- Maurizio "Nodus" Nodari is the co-president of the Italian Ramones Fan Club. Nodus has been active in Ramones scene for a long time and he is one of the most wellknown Italian Ramones fans beside of Paolo di Gaetano.
Maurizio "Nodus" Nodari released his first book titled Nodus Il Gruppo Dei Ramones. It is all in Italian and it talks about his long career as a Ramones fan from 1977 to 2007. Like of activities of Italian Official Ramones Fan Club and their fanzine. Nodus has travelled a lot to see Ramones shows in different countries.
Nodus Il Gruppo Dei Ramones has 144 pages and around 150 black & white photos. Photos are mainly taken after 1987. Around half of them has at least one Ramones member. It is good that book has also photos of Ramones crew members. There is material also of Ramones fanzines and merchandises, backstage passes, set lists of the shows etc. Book does cost 15 euros + postages. His E-mail and PayPal address is: nodus@tiscali.it
Maurizio "Nodus" Nodari's slogan is: "Ramonesmania isn't a fashion,is a way of life!" (December 22, 2008)

- You now have a chance to see and buy more than 100 cool and mostly never published photos by Jenny Lens of the Ramones first West Coast tour in the USA on August 11-29, 1976. She composed a great photo Ebook. There are lot photos of the shows, also many from backstage, Joey Ramone in swimming pool etc. Later Jenny photographed Ramones also lot more.
Jenny Lens wrote to me about these photos and eBook: "Proof sheets are shown in the order I shot them, up to 9 images on each proof page, exactly as photographed! Full-page black and white photos seen on those proof sheets! Full-page rare color photos from original slides! Get true insight, as if you were there, standing next to me, at shows or hanging out!"
See SAMPLE here and continue then reading:
"I created this with love for not only the Ramones, but all us fans who love them. Da brudders were so nice, accessible, honest, enthusiastic and enjoyed the excitement as much as us fans. Not jaded like so many people, but curious about the future, hopeful an youthful. You'll see some of the people around them, their road crew, family, and fans. This is just a sample of my first shots. If I can sell enough, I'll do more volumes, not just this tour, but three 1977 tours and two 1978 tours."
Support her work(s) and buy this first in a series of eBooks from the Jenny Lens Punk Archive. Price is now 15 US$, and price will be soon 20US$. Buy FULL VERSION of the Ebook here.
After you have made pre-order, you will get an email by December 21, 2008 with a link to download the WHOLE completed book.
Jenny Lens also wrote: "Ebook is the ONLY way I can release many photos at an affordable price. If you like my photos, if you want to see more, BUY NOW so I can keep my archive alive. IF I don't sell enough eBooks ASAP or if people give the whole, final eBooks away without paying for them, the images are being packed into boxes and sent to storage."
(December 18, 2008)

- The Ramones was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2002. Eddie Vedder was it, who inducted the Ramones into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. Read more infos of the induction here.
The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame and main museum are located on the shores of Lake Erie in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, USA. Second Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame museum was opened in Soho, New York, USA. It is named Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Annex NYC. Opening party of that was on December 2, 2008. There were for example CJ Ramone, Arturo Vega, Johnny Ramone's wife Linda Ramone etc. Read more infos here. (December 12, 2008)

- Coney Island High was much appreciated club in New York, USA where the Ramones played as a group as well as various solo shows were held there after the Ramones demise. As well Joey Ramone hosted many shows at Coney Island High which was run by both Kitty Kowalski and Jesse Malin. Now Kitty Kowalski wrote to me: "Yes, Jesse Malin and I have teamed up once again... Jesse has a new club called The Bowery Electric. There is a live room downstairs and Jesse and I have teamed up to promote shows together under "Coney Island High Presents" , starting New Year's Eve with The Dickies. Tickets on sale now! Limited to 150 tickets!. This and all later shows with Kitty & The Kowalskis!, wrote Kitty."
The Bowery Electric is located next to Joey Ramone Place sign in Bowery, NYC (327 Bowery/ 2nd Street). (December 11, 2008)

- The iconic and legendary NYC Rock Club, CBGB known for launching the careers of Television, Ramones, Blondie, Patti Smith, the B-52's, and the Talking Heads, is making a comeback under a new ownership team headed by James Blueweiss and Robert Williams, partners in the newly formed CBGB Holdings based in New York City. The new team includes members of founder Hilly Kristal's immediate family, long-time employees, and music industry advisors that have a history with the club. Read more here. (December 7, 2008)

- New live album by Walter Lure (Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers, Waldos etc.) titled Live In Berlin is released in November, 2008. CD version is released by Nicotine Records (Italy) and LP version by Tornado Ride Records. It has fourteen songs which were recorded in Berlin, Germany on April 14, 2007. They played Chinese Rocks as a tribute to Dee Dee Ramone on every night on this tour. Also CD has for example Too Much Junkie Business, Get Off The Phone, Born To Lose and I Wanna Be Loved. I took many photos to booklet of this release and also I am in one photo together with Walter Lure, Arde Laine of The Voodoo Nights and Simppa.
Dee Jaywalker was also guitarist in this European tour, he has played for example in Marky Ramone & The SpeedKings which split-up in 2004. Read more of that tour and my trip to the show here.
So the most well people does remember Walter Lure from the Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers. I have been surprised that many punkrock fans doesn't seem to know that in how big role Walter was in The Heartbreakers. He wrote and sang many great tunes. Like many of you knows, Walter has been performing also in many Joey Ramone Birthday Memory Bashes in New York.
When you read my third book Ramones: Soundtrack Of Our Lives you will discover what Walter Lure's role was on three Ramones albums. It wasn't told before in public... (November 30, 2008)

- DVD version of the Too Tough To Die: A Tribute To Johnny Ramone was released in November 4, 2008. DVD's bonus features include full-length commentary track with director Mandy Stein and Johnny's wife Linda Ramone sharing candid stories and insight behind the scenes of her iconic husband's legacy. More info the document/ DVD here. (November 8, 2008)

- Lot rare punkrock and rock memorabilia will be in auction at Rockefeller Center in New York, USA on November 24, 2008. Auction is organised by Christies. Auction times are then 10AM and 2PM. Here are some Ramones related items: 1) Advanced promotional copy of first Ramones album signed by Joey, Johnny, Dee Dee and Tommy Ramone. It also has original press release and promo photo.
2) A poster for The Ramones and The Heartbreakers at the Wayne County DJ, New Years Eve Champagne Party, December 31, 1975.
3) A poster of the famous Ramones show at the Roundhouse in London, UK on July 4, 1976. This seminal concert is notable for attracting the likes of The Sex Pistols, The Clash and The Damned as members of the audience. Accompanied by an invite to the event and a silver gelatin photograph of the venue.
4) Handwritten lyrics by Joey Ramone for the unpublished song, Lets Go Playmates written in pencil on both sides of lined notebook paper, the song begins Hey Man, Hey Man, Cool Man, Pretty Cool, Hey Mommy, Take a Bath, Get a Job, What is it, What is it, Got My Ludes Man.... (October 7, 2008)

- The Long Island Music Hall Of Fame is different than Rock And Roll Hall Of Fames. Read more infos of this location on my site. The Long Island Music Hall Of Fame had induction award ceremony at Garden City Hotel in Garden City, NYC, USA on October 30, 2008.
Tom Needham, Vice Chairman of Long Island Music Hall of Fame, wrote to me in advance that Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth from the Talking Heads/ Tom Tom Club will be there to present the award to Tommy, Marky and CJ Ramone. That also did happen. Ramones tour manager Monte Melnick wrote that Tommy and CJ Ramone attended event. They spoke for Johnny. Monte had the privilege of accepting the award for Dee Dee Ramone. Joey's brother Mickey Leigh accepted award for his brother Joey and Carmine Apice (Vanilla Fudge) accepted award for Marky. Arturo Vega was also at the ceremony.
Other artists being honored include Public Enemy, LL Cool J, Eddie Money, Neil Diamond and Blue Oyster Cult. For information about Gala tickets, go to limusichalloffame.org. (Updated: November 7, 2008)

- Tommy Ramone and Seymour Stein visited 3,5 days here in Finland. Soon I will make report of their visit with many photos. They were in Musiikki & Media conference and they spoke 45 minutes in seminar. There were newspaper interviews with Tommy published for example in Pohjalainen (article by me was published in October 28), Helsingin Sanomat (October 24) and Rumba (20/2008 issue) and Hufvudstadsbladet. Tommy Ramone's and Seymour Stein's 3-4 minutes long interview was shown at midnight (between October 27-28) at Musiikki-TV program in Yle TV2 channel.
Tommy Ramone and Seymour Stein were brought to Finland by Musex company. From Finland they went to Musexpo Europe conference which was organised in London, UK on October 27-29, 2008. (Updated: November 1, 2008)

- Musiikki & Media conference is the biggest annual Finnish music trade fair for people in Finnish recording, publishing, live music and media industries etc. This year Musiikki & Media is organised in Tampere, Finland in October 23-25. Seminar program focuses on the turmoil of recorded and live music and the need of new business models. This year Tommy Ramone will attend seminar together with Sire Records founder Seymour Stein! Tommy Ramone and Seymour Stein will be interviewed by Jarkko Jokelainen (aka Jay Burnside) of The Flaming Sideburns (he also works for Helsingin Sanomat newspaper etc.) at 4-4.45PM (16:00-16:45) in Saturday on October 25, 2008.
As you know, Tommy Ramone is the only surviving member of the original band (later members does live: Richie, Marky and CJ Ramone). Tommy has worked also as a producer and his current band is Uncle Monk. The Ramones played last shows in Finland in 1994. Also Dee Dee Ramone played with his I.C.L.C. line-up in Finland in 1994. After that any of the Ramones members does not have visited in Finland (even Dee Dee and Marky has toured separately in other Scandinavian countries).
Sire Records founder Seymour Stein was managing the Ramones with Danny Fields during the early years of the Ramones career. So he also was founder of the Sire Records etc. Ramones recorded for Sire Records sixteen years. Seymour Stein attended Musiikki & Media also in 2007. Seymour Stein still run Sire Records and he is vice president of Warner Bros Records (USA).
Also for example Jonathan Poneman will attend Musiikki & Media in Finland. Jonathan is another founder of Sub Pop Records label. Sub Pop Records artists has been/ are for example Nirvana, Mudhoney, Soundgarden, CSS and Fleet Foxes. (Updated: October 16, 2008)

