The Ramones released their debut single, “Blitzkrieg Bop,” in 1976.
Sire Records issued the single in April 1976, shortly before the band’s self-titled debut album appeared. The song was written mainly by Tommy Ramone and Dee Dee Ramone, with its famous “Hey! Ho! Let’s go!” chant giving it one of punk’s most recognizable openings.
“Blitzkrieg Bop” was not a major chart hit on its first release, but it became a defining song of early New York punk. Its concise structure, fast tempo, repeated chorus, and basic three-chord approach made it an enduring entry point into the genre.
A common mix-up is confusing the single’s release with the album’s release. Both arrived in 1976, but the single preceded the Ramones’ debut LP. The song later became strongly associated with sports crowds, films, advertising, and the band’s lasting influence on punk and rock.