t Care” from the RAMONES is the first version of a song from another band made by MACHINERGY. The choice of this song, the fact that only now they made a version and all the symbolism of this music and influence of RAMONES is explained by vocalist/guitarist Rui Vieira.

“This connection with RAMONES comes from the time we started the three (Rui, Helder and Nuno, current members of MACHINERGY) playing in our first project called MORTALHA. By that time (90/91), my uncle?s father offered me “It’s Alive”, purchased at the Feira da Ladra market in Lisbon. I think this album worked for all of us as the true definition of what rock n? roll is. Of all the songs on this double gatefold vinyl, “I Don?t Care” was the one that stood out and from there until we started playing it was a step. Looking back, “I Don?t Care” was the very first full song we rehearsed. This after entering in our life… the mighty power chord!”

“RAMONES is not as basic as it may seem. That downstroke picking and particular drumming for more than an hour was not for everyone. It’s a seminal influence, with all their energy and direct way regarding the music. I wonder how it must have been hearing that electric discharge at the time, how people felt, what they thought.”

“With this version, the first ever we do, of course we want to pay tribute to the RAMONES, who are of our age. And this of making versions has to be like a tattoo, it must have a meaning and logic and this song means a lot to us. We wanted to do something that would keep the original punk rock spirit, adding our brand and a heavy playing but not too extreme. We are deeply pleased how the version came out and it will be in our live setlist from now on, for sure. It will be a breath of fresh air in our very aggressive shows which will now have a more relaxing time.”