The New York City punk band that released Rocket to Russia was the Ramones.
Released on 4 November 1977, Rocket to Russia was the Ramones’ third studio album and one of the defining records of early American punk. The band had emerged from New York’s underground scene, especially the clubs CBGB and Max’s Kansas City, where their short songs, stripped-down arrangements, and instantly recognizable stage identities made them pioneers.
The album includes several of the group’s best-known songs, including “Sheena Is a Punk Rocker,” “Rockaway Beach,” “Cretin Hop,” and “Teenage Lobotomy.” Its sound also revealed the Ramones’ affection for surf music, bubblegum pop, and 1960s rock and roll. Tony Bongiovi and Tommy Ramone were credited as producers, with Ed Stasium contributing heavily to the recording and engineering.
Rocket to Russia was the last Ramones album to feature original drummer Tommy Ramone as a performing member. He left touring in 1978 to focus on production. Although the album reached only No. 49 in the United States, it later became regarded as a classic of punk and pop-punk.