COPYRIGHT: JARI-PEKKA LAITIO-RAMONE.
LATEST NEWS UPDATED: DECEMBER 1, 2024
GENERAL RAMONES NEWS
JOEY * JOHNNY * DEE DEE * TOMMY * MARKY * RICHIE * CJ
HERE IS LINK TO CENTER PAGE OF GENERAL RAMONES NEWS ARCHIVE AND ARCHIVE OF NEWS
RELATED TO RAMONES MEMBERS BY JARI-PEKKA LAITIO-RAMONE: 1996-2008.
JOEY * JOHNNY * DEE DEE * TOMMY * MARKY * RICHIE * CJ
HERE IS LINK TO CENTER PAGE OF GENERAL RAMONES NEWS ARCHIVE AND ARCHIVE OF NEWS RELATED TO RAMONES MEMBERS BY JARI-PEKKA LAITIO-RAMONE: 1996-2008.
- Mark Leadon created a new book titled Cretin Family: A History Of The
Ramones Through Their Tribute Bands Worldwide. It got published on
October 9, 2024. Richie Ramone wrote a foreword. Leadon lives in London,
UK. He contacted a lot of Ramones tribute bands worldwide that pay
homage to the Ramones. This manuscript information will be drawn from
across the globe, referencing facts about the Ramones using examples
from every country the Ramones toured.
This book draws from global sources, offering facts about the Ramones
tours and local venues, highlighting information often lost to fans. As
the stories unfold, new narratives about the group emerge, revealing the
Ramones colossal legacy. 
- I will explain now especially of Nick Cooper and his three books I
'Heartbreak' The Ramones - The Life And Times Of The
SpeedKings, Vergaene Glorie and Anarchist Anonymous and Marky Ramone
And The SpeedKings. Order books and other releases here: www.
hapmusicandbook.store/en You can also send an E-mail to Nick:
info (a) heartbreakramones.com .
- There is a memorial event for Johnny Ramone at the
Hollywood Forever Cemetery in LA, USA on June 2, 2024. It was
sold-out weeks before the event. There is
performing project band Cretin Commandos that is featuring Tim
Armstrong (Rancid, ex-Operation Ivy), CJ Ramone, Billy Idol, Fred
Armisen and some surprise guests. DJ is Shepard Fairey. Gates open at
6PM, Cretin Commandos starts at 7.15PM and then is Pulp Fiction (movie)
30th anniversary deluxe screeing presened by actor John Travolta. 
- Jeffrey Ross Hyman became Joey Ramone in 1974. Now his brother Mickey
Leigh celebrate 50th years of Joey Ramone when he organize Joey Ramone
Birthday Bash on May 19, 2024. Mickey (and also earlier mother Charlotte
Lesher) is organized Birthday Bash every year since 2001. 
- Joey Ramone's etc. friend Jesse Malin (solo artist, ex-D Generation,
co-owner of The Bowery Electric bar etc.) was
diagnosed with a complete spinal injury in May, 2023. Jesse got
paralyzed from the waist down and now (December, 2023) he is undergoing
a strict daily rehabilitation in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Here's link to
make an donation for
him. The Estate of
Joey Ramone (Joey's brother Mickey Leigh etc.) donated several items
owned by or worn by Joey Ramone for auction to benefit Jesse Malin's
recovery. Also there is poster and vinyl bundle donated by
Mickey. Bundle was not owned by Joey. Profits support the Jesse
Malin Fund at Sweet Relief. Auctions ends in December 21.
- Dee Dee Ramone's ex-wife Vera Ramone King auctioned a lot of her
Dee Dee related items through Julien's Auctions. Auctions took place in
Nashville, USA, on November 17-18, 2023. Registration was required to
bid
in this live auction. The acclaimed auction house amassed over one 1000
items owned and used by people like Dee Dee, Slash from Guns N'Roses,
Kirk Hammett of Metallica, Kurt Cobain of Nirvana, Bono of U2, Johnny
Rotten of Sex Pistols, Janis Joplin, Eric Clapton, Elvis Presley and
Frank Zappa. Auction had a title Played, Worn, & Torn: Rock 'N' Roll
Iconic Guitars And Memorabilia.