- Johnny Ramone dated with lady called Cynthia Whitney (more well known as Roxy) from 1976 to 1983. After they split up, started Johnny and Linda Ramone dating and they got married later. Cynthia/ Roxy is not mentioned much in the Ramones history even though she and Johnny lived together for so many years. Cynthia and his current life mate Robert does live now in California, USA. Cynthia's friend Emily Xyz is writing a book about Roxy. (October 14, 2008)

- Like you've read many times from different interviews and from my homepage etc., The Independents was one of Joey Ramone's favourite bands and he was also their manager. The Independents released their new album Do It Again on October 14, 2008. The first 1000 copies are including a free poster. Do order here. The Independents are touring at the moment, see dates in their news or in their their MySpace (Updated: October 14, 2008)

- Marky Ramone has been doing new Ramones DVD. Marky has plans to release it in during 2009. Ramones DVD called Raw was released in 2004. Marky Ramone and John Cafiero were mainmen behind it, like it has lot material what Marky recorded during Ramones tours. Raw DVD has sold gold in Australia, USA and UK. (October 10, 2008)

- Florian Hayler opened Ramones Museum Berlin on September 15, 2005 and it had to close in November, 2007 because of expensive rent. See details of old and new Ramones Museum Berlin here.
Florian Hayler wrote to me that he will re-open Ramones Museum Berlin on October 8, 2008. Ramones lightning and art director Arturo Vega will be at Ramones Museum Berlin in October 8-11, 2008. He will have there a memorabilia auction on October 10 and 11 (including rare shirts, posters, photos etc.). Arturo will also have a photo slide show in October 11 at 6PM.
Florian wrote in general of the Museum: "We were lucky enough to find a beautiful spot in the heart of Berlin, Germany. Located close to Alexanderplatz, Friedrichstrasse and Oranienburger Strasse with its cultural highlights such as the Berlin Synagogue and the Arthouse Tacheles. Here you will not only find the 300+ original memorabilia items such as Johnny Ramone's stageworn jeans or Joey Ramone's microphone stand and glove, but you will also get the chance to sit down, relax and have a coffee, a beer or a snack in the Cafe Mania while meeting Ramones fans. October 8 is Johnny Ramone's 60th birthday and CJ Ramone's 43rd birthday."
Many of those items has special stories behind of them. Like Florian referred for Joey Ramone's microphone stand. Joey destroyed that microphone stand during the show at the Academy, New York, USA on February 29, 1996. It was last Ramones show in NYC. Also known as the night when Greatest Hits Live was recorded.
Address of the Ramones Museum Berlin is: Krausnickstr. 23, Berlin-Mitte, Germany. More information: in their normal site and in their MySpace site.
Opening times of the Ramones Museum Berlin in the future are: Tuesdays-Thursday: 8AM-6PM
Friday: 8AM-10PM
Saturday: 10AM-10PM
Sunday: 12AM-6PM
Closed on Mondays!
(Updated: October 3 , 2008)

- Joey Ramone's brother Mickey Leigh wrote on September 28, 2008 how on September 7, a 28 year old man tried to steal the Joey Ramone Place street sign. The criminal was caught. Mickey Leigh wrote on October 20, 2008 that Joey Ramone Place sign is now back. It is now across Bowery, instead of across 2nd St. See new photo and read more infos here. (Updated: October 20, 2008)

- Strongly Ramones influenced German band Hamburg Ramönes is here again! Hamburg Ramönes released Free Phil Spector! CD in 2005 (more infos of it here) and now in September, 2008 Nicotine Records released Long Black Hair CD by Hamburg Ramönes. You can listen few tracks of it in Nicotine Records site. Long Black Hair is produced by Jens Gallmeyer. He also made artwork. Joey Ramone doll on cover is by Viola Evers. Jens Ramöne also plays bass. Tommy Ramöne is singer, Ecki Ramöne and JayDee Ramöne are guitarists and Marky Ramöne is drummer. See their Mypace page here. (September 28, 2008)

- Johnny Ramone's wife Linda Ramone was main person behind of cool outdoor event in loving memory of Johnny Ramone at the Hollywood Forever cemetary in Los Angeles, California, USA on August 1, 2008. For example Tommy Ramone, Marky Ramone and CJ Ramone attended this event. So Richie was only surviving Ramones member who couldn't attend this event (some people also count Clem Burke...). Read story and see photos of this event here. (Updated: August 4, 2008)

- Ramones interviews from early 80's are not so common. Shredding Radio has in their site two Ramones interviews. First one is from 1980 and it is made with Joey and Johnny Ramone. Another interview is from 1981 and made with Joey Ramone (even caption of the interview said still late July, 2008 that it is made with Johnny). Listen interviews here: http://www.shreddingradio.com. (July 30, 2008)

- Hurley clothing company was one main sponsor of the Joey Ramone Birthday Bash on May 19, 2008. They has Joey Ramone T-shirts. They has have some special evenings where Hurley has introduced their products and some Ramones memorabilia. One event was at the Villains in San Francisco, USA on May 27, 2008. Joey Ramone's brother Mickey Leigh was in Festival Alma Surf in Brazil on July 11-12, 2008. There was Hurley art show and Mickey exhibited there some rare Ramones photos and Dee Dee Ramone's art. Also Ramones cover band The Hey Ho's was then playing. (July 23, 2008)

- Theresa Kereakes has an photo exhibition entitled Unguarded Moments Backstage And Beyond in the USA. My dear friend Maria Montoya-Kaye said Theresa has some really great Ramones shots and some of her favorite shots of famous rock DJ Rodney Bingenheimer in the old KROQ radio studio doing Rodney's radio show. You can see left side Theresa's photo of Dee Dee Ramone and Stiv Bator (Dead Boys, Lords Of The New Church etc.). You can also see in a exhibition photos of Blondie, Joan Jett, Chrissie Hynde, Billy Idol etc.
Unguarded Moments Backstage And Beyond exhibition is near the South St. Seaport in New York, USA on July 18, 2008 (details comes soon for Theresa's homepage) and it is also at least at Beverly Laurel Motel in Los Angeles, USA on September 4, 2008. (July 8, 2008)

- You can visit Paul Zone's The New York Underground Scene 1972-1977 photograph exhibition at Drkrm. Gallery in Los Angeles, USA on July 12 - August 31, 2008. Opening reception is on Saturday, July 12, 7-11PM and is featuring special guest DJ Kristian Hoffman. Address of the gallery is: 2121 San Fernando Road Suite 3, Los Angeles, CA 90065.
There is many rare Ramones photos on that exhibition, like of Dee Dee Ramone and Connie Gripp in 1975. Paul Zone saw David Bowie premier Ziggy Stardust at Carnegie Hall, Iggy Pop & The Stooges at the Electric Circus in 1971, the first ever performances by The New York Dolls at the Mercer Arts Cente etc. Zone was friends with the Ramones members before the Ramones was even formed. Beside of Joey Ramone, Dee Dee Ramone, Johnny Ramone and Tommy Ramone Paul Zone has photographed for example Stiv Bator, Blondie, Alice Cooper, Wayne/Jayne County, New York Dolls, Kiss, Suicide, Marc Bolan, Ray Davies... (July 1, 2008)

- Marcelo Gobello has released his third Ramones book. This one is titled Los Ramones: Demasiado Duros Para Morir. Book is in Spanish language and it has 176 pages (page size 17,5 cm. x 25 cm). Los Ramones: Demasiado Duros Para Morir contains lot photos. Most of them are familiar to the Ramones hardcore fans. But some not for many, like of Joey Ramone and Marky Ramone with some model named Cindy Crawford..., and of Marky when he was in his early band Dust. Also it is nice to see many photos taken by Marcelo Gobello or from Marcelo's archives, like of Joey in 1991 and 1995 and of Johnny in 1994. Also there are shots of Marcelo with CJ Ramone, Marky Ramone, Monte Melnick (tour manager) and Arturo Vega (lightning and art director etc.).
Marky Ramone wrote the foreword for Los Ramones: Demasiado Duros Para Morir, where he tells of Joey, Johnny and Dee Dee, and of his time in the Ramones and also of Raw DVD etc... After Marky's text comes text by Donna Gaines. Book is history related. It also includes Marcelo's interviews with the Ramones members and discography section etc.
Marcelo Gobello's earlier Ramones books are titled - Adios Ramones (1996) and The Ramones: Gabba Gabba Hey (2005). Here is link to the page where you can find more infos and order informations in Spanish, click here. Editorial Lenoir released this book. Marcelo said that it is the best company for rock books in Spain. Like Lenoir has released books of the Who, John Bonham, The Byrds and The Yardbirds. (Updated: June 6, 2008)

- Arturo Vega, who was the lighting director and art designer for the Ramones etc., will join again famous Warped Tour in the USA and Canada. Arturo Vega joined Warped Tour also in 2006. Then he had an awesome exhibition of the Ramones memorabilia. Now in 2008 he will have especially lot of Dee Dee Ramone related stuff (paintings etc.). So you can see those Arturo's items and also buy merchandise, like he has the largest selection of Ramones T-shirts. As well you can buy Joey Ramone shorts, T-shirts by Hurley company in different cities in Warped Tour etc. Tour is on June 20 - August 17, 2008 in many cities in USA and Canada. Btw, in many Warped Tour shows in July is playing Disco Ensemble. Disco Ensemble is from my home country Finland. (May 27, 2008)

- There are again many new releases which includes cover version(s) of the Ramones songs or tribute songs. In this update and update below I tell of four new releases.
70-Luvun Vihannekset (70LV) is Finnish band who just released their first full length CD titled I. It has tribute song called Joey Ramone. CD contains in all 14 songs. Mä Diggaan Peitsamoa is a tribute song for Kari Peitsamo and it is featuring Ne Luumäet singer Joey Luumäki. Lyrics and songs has in general many Ramones influenced elements. I is released by Woimasointu records, same Finnish label has released for example Dee Dee Ramone and Marky Ramone & The SpeedKings releases. You can order this CD and other cool releases from Woimasointu homepage (Page is in Finnish) or by E-mail info(a)woimasointu.com
Do you wanna hear country, roots, rockabilly etc. influenced and sentimental version of the Ramones song Poison Heart, if yes, go to the MySpace site of the Mr. Bang & Gang. This version comes for their upcoming Too Short To ROCK CD which will be released soon. (Updated: May 12, 2008)

