Godspeed, Tommy Ramone

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 7/12/14 at 11:51am

The first punk show I ever saw was The Ramones, back when Tommy was still the drummer. I was underage, but the drinking age was lower than it is now, so it was easy to look more mature than one might have really been and to act like he or she belonged in the club. The show changed my life, as their shows did the lives of so many people who saw the original foursome.

Tommy died of cancer yesterday at age 62. As Tony Parsons wrote, "RIP Tommy Ramone. No need for too many tears – that was one wild ride and making it to 62 is pretty good going for a Ramone."

Updated On: 7/12/14 at 11:51 AM

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 7/12/14 at 11:56am

Walking out of my theater downtown last night I saw so many people wearing Ramones shirts, I wondered what had happened.

A very sad day.

[Jane2]

Posted: 7/12/14 at 11:58am

The last of a group of real punks.

[strummergirl]

Posted: 7/12/14 at 11:59am

RIP

Certainly a gateway drug for so many aspiring drummers in punk music if not a downright influence.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 7/12/14 at 12:25pm

My most vivid memory of that show with the original four was Tommy scowling and slowly shaking his head "no" while keeping the beat during "Cretin Hop." I remember thinking, "Oh no, Tommy's mad about something." Co-dependent at a punk show.