Artist Spotlight : The Ramones (1974 - 1996)

The Ramones were formed in 1974 by John Cummings, Jeffrey Hyman, Douglas Colvin, and Thomas Erdelyi. At Colvins suggestion the band mates changed their names. Jeffrey Hyman became Joey Ramone, Douglas Colvin became Dee Dee Ramone, Thomas Erdelyi became Tommy Ramone, John Cummings became Johnny Ramone.

Dee Dee was originally the lead singer, but handed the reins over to Joey, when he found he couldnt sing and play bass at the same time. Joey also found he couldnt play Drums and sing so he vacated the drums and Tommy who was supposed to be the bands manager became their drummer. Johnny rounded out the original line up as lead guitarist.

In 1978, Tommy tired of touring vacated the drums and Marc Bell took the position taking the name Marky. Marky was with them until 1983 when his addiction to alcohol took its toll and got him fired from the band. Richard Reinhardt replaced Marky and took the name Richie Ramone. Richie would be with the band for 3 albums and leave in 1987, reportedly due to a dispute that he was not being paid anything from the bands T-shirt sales. Clem Burke, formerly of Blondie, took the name of Elvis Ramone and played two shows before being fired from the band. It was at this point that Marky Ramone returned to the band and would stay with them until the bands break up in 1996. One more departure would bring a new bandmate into the band. Dee Dee decided to leave the band in 1989. This brought in a new Bassist. Christopher J. Ward became known as C.J. Ramone and would be the bands bassist for their remaining years.

August 6, 1996 would be the last time the band would play together. This show would later be released as the album We're out of Here. July 20, 1999 The original line up appeared together one last time to sign autographs in New York City at the Virgin Megastore. After Joey's death in 2001 following a 7 year battle with Lymphoma, The Ramones were inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame in 2002. Shortly after this Dee Dee would be found dead in his home of a heroin over dose in June of 2002. In 2004 Johnny would lose his battle with Prostate cancer.

The only surviving member of the Original Ramones is Tommy who reverted back to his real name after leaving the band. He did play as Tommy Ramone one more time when he joined the former members of the band, C.J. and Elvis to play a concert called "Ramones Beat Down on Cancer".

With 32 recorded albums (8 Live albums, 14 Studio albums, 12 Compilations) The Ramones will never be forgotten. Gabba Gabba Hey Guys where ever you are! You are sadly missed!