- The Queers is a band formed in 1982 in the USA. They are strongly Ramones influenced and I bet that most of you Ramones fans know them. You can get now CBGB OMFUG Masters: Live February 3, 2003 live album. So it's recorded at the CBGB's and it start with the Ramones cover Rockaway Beach.
The Alturos is band from Derry, Northern Ireland. In the past they were known as the Teenage Lobotomies (Ramones tribute band). New CD by the Alturos is called The Oxytocin Project and it has six songs. Three of the songs are written by the Alturos and three are covers. It has for example Danny Says cover by the Ramones and TCP cover by The Boys. The Alturos include Ally Ramone on vocals and bass, Luke Cauldwell on drums and Gerry MC Candless on vocals and guitar. Gerry was formerly in great late 70's / early 80's band the Moondogs. You can listen songs and purchase release through their MySpace site: www.myspace.com/alturoskickass / or order via E-mail: allyramone(a)ntlworld.com. (Updated: May 9, 2008)

- Like many of you knows, George DuBose photographed/ designed 8 album covers for the Ramones etc. Like Subterranean Jungle, Too Tough Die and Mondo Bizarro are his works. George DuBose has released also a great book called I Speak Music - Ramones by Lulu.com. You can order book for example from Lulu.com.
George DuBose wrote to me in April, 2008 that he will be releasing the Ramones book in Spanish in June, 2008. He intend to distribute the book in Spain, Central and South America.
George DuBose had an exhibition in the record fair in Utrecht in Holland on April 5-6, 2008 (like I informed in advance also). DuBose was at the fair on both days. Also there was his Ramones works. Read more of the record fair here. (Updated: April 28, 2008)

- Handsome Dick Manitoba (singer of The Dictators etc.) wrote a book together with Amy Wallace. It is titled The Official Punk Rock Book Of Lists. Book features over 200 of the funniest, craziest lists - from the Most Offensive Songs to Stupidest Band Names, from Punk Sell-Outs to Fashion Dont's - culled from historical archives and generated by celebrity guests. Contributors include rock stars and punk luminaries, from members of the Ramones and Guns N' Roses to Little Steven Van Zandt, Nick Tosches, Lenny Kaye, Debbie Harry etc. Book has 316 pages. The Official Punk Rock Book Of Lists is released by a small book company owned by Hal Leonard Publishing. (April 12, 2008)

- Jesse Malin's cover album On Your Sleeve (Release date: April 7, 2008) has 14 cover songs. One of them is Ramones track Do You Remember Rock'N'Roll Radio. It also includes for example Sway (Rolling Stones), Looking For A Love (Neil Young), Gates Of The West (Clash) and Wonderful World (Sam Cooke). This is released in Europe by One Little Indian Records record company. Jesse Malin was before in great bands like D-Generation Bellvue. He was also a friend of Joey Ramone etc. (April 2, 2008)

- Dutch journalist Bram van Schaik did an interview with CJ Ramone for UP Magazine issue #44 in Netherlands. CJ tells in this interview that he is doing a book with his wife about his years with the Ramones. They hope to get book published in 2008. Read interview here. This same UP Magazine issue #44 contains also a portrait of Joey Ramone as a part of a series of legends. (Updated: February 28, 2008)

- The Spinner staff spent the last couple weeks whittling down a list of the best band logos of all time. The Ramones logo was chosen to be 25th. Black Flag logo was number 20, HIM number 18, Misfits number 9, The Rolling Stones number 2 and Prince number 1 etc. More infos here. (February 28, 2008)

- Ali Boyd (USA) wrote to me of the Ramones dolls and magnets made by him. He has been Ramones fan since early 80's. A set of four Ramones dolls made by Ali are nesting in a custom laminated box with slide top. Included are Johnny, Joey, Tommy and Dee Dee Ramone. Figures range from about 5.25" to 6.25" tall.
Also Ali has made Joey and Johnny Ramone magnets which you can use for example as a fridge magnets. Joey Ramone magnet measures 6.75 inches in height and has a profile of 1.75 inches. Johnny Ramone magnet measures 5.75 inches in height and has a profile of 1.25 inches. Magnets and dolls are sculpted in sculpey polymer clay in a three dimensional cartoon expressionist style. See photo of the dolls and more info here. (February 21, 2008)

- Like you might know through my Ramones books Rock In Peace: Dee Dee And Joey Ramone and Heaven Needed A Lead Singer: Fans Remember Joey Ramone etc., The 69 Eyes members are as well Ramones fans (my books has interviews/texts with the guitarist Bazie and drummer Jussi. Singer Jyrki gave to my books photo where he's with Joey Ramone). Their new Hollywood Kills live album is recorded at the Whisky A Go-Go in Los Angeles, USA. Hollywood Kills was released in January, 2007. One of the live songs on it is the Ramones cover I Just Want To Have Something To Do. That live version was also included to the Perfect Skin single one year ago. Perfect Skin was then first single from their Angels studio album. (Updated: February 3, 2008)

- Rock Junket is doing rock'N'roll walking tours in New York City, USA. One of them is New York City East Village Rock'N'Roll Walking Tour. It lasts about 2 hours. Ron Colinear (a.k.a. Bobby Pin) runs Rock Junket. He will take you to many places which are important in a history of the Ramones. Also CBGB's, New York Dolls. Iggy Pop, The Fillmore East etc. are included in his stories and tour. Many fans are liked of his tours. More info here. (January 31, 2008)

- Joey and Johnny Ramone are punkrocking together in a action figure 2-pack set in their late '70s/ early '80s look. This 2-pack set will be released in late February, 2008 by the NECA Reel Toys. Joey's figure includes microphone and stand and Johnny's his Mosrite guitar. These action figures comes in a window box packaging. (December 23, 2007)

- Ne LuuPojat Surf released two vinyl EP's in 1990 and 1992, and one CDep in 1992. All of those has Christmas songs. Later they released live album etc. Ne LuuPojat Surf consisted of members of three Finnish Ramoniac bands: Ne Luumäet, Pojat and Luonteri Surf. Those EP's has six songs and Poko Rekords released all of them on CD format on December 12, 2007. One of the songs is cover (in Finnish) of Ramones tune Merry Christmas (I Don't Want To Fight Tonight). Release is called Kaikki Uskoi Joulupukkiin. (Updated: December 12, 2007)

- I just got a letter that for me has arrived big packet to the post-office. When I got and opened it, I found out that my longtime Spanish Ramones friends Alfredo Cordeiro and Anna Piella and their dorother Helena has sent me set of Ramones doll figures. I was not seen these before, so there is in a photo doll figures of the Joey, Johnny, Dee Dee and Tommy (as this line-up is in a logo in a drum set). Those looks great. They told me (after I was put here to my news first mention) that dolls are homemade by artist who they know. So these are not factory made. (Updated: December 7, 2007)

- On The Road With The Ramones book was released first time on November 20, 2003. On The Road With The Ramones book is written by Monte A. Melnick (Ramones tour manager from the beginning) and Frank Meyer (Street Walkin' Cheetahs, Sweet Justice etc.). There is now released updated edition of this fabulous book with new pages, photos and info on what's been happening to the legacy of the Ramones since 2003. Updated edition of the On The Road With The Ramones is now available in the USA, for example on Amazon.com in this location . (November 21, 2007)

- (OBS: RAMONES MUSEUM WAS RE-OPENED ON OCTOBER 8, 2008, BUT I WANT TO KEEP HERE ALSO THIS OLD INFORMATION) There were before some news that Ramones Museum Berlin should close it's doors or change a location. Here is official newsletter of recent situation... Few weeks ago were told some positive news of the situation. But sadly things are now following way: "The landlord of the apartment of Ramones Museum Berlin raised the rent about 300 % and he actually found someone who is willing to pay an astronomic amount of money for our gabba gabba headquarters. So from now on people can buy soap in the basement of Solmsstr. 30, formerly known as the home of the Ramones Museum Berlin. ANYWAY: As we were hoping to the last second that we were allowed to stay, we do not have a location to fall back on. BUT: Of course Ramones Museum Berlin sees things positive and we hope to reopen in an ever nicer, bigger, brighter and ground leveled location any time soon. We'll use December (2007) and January (2008) to negotiate our options and then decide where to move. (November 7, 2007)

- Marky Ramone played four shows in Argentina in October, 2007. One of the gigs he played was in the capital district of the province of Buenos Aires called La Plata. While Marky's visit the local government unveiled a plaque on a city's square (plaza in Spanish), from now on it is called Plaza The Ramones. This photo is taken at the unveiling. Marky is on it with an ex-football goalkeeper Carlos Castagneto who was running for city major on the last election (and won it). The square (formerly known as Plaza Olazabal) is located on Avenida 7 and calle 38 (7th Ave. and 28th St.) in La Plata, Argentina. Here you can read one article in Spanish. (November 4, 2007)

- Linda Stein was found murdered in her Fifth Avenue (New York, USA) penthouse on October 30, 2007. According to the AP, the medical examiner says an autopsy found that Linda died from fatal blows to the head and neck. Through her marriage in to Sire Records founder Seymour Stein transformed herself from a fifth-grade teacher in the Bronx to Ramones manager (he was managing the Ramones with Danny Fields during the early years of the Ramones career) etc. Sire Records was the original record label for bands including the Ramones, Talking Heads, and Madonna. After Linda and Seymour divorced, she transformed herself again. She got her real-estate license and became a "real estate agent to the stars." RIP Linda... (November 1, 2007)

- There was released Yuki Kuroyanagi's book titled I Love Ramones in Japan in September 25, 2007. If I have understood correctly (I am not sure, because I can't read Japan), it is mainly photo book, page size is A5 and it has 248 pages. ISBN code of the book is 9784898152201.
There is in Japan magazines also of the book and in general of the Ramones. For example famous Doll rock magazine has around 10 pages about the Ramones, most on it is of the Johnny Ramone. It also has great pictures etc. (Updated: October 28, 2007)