- Andrew "Andy" Gore aka Andrew D. Gore and Johnny Ramone became
good friends in 1980's. Andy is one of those (there are not
so many) whom Johnny mentions in Thanks To listing in his book
Commando - The Autobiography Of Johnny Ramone. Andy Gore sold
many items from his collection at the Rrauctions.com. An initial bids
had to be placed by June 22, 2023, at 6:00 PM EDT. I promoted auctions
three weeks before they ended and now I also want to mention what were
final prices etc. There were for example gifts Andy Gore got from the
Ramones members and stage-used items he got. 
- I am really happy that Joey Ramone's brother Mickey Leigh keeps Joey
Ramone Birthday Bashes going on. World lost Joey Ramone 22 years ago on
April 15, 2001. Mickey has organized the Joey Ramone Birthday Bash every
year after that on May 19. The Joey Ramone Birthday Bash was now next to
Joey Ramone Place street sign at The Bowery Electric on May 19, 2023.
Mickey informed me on May 10 that the event is sold-out.
- Record Store
Day (RSD) is an annual event inaugurated in 2007. It supports
thousands of independent record stores around the world. There
is one Ramones related Record Store Day release on April 22, 2023. It is
titled Pleasant Dreams -New York Sessions (140g yellow vinyl). Quantity:
7500 copies. Release feature alternative artwork found in the Warner
Library (see in right). 
- Seymour Stein was born on April 18, 1942, into an Orthodox Jewish
family in the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn. Seymour died at age 80 in
Los Angeles on April 2, 2023. The Ramones, Madonna, Dead Boys and
Talking Heads are among of bands which signed their first record deal
with Seymoir Stein (Sire Records) in 1970-80's. He co-founded Sire
Records and was vice president of Warner Bros. Records. Seymour
is also man who introduced and took the Cure, Depeche Mode and the
Smiths to the music market area in the USA.
- Mosrite 70th Anniversary Super Bash was on January 28, 2023. Jiro
Okabe was main man behind of this event. He was owner of Mosrite
Guitars. That night (70th event) Jiro Okabe played together with
singer-bassist CJ Ramone, drummer Clem Burke (aka Elvis Ramone) and
guitarist Alex Kane. Venue was Maui Sugar Mill Saloon. Address: 18389
Ventura Blvd, Tarzana, CA 91356, USA. 
- Elvis Presley was Johnny Ramone's favorite artist. Elvis' only child
Lisa Marie Presley became Johnny Ramone's close friend. That is why I
want to make an update of Lisa Marie passing away on January 12, 2023.
Lisa Marie was rushed to a hospital after experiencing cardiac arrest at
her home in Calabasas, California, USA. She reportedly was brain dead on
arrival at hospital. She died from a second cardiac arrest suffered
while she was in hospital, and passed away after the family signed a 'do
not resuscitate' order. 
- There is coming out Ramones I Sverige book in
Sweden in October 26, 2022. It is in Swedish. Publisher is Premium
Publishing. Book concentrates to Ramones shows and activities in
Sweden. There are no information or listing of solo activities Ramones
members played in Sweden etc.
- Joey Ramone Birthday Bash is this year (2022) with live audience.
Because of coronavirus Joey Ramone Birthday Bash was virtual event in
2020 and 2021. Memorial event is annual on his birthday on May 19. We
lost Joey on April 15, 2001, and first memorial Birthday Bash was 20
years ago on May 19, 2001.
- There is one Record Store Day in 2022: April 23. There is one Ramones
related Record Store Day (RSD) release. It is titled Ramones: The
Sire Albums (1981-1989). It is a seven LP box set of albums Pleasant
Dreams
(1981), Subterranean Jungle (1983), Too Tough To Die (1984), Animal Boy
(1986), Halfway To Sanity (1987) and Brain Drain (1989) and a neon pink
splatter vinyl LP of rarities. All albums are pressed on vinyl for the
first time since their original release. Presented in a numbered
slipcase with a sticker sheet included. Quantity: 10 000 copies.
