What was the first single released by the Ramones?

The first single released by the Ramones was 'Blitzkrieg Bop.'

Released in February 1976, the single introduced the New York band with its compact two-chord attack, pounding rhythm, and instantly memorable 'Hey! Ho! Let's go!' chant. It was issued with 'Havana Affair' as the B-side and preceded the Ramones' self-titled debut album, which arrived in April 1976.

The song was mainly written by drummer Tommy Ramone, while bassist Dee Dee Ramone contributed lyrics and the title. The composition was originally called 'Animal Hop.' Tommy developed the opening chant after hearing the catchy vocal pattern in the Bay City Rollers' 1973 hit 'Saturday Night'; other lyrical and musical ideas were reshaped during the band's early rehearsals.

Although 'Blitzkrieg Bop' did not become a major chart hit at the time, it became the Ramones' signature song and one of punk's defining recordings. The title combines the German term for a rapid military attack with 'bop,' a word associated with dance music. It is commonly confused with later Ramones singles such as 'Sheena Is a Punk Rocker' and 'Teenage Lobotomy,' but those came afterward.