- The Ramones lightning and art director etc. Arturo Vega will visit Ramones Museum Berlin on October 19-21, 2007. He will have there some really rare Ramones stuff and also the latest Ramones shirt designs etc. They will be for sale in this weekend only. Also you can buy there my books Heaven Needed A Lead Singer: Fans Remember Joey Ramone and Rock In Peace: Dee Dee And Joey Ramone.
There were before some news that Ramones Museum Berlin should close it's doors or change a location. Here is official newsletter of recent situation and with some great news!: "It's been a tough fight and we're still fighting it, but it looks like the Ramones Museum Berlin can stay in it's traditional location. Right now we're negotiating the details with the landlord under what conditions the Ramones Museum will be allowed to stay and expand! Yes, we're hoping to be able to add a third room the our facility, which we'll turn into a Ramones cinema! We'll turn of the the museum's walls into a giant screen and show rare Ramones footage all day long, this includes live clips, videos and some exclusive fan footage we recorded over the years with the band. Stay tuned for more infos and thanx for all your support! It's greatly appreciated."
Address of the Ramones Museum Berlin is: Solmsstr. 30, 10961 Berlin, Germany. (October 18, 2007)

- I thinked to mention that it is good to be careful with it what believes, like it is easy to claim to be someone on internet. As a example many seems to think that real Tommy Ramone is behind this MySpace site/profile. It is build to look like real one. But Tommy doesn't know who runs that. "I am going to have it removed because I asked him to state that it is a tribute site but he did not respond to me.", Tommy wrote to me. (October 12, 2007)

- Ramones DVD called Raw was released in 2004. Marky Ramone and John Cafiero were mainmen behind it, like it has lot material what Marky recorded during Ramones tours. Now Raw DVD has sold gold in Australia. Before it has sold gold in the USA and UK. (October 5, 2007)

- There is a ringtone commercial for example on German MTV which is about the Simpsons cartoon. Homer Simpson is singing on it variation of Spiderman song with a Ramones melody. Ramones recorded and also played live cover version of the Spiderman. (September 19, 2007)

- Like I have few times told here in my site, George Tabb need help. He became sick on September 11, 2001, he was living by the World Trade Center when 9/11 terror attack happened. George tells: "I have been through too many surgeries and hospital visits, and truthfully, I can't pay for them. I can't even afford to go see doctors now - and need too. This whole mess has left me weak and sick - and depressed."
You will know George from Furious George band or from his writings in Maximum Rock And Roll Magazine etc. Joey Ramone sang vocals on Gilligan song on Furious George album Gets A Record and Dee Dee Ramone sang backup on song Betty Crocker Punk Rocker on Furious George EP Goes Ape! He was a friend with them and is also friend with other Ramones members or Ramones related people etc. George was while also Ramones roadie and he has sang in some Ramones events, like at the Joey Ramone Birthday Bash in last May.
Click here to read his story and donate some money if you can.... For example you can donate some money to PayPal account paypal@georgetabb.com or buy Help George Tabb T-shirt or buy Help George Tabb! Vol. 1 album which came out on September 11, 2007. You can buy album here. (September 12, 2007)

- Norwich City football team (England) are having an online vote to choose the song they 'run out' to before games at their football stadium Carrow Road. There is six songs in that vote and one of them is Blitzkrieg Bop by the Ramones. Voting closes on September 13, 2007. Click here to vote.
Of course there is also many Ramones fans among famous football players, like goalkeeper Antti Niemi tells his Ramones story in my second book Rock In Peace: Dee Dee And Joey Ramone. (September 8, 2007)

- Hilly Kristal passed away on August 28, 2007. So sad news. The closing of CBGB's did happen in October, 2006. Now this. Like Mariano Asch wrote to me, it definitely means the end of an era. The CBGB's was founded by Hilly Kristal in December 1973. Without CBGB's history of punk and the Ramones would be so different. Hilly gave a chance to the Ramones and many other bands to play at his place, in those days when punk was new and 99 % of the venues did not gave a chance for them to play. Lot of love and thanks comes from me and from hundreds of thousands of people for You Hilly. It was always for me a big honour to meet You and I was also honoured to do with You interview for my first book Heaven Needed A Lead Singer: Fans Remember Joey Ramone. You was so widely loved and appreciated Hilly. I had a silent moment for You. I know that Joey, Dee Dee and Johnny Ramone and other people take a good care of You there in Heaven.
- Jari-Pekka -
Marky Ramone has said now following:
"Hilly was an integral part of the punk scene from 1974 until his death. He was always supportive of the genre and of bands like the Ramones, Blondie, Talking Heads, and Richard Hell and Voidoids, and will hold a prominent place in music history. We are all grateful to him and will miss him."
Read official statement here. There is also more of the closing of the CBGB's etc. ) (Updated: August 29, 2007)

- Starz Cinema TV channel presents Too Tough To Die: A Tribute To Johnny Ramone document in USA on September 15, 2007 at 10PM (et/pt), it is the third anniversary of Johnny's death. You can read more of the document here. (August 24, 2007)

- I have informed you before that Richie is starting a new career as a drum soloist. Like he is touring with symphonies and symphonic pops orchestras around the world in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of West Side Story etc. He has played now shows for example with the Pasadena Pops. One of the most notable performance was on July 4th 2007 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena California when Richie was featured soloist with the Pasadena Pops. He was playing a 20 minute drum solo medley of West Side Story, arranged with noted Broadway composer Ron Abel. Other recent dates were:
Fly Me to the Moon on June 22 and 23, 2007.
Water, Water Everywhere on July 20, 21 and 22, 2007.
76 Trombones with special Salute to Westside Story at beautiful Descanso Gardens in La Canada Flintridge, CA, USA on August 17, 18 and 19, 2007.
The performances has been conducted by noted Pops Music Director Maestra Rachael Worby. For example Maria Montoya-Kaye and her husband David attended one of the shows in August. They were really impressed. So Richie played drums in a specially arranged suite from West Side Story. Also on the program was for example Jean Sibelius' Finlandia and Franz Waxman's Theme from Peyton Place.
Richie has done also some interviews, for example for KABC AM on August 11, 2007. They played Somebody Put Something In My Drink and Smash You (those both Ramones songs are written by Richie Ramone), as well West Side Story. You can read Richie Ramone's interview in LA Weekly in August 15. Here you can watch one news clip which link Richie and his wife sent for me. (Updated: August 21, 2007)

- There's been going on progress of the Ramones double DVD release It's Alive 1974 - 1996 which is based to the live shows. This is being made by people who are "inside the Ramones family". Double DVD is coming out this fall by Rhino Records. I added tracklisting already to my page, see it here. It's Alive 1974 - 1996 contains more than four hours of material. Footage is recorded in USA, England, Germany, Finland, Sweden, Spain, Argentina and Italy. It's going to have for example material of the It's Alive show on December 31, 1977. There are subtitles on it in English, Brazilian Portuguese, Japanese, Spanish, French and German.
George Seminara is main man behind of this release. He wrote following in June, 2007 (DEADLINE OF SENDING PHOTOS IS OVER, DO NOT SEND MORE PHOTOS FOR HIM, I JUST WANT TO KEEP THIS INFO HERE):
"We are looking to use your pictures in a DVD photogallery featuring our heroes captured not on stage, but in candid moments. These will be photographs taken by YOU, the greatest fans in the world! Please limit your submission to two pictures and keep the size of the image small. For example: a 300 dpi image should be no bigger than 5X7 and a 72 dpi image should b no smaller than 8X10. If photo(s) are used you will receive a photo credit in the DVD.
IMPORTANT: You must include the following text with your submission: "By sending you this e-mail I hereby give Ramones Productions complete permission to non-exclusively use this content in all media forever." (Updated: August 16, 2007)

- No Balls Records (Germany) has released limited edition 7" single titled Ramones Solo Performances. It has four songs, first side has Good Rockin' Tonight and Viva Las Vegas, second side has Cherry Bomb and Jump In The Fire. Good Rockin' Tonight and Viva Las Vegas are featuring Johnny Ramone, songs are from Swing Cats: A Special Tribute To Elvis album which was released in February 2000 through Cleopatra Records. Marky Ramone recorded Cherry Bomb song with Cherie Currie of The Runaways and Wayne Kramer of the MC5, it is relesed for example in Cherie Currie's Cherry Bomb EP. Dee Dee Ramone contributed Jump In The Fire to the Metallica tribute album A Punk Tribute To Metallica in 2001. So now these four songs are in same 7'. There is printed in all 529 copies of this single. 410 copies are on purple vinyl and 119 copies are on purple vinyl with white streaks. They are numbered on back sleeve. There is three different kind of sleeve: regular sleeve (400 copies), blue sleeve (100 copies) and red sleeve (29 copies). On August 15, 2007 there was still available copies with regular sleeve in No Balls Records site. (August 15, 2007)

- John Nikolai is a photographer who has been taking lot photos of the Ramones members, like he has been taking photos at the Joey Ramone Birthday Bashes for the official Ramones sites etc. John Nikolai wrote: "This will be the last solo art show I'm doing in the Boston area, USA. If not forever than for years and years and years. It's called Ask Your Mom How Much I Rock and includes photos of the Joey and Dee Dee Ramone, Sex Pistols, Joe Strummer, Lightning Bolt, Patti Smith, Iggy Pop, Alison Little naked on the streets of Providence about to have her leg sawed off by a giant bunny rabbit etc. The show runs from August 5 to September 1, 2007. The opening reception is on August 6th, 2007 at ZuZu at 474 Massachusetts Ave. in Central Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts from 8:30 to midnight. Boston punk band Unnatural Axe rock there at 10pm. This doubles as my 37th birthday, said John Nikolai." (August 1, 2007)

- Joel Gausten is doing an book titled Albums That (Should've) Changed The World. It also contains Ramones chapter which tells an extensive history of the Ramones album Brain Drain. Chapter includes exclusive commentary from Marky Ramone and producers Daniel Rey and Bill Laswell, as well as never-before-revealed details behind the recording of the album etc.
"When 'Brain Drain' was released in 1989, the time was finally right for the Ramones to break through to mainstream music buyers. At the time, the band had the theme song to a major motion picture (Stephen King's 'Pet Sematary'), their world tour was receiving substantial coverage on MTV and they were working with a world-renowned producer (Bill Laswell). But once again, the band failed to meet expectations, despite releasing their best work in a decade. This chapter explains why.", explains Joel Gausten.
You can read excerpts of the chapter here.
Albums That (Should've) Changed The World is slated for a late 2007/early 2008 release and it contains also interviews with past/present members of Danzig, Misfits, Samhain, Plasmatics, Napalm Death, Kiss etc. (July 30, 2007)