- Respected BBC journalist and David Bowie (1947-2016) author Tom Hagler
composed and wrote together with a consultant editor Tony Visconti book
We Could Be... Bowie And His Heroes (Octopus Books). After Hagler's
exhaustively work Bowie's life is told on it through 300 of his meetings
and experiences with cultural icons / bands / other: from Bob Dylan to
Dali, John
Lennon, Slash and Axl Rose of Guns'n'Roses, Iggy Pop, Lou Reed, David
Byrne, Tom Verlaine, Alice Cooper, Marc Bolan, John Lydon, Prince, Tony
Blair, Ozzy Osbourne, Aretha Franklin, Annie Lennox... Hagler did a huge
amount of work. And excellent way. 
- Ramones producer Daniel Rey auctioned in September, 2021, in RR Auction off 27
items from his collection of Ramones and punk stuff including Johnny
Ramone's Mosrite Ventures II that was Johnny's main guitar. Read more
here.
- Saturday October 2, 2021, there is at 2-6PM at the Metropolis
Vintage store in Manhattan, New York a show of vintage Ramones,
Cramps and Clash T-shirts. Address is 803 Broadway, New York, 10003
USA. All T-shirts
are from Richard Colligan's collection. There are more than 100 Ramones
T-shirts. There are many rare tour T-shirts from 80's and promotional
T-shirts. One is Dee Dee King T-shirt. Colligan is the owner of
Metropolis Vintage store.
- Ramones producer Daniel Rey auctioned in RR Auction off 27 items from his
collection of Ramones and punk stuff including Johnny Ramone's Mosrite
Ventures II that was Johnny's main guitar. To back side of guitar
Johnny had written: "My main guitar, 1977-1996". Guitar was sold for
750 000 US$ but because of auction fee (25 %), taxes etc. buyer
need to pay around 937,500 US$. The winning bidder wishes to remain
anonymous.
- Dee Dee Ramone would have celebrated his 70th birthday on September
18, 2021. Dee Dee was born on September 18, 1951, in Fort Lee,
Virginia, USA. As all of you knows, Dee Dee is a founding member of the
Ramones and another main songwriter. His last official Ramones gig was
on July 5, 1989 in Santa Clara, USA. But Dee Dee made a guest
appearance at the last Ramones show
held at The Palace in Los Angeles, USA on August 6, 1996.
- There are two Ramones related records in Record Store Days (RSD) in
June-July, 2021. A limited edition pink and black splatter vinyl edition
of Joey Ramone's first solo album Don't Worry About Me (2002) was
published as a Record Store Day release on June 12, 2021 to celebrate
what would have been Joey's 70th birthday. His 70th birthday was on May
19, 2021. Pink and black splatter vinyl edition was limited to 2500
copies worldwide. There are no any bonus material etc. Label BMG.
- From time to time there are also special items of the Ramones in
RR Auction. Now there were some items from CJ Ramone's collection. And
as well Ramones fan Bobby Martel sold in RR Auction many items from his
collection. Auctions ended on June 24, 2021. I also told of those
auctions in
advance. I do update some information of prices for how much some items
were sold for. Links were working below worked at least on July 2,
2021.
- Walter Lure died on August 22, 2020, at the age of 71, from
complications arising from liver and lung cancer. Read details of his
Walter Lure Memorial Celebration below after introduction text.
- I was happy to watch 72 minutes long Gabba Gabba Fest Vol. 3 video
from YouTube. It is a compilation of bands covering Ramones songs
and there are also some cover versions of songs that Ramones members
released
as a solo. Also short greetings in this video tells Richie Ramone, Marky
Ramone and Ramones tour manager Monte A. Melnick. 
- Finnish guitarist god Alexi Laiho died due to complications from
unspecified "long-term health issues" in late December 2020. Date is
not confirmed. He was only 41 years old. Singer-guitarist Alexi Laiho
and drummer Jaska Raatikainen founded Children Of Bodom (name was first
IneartheD) in 1993. Children Of Bodom became famous melodic death metal
band and they sold some million records. Alexi Laiho received widespread
acclaim for his guitar work. In 2009, Laiho was voted the best metal
guitarist in the world by the readers of Guitar World magazine.
- Marky Ramone posted on November 15, 2020, to his Facebook page photo
of it that I Wanna Be Sedated has been certified platinum as a single.
