1) GO BACK TO MAIN PAGE OF MY RAMONES HOMEPAGE.
2) GO TO INDEX OF REVIEWS OF SHOWS AND EVENTS.

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During April and May, 2002, I added here to my page http://www.ramonesheaven.com information about Dee Dee Ramone's tour with his band on the West Coast in the USA between May 17 - June 23. In all, there were 11 concert dates. Dee Dee did play four of them...
Line-up:
Dee Dee Ramone: vocals and bass.
Christian Black: guitar and backvocals.
Chase Manhattan: drums.
My second book Rock In Peace: Dee Dee And Joey Ramone (2002) has review from Dee Dee's last and second last real shows. First review with many pictures I got from Gaston Sanchez from the show at Dream Street in San Diego, CA, USA on May 17, 2002. Travis Michaud sent me in 2002 review from Dee Dee's last real show, it was at Pink E's in Las Vegas, NV, USA, on May 25, 2002. After that, Dee Dee played one special show, not listed on that tour, at Club Makeup in Los Angeles on June 1, 2002.

We lost Dee Dee on June 5, 2002. Travis wrote to me: "To make a side note, he did not sound like a man that had a heroin problem, nor did he look like one. I don't believe a guy at his age could have performed the blistering set that he did on heroin or heroin withdrawal. Later proof came while Dee Dee sat next to me and ate a cheeseburger. Addicts don't generally eat a helluva lot."

Close to 18 years later, in May 2020, I got first photos of that last real show from Jake Coyner who attended that show at Pink E's. You can see photos in this site.
You can also read Travis Michaud's review below.

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FOLLOWING TEXT IS WRITTEN AND SENT TO ME BY TRAVIS MICHAUD IN 2002:

Dee Dee Ramone's last show was truly an experience, I had seen the "post" Ramones Dee Dee nine times. For anyone who has never been to Pink E's in Las Vegas it is an experience un-to itself. Very low ceilings, VERY small stage, pool tables for those who are not inclined to rock. Not to mention the walls in the mens room being adorned with Playboy Playmates. The venue is more of a bar than a club, it is incredibly small.
First off, I can't remember the complete set list in order. Secondly, I don't know alot of Dee Dee's new stuff. He came on stage with a band which resembled a mix between Motley Crue and the Cramps, if you can imagine. The band was good. At one point after the show, I made the comment that it must be great to be playing with Dee Dee, they (Chase Manhattan and Christian Black) sort of laughed and said: "Ya, but he hardly ever does what is rehearsed and we don't know what song he is doing until it starts." This brought a smile to my face. At last, True Punk Rock from a true Punk Rocker. He played what he felt like playing. He played what the fans wanted.

When Dee Dee came out he immediately yelled his trademark "1-2-3-4." Dee Dee was playing his Les Paul, custom style. His left hand was adorned with silver skull and cross bones rings. I remember asking myself: "How can he play with those on?" But play he did. He went through Blitzkrieg Bop, I Don't Wanna Walk Around With You, I Wanna Be Sedated, Chinese Rocks, 53rd & 3rd, Beat On The Brat, The Crusher, Weasel Face... Keep in mind that after each of these there was no banter with the band or audience, just some shy smiles to the girls in the front row. 1-2-3-4, that's the only thing other than the music. He played for awhile, almost two hours. He had his signature black hair back, blue jeans, Vans (no Chucks) and a sleeveless T-shirt.

After the show, he jumped off stage and was being taken by his manager to the small dressing room in back. I spotted him, ran up and the manager made a motion for me to scram, however, Dee Dee politely stopped and shook my hand. I told him it was a great show. He smiled and seemed genuinely pleased. Later, he came back out and was signing books and albums for some fans near the bar (my favorite spot). I waited my turn and got to talk with him. I asked him about the song Emergency. He proceeded to explain that was about his ex-wife, he was genuinely engaging to talk with. His voice (when not singing) sounded exactly as it did at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction, jittery with a lisp. This was Dee Dee.
To make a side note, he did not sound like a man that had a heroin problem, nor did he look like one. I don't believe a guy at his age could have performed the blistering set that he did on heroin or heroin withdrawal. Later proof came while Dee Dee sat next to me and ate a cheeseburger. Addicts don't generally eat a helluva lot.
I am no critic and I am certainly no writer but I will tell you this; If that had to be his last show..., I say why not. He played great songs, had tons of loyal fans there with him, and he himself looked to be having a blast. His music sounded great and I think his guitar playing could have matched Johnny's any day. Of course having been a Ramones fan for 15 years, I am clearly biased.
In short, the music sounded great. The guitars where in tune, the voice was his, and he kicked ass!!
Keep rock'n everyone.
Travis Michaud

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FOLLOWING TEXT IS WRITTEN BY JAKE COYNER:

I met Dee Dee Ramone a few times when he played here in Las Vegas. Dee played solo here two times at Pinky's. First Dee Dee played there with his wife Barbara Zampini and drummer Chase Manhattan in 1999.
December 18, 1999: Pink E's, Las Vegas, NV, USA.
May 25, 2002, Pink E's in Las Vegas
Pink E's was a local bar with pink pool tables and stuff. They never had many punk shows. I think they mostly had heavy metal band play there. Marky Ramone also played there I think one time. Dee Dee's last show. It was fun and Dee Dee was very nice. I took a few thing to have Dee Dee sign that night. I had Dee Dee sign the Dee Dee King album Standing In The Spotlight album (1989). He said: "I hate this album." I then asked him to sign both sides of the cover. We were a laughing. Unfortunately I don't have any photos of Dee Dee.s band members. I do remember someone filming the show. Hopefully we will see that someday.
I was blown away when Dee Dee died especially because I had just met him 10 or 11 days before. I am also good friends with Brian Waters (tour manager) and met Dee Dee for the first time on that 1999 tour. He was so nice and just glowing. What a great human. I am really honored that you are putting these pictures up on the website thanks. I have a huge Ramones collection of vinyl test pressings and all sorts of promotional items. I do have the first Ramones album test pressing and Rocket To Russia and a couple others.
Jake Coyner

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1) GO BACK TO MAIN PAGE OF MY RAMONES HOMEPAGE.
2) GO TO INDEX OF REVIEWS OF SHOWS AND EVENTS.

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