- You can listen on internet many great radio shows, like I have wrote before of Marky Ramone's radio show The Punk Rock Blitzkrieg on Sirius Satellite Radio. Also for example Ramoniac radio show is by Rob Femur. Rob Femur has a punk rock show on 107.7 TheEnd called Gabba Gabba Hey - and he plays tons of Ramones and other punk bands. His radio show airs every Saturday eve for 4 hours from 10pm-2am USA West Coast time. You can always catch it by going to www.1077theend.com. Rob is also in a band called The Femurs. Their third CD came out in 2007 called Modern Mexico. (July 30, 2007)

- There is out now limited Ramones edition of the legendary Converse shoes. The Ramones edition is part of the fall 2007 collection. Here is text from their press release: "As the cornerstone of Converse RED, the brand will introduce culture collaborations with the legendary punk band Ramones. RED is an economic initiative created by Bono (U2, singer and activist) and Bobby Shriver (Chairman of DATA - Debt, AIDS, Trade, Africa), designed to deliver a sustainable flow of private sector money to the Global Fund to invest in African AIDS programs with an emphasis on the health of women and children.
Worn by members of pioneering punk band, the Ramones, the Chuck Taylor All Star shoe was witness to the birth of punk, and have since become synonymous with the wildly popular fashion that continues to be beloved by past, present, and future generations of musicians and fans of the genre. The Ramones for Converse Red RED Chuck Taylor All Star shoe is a collaboration with the estate of the legendary band and members Marky and Tommy Ramone. Designed to symbolize the way the band wore their Chuck Taylor shoes, they feature distressed canvas and rubber creating the iconic worn-in look that's a Ramones signature. The shoe's upper is in familiar canvas material, and come replete with the imperfections and wear-marks giving them the distinct look which is so indicative of the character of the music, and the musicians who wear them. Grey with a traditional white sole, the shoe features the iconic Chuck Taylor All Star patch on the shoe's inside upper and an additional Ramones patch that reads "Hey ho, let's go" on its outer, referencing the classic Ramones song Blitzkrieg Bop. Available since June, 2007 the Ramones for Converse RED Chuck Taylor All Star shoe will retail for MSRP $62 with 10% of the net wholesale price of this shoe going to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. (July 19, 2007)

- George DuBose has released now his book called I Speak Music - Ramones by Lulu.com. Like many of you knows, George DuBose photographed/ designed 8 album covers for the Ramones etc. Like Subterranean Jungle, Too Tough Die and Mondo Bizarro are his works. This book has 104 pages and about 60 pictures on, book includes previously unreleased photos. Because of amount of color photos price is a bit higher than of normal book (color pages are more expensive to print etc.). You can read George DuBose's stories about how the various concepts came about and how these remarkable photos were executed. I Speak Music - Ramones also has some texts by other people, like Glenn O'Brien wrote foreword. DuBose also asked me to write little text for this book, as well Daniel Rey ("Ramones producer"), Monte Melnick (Ramones tour manager), Florian Hayler (run the Ramones museum) and George Tabb (Furious George etc.) etc. wrote little texts to the book. George DuBose has worked with many other artists also, for example with Tom Waits, Madonna and The B52s. You can order book for example from Lulu.com. By ordering this book you give a thank to man who has made so lot good for us fans, and for whom the Ramones members really trusted.
You can also attend George DuBose's photo exhibition, it is in Municipal Audience in de Caldas de Reis in Spain from July 3rd to July 15th, 2007. There is his 40 portraits of the Ramones in a large format. Personally George DuBose will be there from July 12th to July 15th. Marky Ramone is also playing during that time show in Caldas de Reis, it is at the Cultura Quente Festival. (Updated: June 30, 2007)

- Ramones creative director Arturo Vega wrote to me that Too Tough To Die documentary will be shown at the Hollywood Forever cemetery in Los Angeles, California, USA on June 29th, 2007. Documentary is produced and directed by Mandy Stein, consists of 2 highly exciting yet emotional parts. The first part is from the Ramones 30th anniversary concert which took place at the Palace in Los Angeles on September 12, 2004, just 3 days before the Johnny Ramone became an angel. The event was meticulously produced by Arturo Vega and Joe Sib, and it included Tommy, Marky and CJ Ramone, and for example also performances by Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dickies, X, Eddie Vedder, Steve Jones, Rob Zombie, Daniel Rey, Henry Rollins, Pete Yorn, Tim Armstrong... In addition there are commentaries from Lisa Marie Presley, Sonic Youth, Seymour Stein etc.
The second part of the documentary covers the bittersweet tribute ceremony unveiling the Johnny Ramone monument at Hollywood Forever, also the resting place of Dee Dee Ramone. The beautiful bronze statue captures Johnny, larger than life, clad in his signature Ramones outfit and playing guitar.
Also on June 29th, 2007 on the sceen you will see the Ramones performing live at the legendary US festival in Southern California in 1982. The performance was professionally captured via a 4 camera shoot and recorded onto 24 tracks. Ramones producer Ed Stasium has mixed the sound for the film.
Arturo Vega will be presenting an amazing display of band memorabilia from his personal collection, as well as from those close to the band. The Ramones tour manager Monte Melnick will be signing there his book On The Road With The Ramones. This event is hosted by Johnny's wife Linda and also Marky Ramone, Henry Rollins etc. will be there. Arturo Vega also told that you are allowed to bring your own food and drink etc. Suggested is a $10.00 donation to benefit Prostate Cancer Research. Address of the cemetery: Hollywood Forever Cemetery 6000 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood, USA. (Updated: June 25, 2007)

- The Ramones played at the Provinssirock festival in Finland in June, 1988. That full show will be shown in YLE Extra TV channel in Finland at 19:00 (7PM) on June 17, 2006. You can see in YLE archives (on Internet) from that show songs Blitzkrieg Bop, Sheena Is A Punk Rocker and I Wanna Be Sedated. There is also interview with Joey Ramone in 1991. Click here to check them out. Also Marky Ramone used footage from that show in his and John Cafiero's Raw DVD etc. (June 12, 2007)

- The Ramones song Do You Remember Rock And Roll Radio? is included in the soundtrack of the new Shrek3 movie. Before I told here on my news that trailer of Shrek3 movie contains Do You Remember Rock And Roll Radio? Soundtrack also features for example Cat's In The Cradle by the Harry Chapin, Joker And The Thief by the Wolfmother, Live And Let Die by the Wings and Immigrant Song by the Led Zeppelin. (May 25, 2007)

- Ramones Museum Berlin will throw a two day party for Joey's 56th birthday on May 19-20, 2007 (in both days Museum is open from 12-6PM. Day is including Ramones lottery with valuable prices such as original shirts, posters, buttons and other kinds of Ramones memorabilia. They will install a brand new item in the museum: Joey Ramone's microphone stand. Joey destroyed that microphone stand during the show at the Academy, New York, USA on February 29, 1996. It was last Ramones show in NYC. Also known as the night when Greatest Hits Live was recorded. Marky Ramone will visit Ramones Museum Berlin on July 19, 2007, Marky will be then playing in Berlin. (May 16, 2007)

- The new issue #20 of legendary Punk magazine is now available. John Holmstrom made it with his friends and it contains never-before-published pics of the Ramones. Also Holmstrom told that Robert Romagnoli contributes his "Updated Ramones" lyrics (very funny stuff) on mag. Magazine features also for example interviews with Ron Asheton of The Stooges, Jayne County and new bands like the Stalkers. Also a cover story about Sid & Nancy by Eileen Polk, with many of her photos of Sid & Nancy. There are also two of Eileen's exclusive, never-before-published photos of Jerry Only with The Misfits from 1979 (one with Danzig) and a photo of Michelle Robison (Sid died at her apartment), and a pic of Sid with Richard Hell and Johnny Thunders backstage at a Blondie concert etc etc. Punk magazine ran for 15 issues from January 1976 to June 1979. Some years ago Punk magazine returned. You can buy this new issue from their homepage, click here. (May 10, 2007)

- People from Ramones.com Message Board have put together an iPetition to call for the inclusion of the Ramones' version of Spiderman in the movie Spiderman 4. Please sign the iPetition, click here to do it! (May 5, 2007)

- The Ramones played first time in Finland in May, 1977. Shows were at the Kulttuuritalo, Helsinki on May 16, 1977 and at the Teknillinen Opisto, Tampere on May 17, 1977. Heko of the Rehtorit and Ne Luumäet announced that here in Finland is the official Ramones week on May 12 - May 18, 2007! Here is for example Ramo song contest final at the Semifinal, Helsinki on May 12. Then are performed eleven new Ramones influenced songs by different bands/ artists etc. Also Häiriköt are playing then a show. Woimasointu release Ramones-viikko- 7'EP (in English name is: Ramones week) on May 16, 2007, it contains cover of the Ramones song Danny Says by Pojat, Del Shannon's Runaway cover by Rehtorit and Debbie Ja Joey (in English: Debbie And Joey) by Debbie and Joey Luumäki. Hartza is playing Ramones all night long in Rooster Pub Lahti (address: Rautatienkatu 1) on May 16. Ne Luumäet is one of the most legendary Ramones cover bands (even they also released lot own material), they will play show at the Tavastia, Helsinki on May 17, 2007. (May 4, 2007)

- The super soft vintage tee was just added to the Official Ramones store and they have it on a very special price: only 10US$! Joey Ramone Birthday Bash is in New York, USA on May 19, and when you buy that T-shirt before May 14, you'll be automatically entered into a contest with a chance to win a pair of tickets to the Joey Ramone Birthday Bash. They are also giving away a shirt signed by Tommy Ramone and some other prizes. More infos here. (May 3, 2007)

- Walter Lure ( Waldos, ex-Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers) toured in Europe for the first time in 20 years! Dee Jaywalker (who played in the Marky Ramone & The Speedkings) and Thomas G ((New York Waste etc.) got idea of this tour. Walter Lure gave a call to Marky Ramone who highly recommended Dee. Dee's solo record was released in last year by Nicotine Records (Italy), it contains for example great surf version of Ramones song Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment. Like many of you knows, Walter has been performing also in many years at the Joey Ramone Birthday Memory Bashes. Walter performed songs by the Heartbreakers as a tribute to the band and to celebrate 30 years of punkrock. Walter and Dee wrote to me in advance that they play Chinese Rocks as a tribute to Dee Dee Ramone on every night on this tour. So also did happen. I (Jari-Pekka) was at the show in Berlin, then at that night special guest was going to be Arde (from Jann Wilde & Rose Avenue). Arde was going to play guitar in Chinese Rocks, but stage was too small for extra person. Also Ramones tribute band called Commando was playing in Berlin.
Line-up in this tour ws:
Walter Lure: vocals and guitar
Dee Jaywalker (ex-Marky Ramone & The Speedkings, ex-Definitivos): vocals and guitar
Paolo Serlino (ex-Speculoos, ex-United Biscuits): drums
Regine (ex-Faroutski): bass and back vox
Annette (ex-Lovehandles): guitar and back vox.
Dates and venues are:
April 6, 2007, Deep Inside, Dijon, France
April 7, 2007, Cscs Valdegour, Nimes, France
April 8, 2007, Le Local, St-Etienne, France
April 10, 2007, Mondo Bizzaro, Rennes, France
April 11, 2007, Le Reve D'Herbert, Lille, France
April 13, 2007, Chemiefabrik, Dresden, Germany
April 14, 2007, Wild at Heart, Berlin, Germany.
Walter Lure wrote to me that the next The Waldos show is at the Ace Of Clubs in the East Village, NYC on May 18, 2007. (Updated: April 20, 2007)