Marky got certificate so late (November 2020)? Certification date was
already two years earlier in the USA on November 9, 2018. Almost all
countries follow variations of the RIAA certification categories, which
are named after precious materials (gold, platinum and diamond), and
also RIAA has on their site a date November 9, 2018. So I Wanna Be
Sedated has been
certified platinum as a single song then in the USA. It was first
published on the album Road To Ruin (1978). 
- Jenny Lens certainly has one of the most prolific and important photo
archives of punk's earliest days in California / West Coast, USA. You
can find her fantastic photos for example from her site Punk Pioneers (buy
photos here). Now Jenny
Lens is creating a Punk Pioneers Podcast And
Photos series. You can enjoy exclusive audio, photos and video of
Ramones, Blondie, Clash, Germs, Go-Go's, Joan Jett, the Masque, X
etc. Jenny found new wave and punk scene already in late 1975/ early
1976.
- Because of coronavirus there is no permission to organise
live music events in New York in May 2020 (and for many months ahead).
So 2020 is first year when there is no Joey Ramone Birthday Bash for
live audience on May 19, after we lost Joey Ramone on April 15, 2001.
Joey's brother Mickey Leigh announced in early May that he will
organise Joey Ramone VIRTUAL Birthday Bash on May 19, 2020. Birthday
Bash is a memorial event to Joey on his birthday (May 19). This is 19th
Joey Ramone Birthday Bash.
- Peter Åstedt from Sweden informed me that he release on Cashbox radio
show sound version of interview he did with Dee Dee Ramone
in Örebro, Sweden in 2001. Radio interview is aired in May
12, 14, 16 and 17 (18), 2020. See flyer in right.
Walter Lure has really interesting background. My third book Ramones: Soundtrack Of Our
Lives has
really special interview with Walter Lure. In that book for the first
time Walter Lure, the guitarist from Johnny Thunders &
The Heartbreakers and singer-guitarist of The Waldos, openly talks about
the extensive role he played during recording sessions on the three of
the Ramones studio albums. The Ramones never made mention of him
playing guitar for them on the album liner notes. He also give some
wonderful memories about the Ramones members and visiting Johnny
Ramone and Johnny's wife Linda. Read more here.
(April 7, 2020)
- It is now one year since extremely sad news
arrived. East Village and New York (USA) lost then something special
again. The Continental was one of the most important
punk venues in late 1990's and early 2000's. Continental's owner
Trigger told in December 2018 that he had to close Continental. There
was Adios Amigos -
The Last Night Of The Continental event on December 15, 2018. DJ's,
hosts and guests included Lenny Kaye (Patti Smith Group etc.), Jesse
Malin (D-Generation, Bellvue, solo etc.), Michael T, Randy Jones
(Village People), Sandy Darling, The Groovy Babes, Jonas Young-Bora,
Steve Lewis, Noel Ashman and Vito Bruno. 
- Ramones' It's Alive is one of most influential live album in music
history. It was recorded at the Rainbow Theatre in London, UK, on
December 31, 1977, and released in April 1979 as a 2-LP set. Tommy
Ramone and Ed Stasium were producers. It was first released on CD only
in 1995.
- I want to tell of two versions of the Ramones song Rockaway Beach.
First about the version performed by the kids and then about the version
by The Beach Boys' Mike Love.
and on the album the final track is a cover of Rockaway Beach. 
- Joey Ramone's brother Mickey Leigh and punk chronicler Legs McNeil
wrote for many years authorized bio of the Joey called I Slept With Joey
Ramone: A Family Memoir. Official release date of original version
in English was on December 1st, 2009.
- Official Joey Ramone Birthday Bash by Joey's brother Mickey Leigh is at
the Heaven Can Wait music venue and lounge in The East Village, NYC,
USA on May 19, 2022. There is Joey's memorial event also this year in
Moscow, Russia on May 19, 2022. Event is at the Lomakov Museum Of Oldtimer
Cars And Motorcycles and it starts at 7PM. Probably 95-100% of Russian
punkrockers hates what Putin and Russia are doing in Ukraine now in
2022. Like Kerosin played at Peace, Love, Acoustic Fest just few weeks after
Russia had attacked to Ukraine.
