Gabba Gabba Hey!

Mandy Stein premieres her new film on the third anniversary of Johnny Ramone's death.

By Nick Haramis

Filmmaker Mandy Stein was born into the world of rock. Her father Seymour, a prolific music producer and the founder of Sire Records, signed acts like the Ramones, Talking Heads, and someone called Madonna. Her mother, Linda, managed the Ramones. In keeping with her legacy then, the younger Stein has directed Too Tough to Die: A Tribute to Johnny Ramone, a film that celebrates the 30th anniversary concert tribute to Johnny and the boys. Her documentary features candid interviews with everyone from Debbie Harry and Kim Gordon to Nicolas Cage and Rob Zombie. The film airs on September 15 at 10 p.m. on Starz Cinema. Below Stein chats about drugs, CBGB, and the time she might have wet her pants.

BLACKBOOK: What did the Ramones mean to you, personally?
MANDY STEIN: The Ramones' music was the soundtrack to my life. I wasn't very close with them, in fact I was scared of them. I remember going to CBGB when my Mom was still managing the band and Johnny asked my mom, "What the fuck did you bring your kids here for?" I was only three and I'm pretty sure I peed my pants a little.

BB: What made CBGB such an inspiring place to perform? Describe your typical night there.
MS: There was no "typical night" there. That's what was so cool about the place. I mean, in one week I saw the last hardcore matinee, three nights of Bad Brains, Blondie, the Dictators—need I go on?

BB: The music, scene, and crowd has changed so much since the heyday of the Ramones. Do you think we've lost some sort of collective spark?
MS: Maybe we should all start taking drugs again. Rock 'n' roll has lost all of its danger. There just aren't as many interesting bands being developed on the mean streets of MySpace.

BB: When you were growing up, when did you first realize that the people your parents worked with were huge stars?
MS: I was always asked, “Could you introduce me to so and so?” or, “Can you get me tickets to this show?” It was pretty annoying. I went away to boarding school and wanted a fresh start so I told people my dad was Sy Sperling, the President of the Hair Club For Men. You know, the guy who’s not just the president but a member too.

BB: Did your background sort of determine your career path from the get-go?
MS: Making documentary films was something I sort of happened upon. I read this great article in Spin by Mike Rubin about a record label in Mississippi called Fat Possum. The way he wrote made me want to see it for myself. That trip turned into my first film, You See Me Laughin’. I had no training. Never used a camera, so I thought it would be my first and only film. I got bit hard by the bug and haven’t stopped.

BB: Is it intimidating at all getting behind the camera to discuss music with some of the biggest names in rock?
MS: All of the musicians in the film made it very easy and comfortable. They all wanted to talk about the Ramones. This is one of my favorite bands—to learn more about them and hear these amazing stories was incredibly exciting.

BB: Growing up, your friends probably turned to rock and punk to rebel against, well, everything. Did you have to look elsewhere to vent your teen angst?
MS: My rebellion was listening to Glen Campbell. Or maybe my rebellion was to not rebel?

BB: Describe a memorable encounter you had with Johnny Ramone.
MS: Johnny didn’t really ever speak to me. I asked him if I could shoot the 30th anniversary and he said no. Luckily he changed his mind.

BB: Where do you plan to turn your camera next?
MS: I’m focused on completing the CBGB film, but I sneak away as much as possible to shoot with the Bad Brains. Being with Doc, Darryl, HR, and Earl is the most fun I’ve had on a film to date. I can’t wait to meet up with them again—L.A., Europe, Chicago, tour bus, the blessings, all that.