- Gil wrote on Joey Ramone's message board of this Natasha's site, Natasha is punk clothing designer. There is on her site many great photos, especially of Joey and Dee Dee. You can see them on photo gallery 1 and on photo gallery 2. (March 28, 2007)

- The best radio show of all time is by Rodney Bingenheimer. Rodney Bingenheimer is probably the most legendary rock DJ in the world and he was also the first radio DJ who played Ramones in the West Coast, USA. Rodney always supported the Ramones and he was good friend especially with our angel Joey Ramone. Rodney's show on Los Angeles' KROQ-FM has been a hit since it's inception in late 1976, The Ramones played in his first show! And Rodney did show to me unreleased pics from that day on September, 2004. I and Rodney were then surrounded by lovely Maria Montoya-Kaye. Maria and so, so, so many people has been happy of it that Rodney Bingenheimer received his star on the Walk Of Fame in Los Angeles on March 9, 2007. "I can't believe I started this in 1976 playing the Ramones.", said Bingenheimer in an emotional speech at the ceremony. There were guests like Henry Rollins, Clem Burke and Brian Wilson at the ceremony supporting Rodney. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a sidewalk along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street in Hollywood, Los Angeles is embedded with five-pointed stars featuring the names of celebrities honored by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce for their contributions to the entertainment industry. The first star, awarded on February 9, 1960, went to Joanne Woodward. You can listen worldwide Rodney On The Roq here. (March 15, 2007)

- I read some years ago of the Ramones stamps released in Tuva. Now I saw mention of them again and I thinked to add infos of them to my news. Tuva is located in southern Siberia. Tuva released 36 stamps in Rock Of The Past series in 2002. It has three sheets and every of them has 12 stamps. There's one Ramones stamp in every series. Also they has Doors, AC/DC, Aerosmith, Queen, Sex Pistols etc. stamps. (March 6, 2007)

- I'm sure that many of you are interested to hear of Daniel Rey's band The Martinets. So like most of you knows, Daniel Rey has produced many Ramones albums and their solo albums, wrote songs with them etc. The Martinets has released albums Love! Hate! (2000) and New Stories For Men (2002). The Martinets has finished recording their third album called Comeback Tour. They're looking for a label to put it out. Daniel Rey is guitarist, Dave Rick bassist, Eamonn Bowles singer-guitarist and Roger Murdock drummer. The Martinets has also played recently some shows, like they wrote to me that they opened for the New York Dolls in November and it was a blast. (February 26, 2007)

- "We've got all sorts of Ramones tributes, and thousands of covers (a few of them arent' very good, you'll agree Jari-Pekka!!...) But this thing that has appeared is really original, it goes beyond any idea you can have for a tribute: lullabies for children, but lullaby covers... Well, in some of them you need to use your imagination! :-) ", wrote feelings of the Rockabye Baby! Lullaby Renditions Of The Ramones tribute album for me mighty Spanish fans Alfredo Cordeiro, Anna Piella and Helena. I was read infos of this tribute album in advance some months ago. Now it's officially released by Baby Rock Records. Rockabye Baby! Lullaby Renditions Of The Ramones has 12 Ramones covers. You can see tracklisting and listen some samples here. (February 14, 2007)

- The Grammy Hall Of Fame Award was established by The Recording Academy's National Trustees in 1973 to honor recordings of lasting qualitative or historical significance that are at least 25 years old. Inductees are selected annually by a special member committee of eminent and knowledgeable professionals from all branches of the recording arts. Now were announced 44 new additions to Grammy Hall Of Fame. The Ramones debut album was one of them. A timeless list includes now 728 titles. The 49th annual Grammy Awards will be broadcast live on Febryary 11 at 8PM ET/PT on the CBS Television Network in USA. (January 26, 2007)

- Burning Helmets is a punkrock group from Sweden. They released a 7' single by Big Brothel label. Single's main track is Johnny & Dee Dee & Joey (Please Come Back). So like you can suppose, it's a tribute to our angels. (January 25, 2007)

- Tony Hawk is a professional and really famous American skateboarder. Tony Hawk's Project 8 is the latest installment in the Tony Hawk's Series. It was released on last-generation (Xbox & Playstation 2) and current-generation consoles (Xbox 360 & Playstation 3), and is a completely different game than its Wii counterpart, Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam. In-game soundtrack contains Ramones song I Wanna Live, and as well for example Kill The King by Zeke, Social Suicide by Bad Religion, Goodbye by Supersuckers, Nic Fit by Sonic Youth and Angel of Death by Slayer. I've known that Tony Hawk is a Ramones fan, like Marky Ramone was talking with Tony Hawk on Tony's show called Faction on Sirius Radio in 2005 and Tony was so interested in the Ramones skateboards.
Also I thinked to mention that trailer of Shrek3 movie contains Ramones song Do You Remember Rock And Roll Radio? (January 16, 2007)

- 18 Singles is a compilation album by the U2. It's featuring two new songs and another of them is Window In The Skies. It was released as a second single from 18 Singles. U2 began filming the music video for Window In The Skies on 20 November, 2006 after the completion of their Australian leg of the Vertigo tour. The music video includes short footages of a wide range of performers, the Ramones playing at live is also featured some seconds a while after one minute. As well for example Janis Joplin, Elvis Costello, Iggy Pop, Clash are included etc.(January 5, 2007)

- Ramones Museum invite you to special It's Alive weekend event, it's in Berlin, Germany on December 30 and 31, 2006, exactly 29 years after the recording of that legendary Ramones live album It's Alive at London's Rainbow Theatre. You will then see at Ramones Museum for example nine never before seen photos from that show, provived to them by photographer Paul Slattery who attended this show and captured the excitement and rawness of this historic gig with his camera. So they're on display on December 30 and 31 only! Florian Hayler wrote on December 29 that they will will be able to show 1 song (yeah one!) from the It's Alive show on film!, song is Pinhead! In a museum you'll also then get chance to see real two sided Gabba Gabba Hey/ Happy New Year sign that the Ramones made for this New Year's event only. There's also lottery etc. at Ramones Museum. Museum is located in the heart of Kreuzberg 61, address is Solmsstrasse 30, 10961 Berlin. More infos: www.ramonesmuseum.com, www.myspace.com/ramonesmuseum. (Updated: December 29, 2006)

- There will be a short documentary about the Ramones on Viasat History TV channel on January 5, 2007. Viasat can be seen in many countries of Eastern and Northern Europe. This documentary is made in USA and Canada in 2003 and it tells story of the Ramones in 30 minutes. In Hungary, Sweden etc. documentary begin at 10.30PM (22.30) and in Finland etc. at 11.00PM (23.00). You can find more infos from here (also countries where Viasat History can be seen.) (December 28, 2006)

- How often you do hear the Ramones related news from Indonesia, Malaysia etc.? There's lot Ramones fans, I get lot E-mails from those countries. Like with Eko I've been E-mailing occasionally since 2003. His band is The Morons and I wanted to add now info of their Ramones cover album. The Morons covered Road To Ruin album in 2004, they named it to Road To Ramones. Doing the official release in Indonesia isn't so simple because of the financial situation of the most people there... etc., so they did Do-It-Yourself CD-r version. I added a bit more infos of it here.
Finnish hardrock group Trinity is releasing their debut EP Heartbreak Ridge on January 5, 2007. It contains 5 songs, two of them are covers - Pet Sematary by the Ramones and Ace Of Spades by the Motörhead. Their homepage is here. (December 13, 2006)

- Like many of you knows, there is a Ramones Museum in Berlin, Germany (since September 15, 2005). 14 month after the opening they had the first anniversary party, it was at Cassiopeia Club (address: Revalerstr. 99, 10245 Berlin-Friedrichshain, Germany) on November 17, 2006. Great Ramones cover band The Rämouns were playing. There was some contests, like Sandra Unglaube won a Joey Ramone lookalike contest etc. One highlight was George DuBose's Ramones show with never before seen Ramones photos. George DuBose shot many Ramones album covers. Anniversary party was attended by more than 500 devoted Ramones fans! Flo, who run the museum, wrote also: "Our good friend Mela documented the whole night by recording all action on a professional camera. Right now she's in the editing room to turn all footage into a proper 10-15 minute movie which we will broadcast soon via www.ramonesmuseum.com, www.myspace.com/ramonesmuseum and youtube.com. (Updated: December 9, 2006)

- Lewis Leathers has teamed-up with Hysteric Glamour of Japan for a special edition jacket - Ramones 30th Anniversary Jacket. Joey and Marky wore Lewis Leathers 402 Lightning jackets in their European tour in 1978, and Marky also in Rock And Roll High School movie. Ramones 30th Anniversary Jacket is currently only available in Japan. You'll find more information from Lewis Leathers site, click here (after front page is loaded, click then News and there's information of the jacket) (December 4, 2006)

- There's a special screening in the James Bridges Theater, UCLA, Los Angeles on December 4, 2006 at 8PM. Then is shown "Ramones movie" Rock And Roll High School and Never Mind The Sex Pistols, a documentary about the LA punk scene in the late 1970's. This event is for educational purposes and then is also there special guest speaker Caroline O'Meara (musicologist and punkrock scholar). (December 3, 2006)

- Tom Waits has released a box-set (3CD) called Orphans with some unreleased songs. Tom has recorded two Ramones covers which are included on collection, they're The Return Of Jackie And Judy and Danny Says from End Of The Century album. The Return Of Jackie And Judy was before released on the Ramones tribute album We're A Happy Family. (November 24, 2006)