- Official Joey Ramone Birthday Bash by Joey's brother Mickey Leigh will
be streamed on Joeyramone.com on May 19, 2021.
- Brent "Aldo" Alden of False Alarm etc. has been active in underground
scene in Los Angeles, USA, already around 40 years. He is known for
example as the bass player of LA punk band False Alarm. False Alarm
started in 1982. Fat Mike of NOFX played in early False Alarm line-up.
Band broke up few times and started again. Now False Alarm is not
active.
. Johnny only plays on Good
Rockin' Tonight and Viva Las Vegas in that album. Songs were recorded in
July 1999. Viva Las Vegas is instrumental. Lemmy Kilmister sings on Good
Rockin' Tonight. Main men on the Swing Cats
project were: Danny B. Harvey (guitar); Lee Rocker (acoustic bass, The
Stray Cats); Slim Jim (drums, The Stray Cats).
Here are few comments by Danny B. Harvey who plays bass on Swing
Cats: Special Tribute to Elvis album.
- Overground
Records (United Kingdom) started in 1988. Owners were inspired to
reissue a few punk rock classics. This record label did publish great
Dee Dee Ramone 10' vinyl titled Dee Dee Ramone: The Deadline Demos on
June 26, 2020. Release is limited of 400 copies. 
- Certainly one of greatest tribute songs in the last five years to any
Ramones member is created now by the Hybrid
Children. Action rock band
did release a new album after 11 years. New album is titled Where Pub
Roses Grow (label Bunny Duck Rubber Company) and the second song on it
is titled Dee Dee's Always Home. You can see a video of Dee
Dee tribute song here. There are texts written in video. 
- May 4, 2018, Tommy Ramone's (RIP 2014) final show as a Ramones drummer
was at Johnny Blitz benefit event at CBGB's in New York, USA on May 4,
1978. So now it is 40 years of it (that day when I make this update). I
did many interviews with Tommy Ramone especially to my 3rd book
Ramones: Soundtrack
Of Our Lives. My 2nd book
Rock In Peace: Dee Dee And Joey Ramone is
sold-out. These questions are from it. 
- Marky Ramone, excellent and official Italian Ramones tribute band
Wardogs
and Italian DJ and punkrocker Andrea Rock created together
Pet Sematary / I Don't Want To Grow Up 12' maxiEP / digital release
for charity. 
- Marky Ramone's signature printed motorcycle shoulder bag was released
in 2020.
Bag is a collaboration product Marky did with the Tripp NYC and
legendary
Trash And
Vaudeville.
- Ronnie Simmons is an Australian-born, Los Angeles and Australian
based, guitarist. Ronnie rocked in Richie Ramone's band few years and
possibly also in future. Ronnie Simmons' first show in Richie Ramone's
band was on April 22, 2016. After him guitarist was first Glenn Gilbert
and in
latest tour guitarist in late 2023 was Txory Goni.
- World lost drummer Chris Moye who played in Richie Ramone's band more
than 3,5 years. His fiancee Morgan Miller confirmed me in late December
that Chris passed away in Katy, Texas on December 26, 2023. She wrote
me that Chris was born on July 5, 1985. So world lost Chris at the age
of 38. He played also in other bands like Spunk. Also Chris had
played a show only some hours before he died.
- Richie Ramone completed a digital and 7' single: Not
Afraid / Cry Little Sister in spring 2022. More details here. Richie
did show to me and Pia video of Cry Little Sister
song in Edinburgh, UK, in September, 2022. World premiere of video is
on YouTube on October 31, 2022 (Halloween night). Check out
really cool video here. Richie Ramone is on it
Vampire King. That is also official video for the film Protege Moi.
Release date of Protege Moi is also October 31, 2022.
- Richie Ramone is one actor in Friday The 13th Vengeance 2: Bloodlines
horror movie (2022, Newton To Newton Productions). 
- Richie Ramone recently completed a new digital and 7' single: Not
Afraid / Cry Little Sister. Outro Records
published it along with a cover of Cry Little Sister (from the
movie Protege Moi). Check out video of song
here.
