MY TRIP TO NEW YORK TO THE JOEY RAMONE BIRTHDAY BASH IN MAY 2006: PAGE 6

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Copyright. 2006 -> Jari-Pekka Laitio-Ramone

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We didn't got chance to go to the Joey's grave in Sunday as I was planned together with Diane and Lynne. I had got some extra things to do in Sunday and didn't got in time to Diane's hotel where we were going to meet. It was better to decide to go to the Joey's grave in Monday. I and Diane were discussing few hours at her hotel room and doing plans. Also I went to buy already some roses etc. to Joey's grave. Diane didn't got her make-up finished in time and she didn't got chance to come together with me to the Arturo Vega's house. I met with David in front of Arturo's apartment at 5PM. Arturo just came from a democratic awards ceremony where he won an award for the value and interest that he has provided the community around CBGB (the East Village). Arturo was in good and smily mood. Sadly Linda couldn't come to the interview because she was got a food poisonous. Arturo asked me to leave questions for him and he would give questions to Linda. I and David were thinking few more questions. Arturo also read and liked of them. I had next interview at 7PM and then I headed to the Madison Hotel. Later I decided with Diane that she's gonna be ready at 12 in next day.

In early Monday Lynne called me and I also confirmed with her plans of going to Joey's grave that day. I and Lynne met at Chelsea Savoy Hotel around noon and we went to Diane's room. It took 2,5 extra hours Diane to get ready. We found our way pretty nicely to Joey's grave. During the trip from bus station to Lyndhurst we also saw lovely view and Diane told to Lynne that Joey can see similar view also from his grave. I wanted to get something sweet to eat together with Joey, I bought ice-cream and cheese croissant. I like to have small brunch together with Joey. Just sit down and discuss with him mentally. This was first time when Lynne visited Joey's grave. Lynne got really emotional when she saw first time Joey's grave and of course that was really understandable. I took her around of my arms while she was crying.

Joey's mother Charlotte said to me in Friday that they doesn't visit Joey's gravesite in May 19. Even because of that fact it was a bit sad that there was no in Joey's grave any flowers. But luckily after our visit it changed. Diane was chose more flowers to take to Joey's grave. There were after our visit pink peonies, red roses, lavendar daises and purple bachelor buttons. We also planted texas bluebonnets. Some flowers we put to the grave of Joey's father Noel, it's next to Joey's grave. Diane also had with her lovely items, pink feathered Indian dream catcher, purple and pink beaded butterflies and purple stuffed xoxoxo bear. I left again my second book Rock I Peace: Dee Dee And Joey Ramone and I wrote for it text: "Dearest Joey, I came here again and it was so important to spend time with You. To feel how You're feeling. Many people came together with me here mentally to say honest, beautiful comments, memories, thanks for You. Love You, Jari-Pekka Laitio-Ramone, Finland."

From Jimmy Webb of Trash And Vaudeville store we brought with us Trash And Vaudeville T-shirt to the grave. So in previous years there was been flowers when I was visited Joey. But not now when we arrived, even of course there were items by fans like blue rock with text: "Joey lives", many other rocks with texts by people (for example from someone called Amy and Brian), lot guitar picks (for example from Alexia, Athens, Greece) and two cuffs from May 19, 2006 show, coins from Europe.... On May 19, 2006, Yoko from Japan was wrote to her card: .Happy birthday Joey! Your songs helps our lives everyday.... etc. and Debbie from Massachuttes to Rocket To Russia card: "To Joey, Dee Dee and Johnny in heaven forever. Happy birthday Joey. Thank you for the 22 years of great music. You all are missed and thank you Mickey and Charlotte for a great Joey Ramone Birthday Bash. See you next year."

We all were taking photos and I and Lynne were also videotaping some of those our moments at the close of Joey. We got back to the Manhattan around 6.30 and then I called Richie Stotts. We decided to meet at one subway station in Brooklyn. I went there by taxi together with Diane and Lynne. Lynne had in hurry and then I met with Richie together with Diane. We headed into his house and after we opened some beers, he played to us song by him and Joey...: Rock And Roll Is The Answer. It was unreleased song made originally by him and Joey in 1984. It was so magical to listen it. Richie was really friendly and down-to-earth guy. Diane was got chance to see The Plasmatics in early 1980's and Diane told of that experience also to him. Richie did show to us also some photos of him and Joey and he had great ideas to the new photos we got then. Richie's girlfriend Carla arrived and it was good to see with her second time.

During this trip I also for example went to see Cheetah Chrome playing at the Continental and of course it was great to hear Dead Boys songs etc. I as well visited with David Coney Island amusement park and Italian pizzeria where Ramones members used to visit. I did also there small interview. There.s in that pizzeria autographed Ramones photo. I stopped in Amsterdam, Holland when I was returning back to Finland. There I had a meeting with Bram van Schaik who is really great journalist. I and Bram has known each other many years but that was our first meeting.


- End -

Text and most of the photos by: Jari-Pekka Laitio-Ramone


THIS IS PAGE 6 (LAST PAGE)
GO BACK TO PAGE 5.
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