- Woimasointu and Hiljaiset Levyt released together new Mean Idols CD called Freaks Of The City Heat. It contains eight songs, one of them is Ramones cover Poison Heart. Woimasointu is this record company who has for example released Dee Dee Ramone's Hop Around LP and Born To Lose 7', Marky Ramone & The SpeedKings singles and Bad Chopper (CJ's band) single. Check out homepages: Mean Idols, Woimasointu and Hiljaiset Levyt. (November 21, 2006)

- Everett True composed few years ago Ramones book called Hey Ho Let's Go: The Story Of The Ramones. Pauliina Klemola did Finnish translation of it and it was released now in Finland by Like Kustannus. Pauliina Klemola did great work. Finnish edition is also hard cover book. I was happy that I got chance to help her a bit and she found help from my page as well. Pauliina wrote to me in general following: "Before translating this book, I had never realized what a great band the Ramones was. Before, I knew there were a bunch of good songs like Blitzkrieg Bop and Do You Remember Rock'N'Roll Radio, but I had never really connected the dots. This book did it for me. Now, whenever I feel like howling at the moon or beating on the brat (that happens often) or when I wanna be sedated or just have something to do - then there are the Ramones." (Updated: November 14, 2006)

- The new issue of legendary Punk magazine is now available. John Holmstrom made it with his friends and it contains a bunch of rare photographs of the Ramones from 1976-1978. Also a story about the reasons behind the closing of CBGB, stories of punk rock bands The Bullys, The Cyclones, Turbo AC's, Peelander-Z and Two Man Advantage etc. Word "punk" was started to use as a definition of music style after Punk magazine was founded by John Holmstrom and Legs McNeil. Punk magazine ran for 15 issues from January 1976 to June 1979. You can buy this new issue from their homepage, click here. (November 14, 2006)

- There was organised really great Ramones event/ exhibition/ festival called Rampe3 in Augsburg, Germany in 2003. I really enjoyed to visit it as well and you can find information of it from here. Now Gerhard "General" Seckler, Lothar Felkel etc. are doing Rampe4, it's from November 17 to December 31, 2006. There's for example 20 live shows. More information you can find from this URL on my site or from http://www.g-e-n-e-r-a-l.com. (November 1, 2006)

- Hollywood Forever, the cemetary in Los Angeles that is host to Dee Dee's grave and Johnny's monument, was throwing it's 7th annual Dia De Los Muertos Festival (Day Of The Dead Festival) on October 28, 2006. Last year there was first time a special meeting for the Ramones fans organised by Arturo Vega. And he also made it happen this year. There were Joey's, Dee Dee's and Johnny's altars built by Arturo. Golden Maria Montoya-Kaye was there with her son Nat. Both had made clothes in event. Maria wrote: "The cemetery literally came alive at night. Filled with so many colorful people, lights, and the smell of burning copal (ancient resin incense) as well as incredible food. The sound of music was everywhere. There were art exhibitions, silent movies being screened a lot happening all in one place. Individuals made ornate altars at family grave sites to honor the loved ones who have passed. Everything artistically creative and quite beautiful. Nat and I were captivated and enthralled by the magic in the atmosphere. When we arrived to the Ramones altars we left offerings for Joey, Dee Dee and Johnny (Jari-Pekka's note: I'm sure that Maria left those on behalf of every Ramones fan). Roses from my garden and copal from my trip to the Yucatan back in 2000. Red roses for Joey, burgundy roses for Dee Dee. Copal offerings for all three. Arturo Vega greeted us warmly and he told Nat he looked like more like Zorro than a dead prince charming. I purchased a few more cool Ramones items for Nat and me." Arturo Vega was selling for example special Dia De Los Muertos T-shirts. (October 30, 2006)

- Go-Kart Records (USA) will release a 12 track Ramones cover album aimed specifically at kids on November 21, 2006. It's titled Brats On The Beat: Ramones For Kids. CD Ramones classics done by people like Jim Lindberg of the Pennywise, Blag Dahlia of The Dwarves, Nick Oliveri of the Mondo Generator/ ex-Queens Of The Stone Age etc. Songs have been "kidified" by the Gabba Gabba Hey Singers. Each song features kids singing all the choruses and background parts. Click here to see tracklisting etc. If you want to hear some songs, go to the album's Myspace site. A portion of proceeds from Brats On The Beat: Ramones For Kids goes to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. For more information on St. Jude's, click here. (October 19, 2006)

- Eagle Vision UK released collectors' edition of We're Outta Here, it has both CD and DVD. No booklet, full content is only on backcover. If I've understood correctly this collectors' edition is released only in Europe on October 9, 2006. (October 11, 2006)

- Richie Ramone and his wife Annette wrote to me that they're doing fine and they updated me with news concerning Richie's plans. Like I told before, Richie is starting a new career as a drum soloist, touring with symphonies and symphonic pops orchestras around the world in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of West Side Story. One of the most notable performance will be on July 4th 2007 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena California when Richie will be the featured soloist with the Pasadena Pops. He will be playing a 20 minute drum solo medley of West Side Story, arranged with noted Broadway composer Ron Abel. The yearly 4th of July celebration with the Pops typically draws an audience of 30,000. The performance will be conducted by noted Pops Music Director Maestra Rachael Worby, who had the vision to understand the value of this as a performance and also as a way to encourage young punk and rock fans about other genres of music. The last time a drum solo of West Side Story was widely performed in such fashion was by the late Buddy Rich. Also there are other dates:
Fly Me to the Moon on June 22 and 23, 2007.
Water, Water Everywhere on July 20, 21 and 22, 2007.
76 Trombones with special Salute to "Westside Story" on August 17, 18 and 19, 2007.
Check out Rachael Worby's website. (Updated: December 19, 2006)

- New York City lost one important place more... The Continental club on St. Marks Place in New York closed it's doors on September 17, 2006, after 15 years. Trigger is owner of The Continental and he said that there will be grand re-opening on October 11, 2006 (9PM). Main difference is then that bands will not be playing anymore at The Continental. Trigger has said that his rents and overhead go up each year, it has become un-doable to have a punk club in the neighbourhood these days - the crowd isn't there to support it. Some will think that Trigger is one reason for it, he's known as unfriendly person...
Joey, Dee Dee, Marky and CJ played there really many shows or did guest appearances. CJ Ramone was playing also on September 17, 2006. CJ and Daniel Rey performed full Ramones set with special guests. Like they played Commando, Blitkzrieg Bop, 53rd And 3rd, Poison Heart, Rockaway Beach, Beat On The Brat, Strength To Endure.... Walter Lure wrote to me in advance that he will perform with them probably some songs, and he did Chinese Rocks, Born To Lose (Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers) and Last Time (Rolling Stones). Walter wrote to me: "We ended the show with the Last Time for an encore because that was the last time the Continental was going to have live bands (other than acoustic). I think some Ramones fans were disappointed that we didn't do a Ramones song but that's the best thing we could come up with.
Earlier on that same night also The Bullys, Lenny Kaye, Handsome Dick Manitoba, Ross The Boss etc. were playing.
Walter Lure's band The Waldos, Mickey Leigh Band (Mickey is Joey Ramone's brother), Cheetah Chrome & The Black Angels played at The Continental on September 9, 2006. Mickey played with Richie Stotts and Al Maddy and they did some Joey Ramone's songs and also Rattlers and Stop songs etc.
I remember how cool feeling it was to visit in a club when I was first in NYC in 2001. Since that I've been there every year. Also my books and this site has many reviews of the shows at The Continental. There was also memorial plate of the Joey etc. and Ramones members are on Continental live CD's. (Updated: October 2, 2006)

- The London Raindance Film Festival is in this year running from September 27 to October 8, 2006. The film panel features Marky Ramone and Lou Reed (The Velvet Underground). There's a world premiere screening of Too Tough To Die: A Tribute To Johnny Ramone documentary. It's capturing a rousing Ramones 30th Anniversary concert from September 12, 2004 - just two-and-a-half days before Johnny Ramone's death! Joined onstage by a group of musicians and friends including Deborah Harry, The Dickies, X, Eddie Vedder, Joan Jett, and The Red Hot Chili Peppers. Screening will be introduced by Marky Ramone, followed by a Q&A with Marky and Mojo's Kieron Tyler. The screening and Q&A is being held on Wednesday, October 4th at 8pm at CineWorld Cinemas on Shaftesbury Avenue. (September 26, 2006)

- The Wicker Man is a cult 1973 British film combining thriller, horror and musical, directed by Robin Hardy and written by Anthony Shaffer. An American remake of the film was released on September 1, 2006 and it's starring Johnny Ramone's friend Nicolas Cage. Probably it's because of Nicolas that in the end credits of remake it says: "Dedicated to Johnny Ramone." New version hasn't got lot good reviews.
I saw recently new animation movie called Cars, it has character named Ramone and also in one part of the movie to the illuminated scoreboard comes text Ramones. (September 18, 2006)

- Mala Difusion Records (Argentina) released new Ramones tribute album titled A Real Cool Time: Tributo A Ramones. It has 27 bands/tracks. Same label released Ramones tribute album also in 2003, it's called Hoy Los Ramones Manana El Mundo. (August 21, 2006)

- New Rolling Stone magazine in South-America has special material concerning Ramones, like you South American fans can read of it here. (August 19, 2006)

- The Ramones played their final concert at the Palace in Los Angeles, USA on August 6th, 1996.... It's now 10 years.... Can you imagine, gig was already so long time ago... Then there was on that show lot guests like Lemmy of Motörhead, Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam and Tim Armstrong and Lars Fredrickson of Rancid. Of that show is released CD (click here to see infos) and box set and DVD click here). (August 6, 2006)

- There's again going to be in Augsburg, Germany Ramones event. Gerhard "The General" Seckler is going to do Ramones related art and music shows in late November and December. There's probably Dee Dee's paintings, music live shows and presentations etc. Before The General was for example other main man behind of Rampe3. More infos later. (August 4, 2006)

- (Photos are by Jocke of Rickshaw) There was event at the Hollywood Forever Cemetary in Los Angeles, USA on July 3, 2006. There was shown Rock'N'Roll High School movie, first time footage of the It's Alive show (December 31, 1977) which should come to the upcoming Ramones DVD etc. VIP guests like Henry Rollins were remembering the Ramones. Marky Ramone was there and Johnny's wife Linda was hosting event together with Hollywood Forever Cemetary and LA Weekly. This was a charity event and proceeds was benefit to lymphoma and prostate cancer research. There was a 10US$ suggested donation to be paid at the gate. Like you probably know, Dee Dee Ramone's grave and Johnny Ramone's statue are located in Hollywood Forever Cemetary. Gates were open at 6:30PM -> and speakers begun at 7:45PM. It's Alive footage and Rock'N'Roll High School was shown 9:00PM -> Hollywood Forever Cemetery address is: 6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038. (Updated: July 28, 2006)