- Richie Ramone is one guest at the New Jersey Horror Con and Film
Festival on November 12-14, 2021. Event is at the Showboat Hotel.
Address is 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, USA. He was asked to
New Jersey Horror Con and Film Festival event as a member of the Ramones
and because of Cabin Fever 2. Richie Ramone's version of Somebody Put
Something In My Drink is in the Cabin Fever 2: Spring Fever movie and
soundtrack. 
- YouthQuake is a family film adventure rooted in Greek Mythology and
wrapped in the challenges and conflicts of modern day politics and
religion. Casting began in January, 2021, Richie Ramone star in this
family film adventure. YouthQuake filming started in late March,
2021.
- Richie Ramone is doing a new record... I (Jari-Pekka Laitio-Ramone)
got an excellent surprise call. Richie Ramone called me for 20 minutes
as he wanted to gongralute me of 25th Anniversary of my site Ramonesheaven.com. We spoke of
many things.
and told it is a fun
flick! It is directed by Robbie Lopez. It is 70 minutes long. Background
details tells: "Join Richie Ramone from the iconic punk band The Ramones
as he is stuck in a small town surrounded by hillbillies, flesh eating
trolls, a obsessed waitress, a goofy Sheriff and Deputy with itchy
trigger finger."
- There was Virtual Joey Ramone Birthday Bash on May 19, 2020. Because
of coronavirus there were no permission to organize live music event in
New York in May 2020 (and for many months ahead that is forbidden).
and Tonight
.
They were recorded circa 1979-1980. In his
book Richie for example mention following of Miller:
or from
Amazon.co.uk
. (Updated: June 23, 2020)
- Richie Ramone was going to tour with his band in Europe in
March-April,
2020. There were dates in Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Czech
Republic, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Bulgaria, Croatia,
Switzerland and Spain.
Ben Wah Reagan played rhythm guitar and drums in Richie's
band for many years, like already in 2012. They had tour in the USA in
October 2018. Ben Wah Reagan played in seven shows
in that tour. Then Andy Kaos Vehnekamp played in last eight shows in
that tour in October 2018.
- Los Wezos is a band from Buenos Aires, Argentina. They released album
named El Principio Del Final in September, 2019. Richie Ramone does play
drums in four songs on it. Album has 12 songs and Richie drums in
Fuerzas Para Aguantar, Mala Religion, Perdedor and El Principio Del
Final. You can also hear his voice and hand clapping
in few songs in album. El Principio Del Final is around 20 minutes long
and it has high-octane and catchy punkrock songs with great and
positive attitude. You can
listen album here. It does not
matter if you do not understand Spanish (songs are in Spanish). See
more photos and information
here.
- There is a cool mini festival at the Foro Indie Rocks in Mexico City,
Mexico on Februay 23-24, 2024. Event named Treasure Club International -
A Two Day Pop Up Of NYC's Treasure Club has many bands, artists, DJ's
etc. Main band of first day (February 23) is CJ Ramone & The Fast
Movers. Other bands that night are Promiseland, Gnarcissists and Flasyd.
Fran Healy of Travis is main artist in second day. 
- After years of planning and tireless collaboration from the punk
collective, The
Punk Rock Museum opened its doors on April 1, 2023. It
is located in Las Vegas in Nevada, USA. The Punk Rock Museum houses
inclusive and intimate display of artifacts, fliers, photos, clothing,
instruments, handwritten lyrics, artwork, and just about everything else
donated by the people and bands who were there. You can see there of
course also a lot Ramones related items.
- Jiro Okabe's album Return Of The Kamikazi got published in 2014. Read
more of it
here. Now there is coming out his new album.
- Jiro Okabe has recorded his second solo album titled My Revolution
with his friends. CJ Ramone and Clem Burke (aka Elvis Ramone) played in
his solo album titled Return Of The Kamikazi (2014) and they do also
play in this second one. As well Jiro and CJ wrote two songs together.
As well Ramones' producer Daniel Rey is among of musicians in this
upcoming album. I asked situation of My Revolution album from Jiro Okabe
in late June, 2020.
- Great and famous label Fat Wreck Chords released new
7' single by CJ Ramone on December 7th, 2018. A two-song release
was available digitally and on 7'vinyl .