- Like many of you knows, there is Ramones Museum in Berlin Germany (since September 15, 2005). On Sunday, August 6, 2006, comes 10 years of last Ramones show. Ramones Museum Berlin will celebrate this 10th anniversary with a special Ramones Farewell Show Lottery. Everyone who comes down to the museum on August 6 will have the chance to draw lots and win valueable prices. The doors open from 12 noon to 6 pm. Museum is located in the heart of Kreuzberg 61, address is Solmsstrasse 30, 10961 Berlin. Homepage of the Museum is here and you can buy there also at the moment limited edition of George DuBose's Ramones photos, T-shirts of the museum etc. (July 14, 2006)

- I found now information of Playstation2 game Guitar Hero. You can be a guitar hero and play songs. Guitar Hero is played with a special guitar-shaped controller that has five buttons up on the neck, with one on each of the first five frets. Instead of strings to pluck, a small, clicky flipper is on the body of the guitar. There's some different difficult levels of songs. Ramones song I Wanna Be Sedated is on that game, as well for example I Love Rock & Roll by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Symphony Of Destruction by Megadeth, Take It Off by The Donnas, Ace Of Spades by Motörhead and Cowboys From Hell by Pantera. So you can play those in that game. Guitar Hero is praised a lot what I found from reviews. More info here. (July 1, 2006)

- Today on June 27, 2006 was released by Sanctuary new compilation CD US Vs. UK Punk. It contains Ramones song Beat On The Brat and 15 tracks by other bands, like TV Party by the Black Flag, Sonic Reducer by the Dead Boys, I'm Bored by the Iggy Pop, What Do I Get? (Live) by the Buzzcocks, Anarchy In The UK by the Sex Pistols, Teenage Kicks by The Undertones and Oh Bondage Up Yours! by the X-Ray Spex. (June 27, 2006)

- George Tabb need help. You will know George of Furious George band or from his writings in Maximum Rock And Roll Magazine etc. Joey Ramone sang vocals on Gilligan song on Furious George album Gets A Record and Dee Dee Ramone sang backup on song Betty Crocker Punk Rocker on Furious George EP Goes Ape! He was a friend with them and is also friend with other Ramones members or Ramones related people etc. Click here to read his story and donate some money if you can... For example you can donate some money to PayPal account paypal@georgetabb.com (June 14, 2006)

- A Ramones memorabilia exhibition of personal items, rare posters, photos and collectibles is hitting the road with The Warped Tour. Ramones creative director Arturo Vega (lightning director, has designed Ramones merchandises, logo etc.) will introduce them for you on tour and also you can buy then some Ramones merchandise. The Warped Tour is between June 15 - August 13. (June 6, 2006)

- I think this news is also nice to mention. There is a show called Drum And Bass in Hungary, Europe which is about analyzing two Hungarian songs from the same year of sixties/seventies. The show starts with mentioning important Hungarian and international events of that year. Target year of the show (on May 26, 2006) was 1976. The one and only international event that was mentioned was the first record of the Ramones while their pictures were seen on TV and it was also mentioned that they had started punkrock. (June 2, 2006)

- Tommy Ramone is musical director of a Gabba Gabba Hey! musical featuring the music of the Ramones. Gabba Gabba Hey! debut was in Perth, Australia, at the Monkey Bar on August 17-21, 2004. After that it was in Germany, Switzerland...
There was 13 dates in Berlin, Germany in May, 2005. And now you can see the musical as a movie! Producer of Berlin musical (and also of other German dates) Michael Schaumer informed that the first and only (!) public viewing of this tourmovie is at Ex'N'Pop, Potsdamer Strasse, Berlin at 21:00 on June 2, 2006. With Rolf Zacher, Ades Zabel, Jürg Plüss, Katja Götz, Stefanie Heller, Doreen Kutzke, Tim Eberts, Ben Dominik and Forgotten Idols. Bonustracks with Jayne County and Fil Tägert. Afterparty with Lord Ultra, the band from Jürg Plüss (who plays Doug in the musical).
More information of the musical in general you can find from this location on my site. (May 30, 2006)

- This week's Antiques Roadshow on TV channel PBS in the USA has a episode of Fame And Fortune segments, including the one from New York 2001 where a woman had Ramones memorabilia given to her by Dee Dee. Included in the lot were a lyrics notebook, tour itinerary, poster, and Dee Dee's leather jacket, which he gave to CJ when Dee Dee left the Ramones. The jacket was signed by both Dee Dee & CJ. The lot was appraised at $10,000. Check your local listings for the airing of this week's episode. The Dee Dee segment starts at about 9 mins into the program. (May 29, 2006)

- May issue of The Rolling Stone magazine in Argentina has full size cover of Joey and Johnny. It has story of 30 years of punk etc. (May 28, 2006)

- I bought today new compilation CD called Broken Dreams 2 because I found out it has Ramones song Blitzkrieg Bop on it. Release date of it was in Finland on March 22, 2006 (same probably in other countries as well). Broken Dreams 2 is released by Warner Music and it has 2 CD and 37 songs. It contains as well for example songs The Stooges: I Wanna Be Your Dog, HIM Wings Of A Butterfly, The Donnas Take It Off, Deftones Hexagram, Disturbed Stricken and Alanic Morissette Ironic (Unplugged) (May 9, 2006)

- My friend David Kelly was at the Too Tough To Die: A Tribute To Johnny Ramone document premier at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York, USA on April 26, 2006. Too Tough To Die: A Tribute To Johnny Ramone documents the final two and half days before Johnny Ramone passed away, when was the Ramones 30th anniversary party at Los Angeles's historic Avalon Theatre in September, 2004. The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols, Eddie Vedder of the Pearl Jam, Rob Zombie etc. were raising funds for cancer research then. David Kelly told that he saw Marky Ramone and his wife Marion, CJ Ramone, Bob Gruen, Monte Melnick etc. at the premier. David liked of the film.
- It was good and heart felt. Marky seemed in good spirits, CJ seemed a bit emotional. The theater was filled to capacity. People were clapping after the film. Marky went down to ask everyone to shout Hey Ho Lets Go, said David.
Adele also saw the document, she told following after seeing document:
- When you have someone die, a documentary that involves that is going to be slightly depressing, but I think the director did a good job of limiting the amount of that within this movie. I also think that it was both tastefully done and well put together. Definately worth seeing. I really hope a distributor can be found soon to the document.
See more screening dates here. (April 28, 2006)

- Proud Galleries in London are very excited to be hosting really extensive exhibition of photographs of The Ramones from 27th April through to 4th June 2006 at their gallery in central London. The exhibition includes photographs from Adrian Boot, Roberta Bayley, Philippe Carly, Chip Dayton, George du Bose, Danny Fields, Godlis and Robert Matheu. All the images from the major albums are included and many unseen, `behind the scenes' shots, including the Ramones in Hyde Park, London! The exhibition sets the scene of the 1970's punk revolution from the perspective of the original punk band. There's also opportunity to purchase signed limited edition prints of the photos. Opening hours: Monday-Thorsday: 10am-7pm and Friday-Sunday 11am-6pm. Address: Proud Central, 5 Buckingham Street, The Strand, London WC2N 6BP. Entry is free. Website: http://www.proud.co.uk (April 18, 2006)

- Then in 1,5 years ago (September, 2004) Ramones family had 30th Anniversary show in the USA. Now comes next landmark, Ramones debut album was released on April 23rd, 1976!
Ramones Museum Berlin celebrate that day also cool way: Rob Freeman was the man behind the console, giving Ramones its distinctive sound by setting up the amps and the microphones in the studio and placing the bandmembers in separate rooms of the Plaza Sound Studios in NYC. Now, for the first time in 30 years, Rob will reveal all details about the recording of Ramones:
- Who sang the background-vocals for I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend?
- Was it a real chainsaw that was used for the intro of Chainsaw?
- Who decided to change the lyrics for Today Your Love, Tomorrow The World?
All this and more you'll find out April 22 and April 23, when Rob Freeman's eyewitness story will see the light of day. Flavoured with never before seen photos of Ramones manager Danny Fields, Freeman's printed report will be available for free at the Ramones Museum, so anyone who will visit museum on April 22, 2006 (and on) will have the chance to get an insight on the recording of the first album. For everyone who can't make it to Berlin for this occasion, they'll be able to read Rob Freeman's story online at www.ramonesmuseum.com on April 22, midnight CET, 30 years after the release of Ramones. (April 11, 2006)

- Joey, Johnny, Dee Dee and Marky Ramone are making their way to Bearsville for a punk rock extravaganza. This set of PVC figures is already having a punk rock party in many houses everywhere in a world. Merchandise is 100% official Ramones product. There are already many bears by Toxic Teddies, they're mix of cuteness and horror elements. The Toxic Teddies are approximately 3 1/2 inches tall. The Ramones Toxic Teddies (see photo) have been available for order a while, and you have a chance to receive a free Toxic Teddy while supplies last. Check out more infos, click here. About your order you can contact Joe via E-mail: joe@superfuncompany.com Joe is a Ramones fan. In UK you can get Ramones Toxic Teddies from the Forbidden Planet. (Updated: April 3, 2006)

- The best radio show of all time is finally online, you can now listen worldwide Rodney On The Roq by Rodney Bingenheimer. Rodney Bingenheimer is probably the most legendary rock DJ in the world and he was also the first radio DJ who played Ramones in the West Coast, USA. Rodney always supported the Ramones and he was good friend especially with our angel Joey Ramone. In his latest show he played Marky Ramone & The Intruders song Don't Blame Me. Also listeners got chance to hear tracks by Blondie, The Hellacopters, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Dickies etc.
Few weeks ago at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame ceremony Clem Burke of the Blondie gave during his personal speech credit to Rodney Bingenheimer for being the first to play Blondie on radio. Maria Montoya-Kaye wrote me that Rodney wanted Maria personally to tell me that I can go on the KROQ website and hear his show. And of course I want to tell of that chance also for you greatest fans. In time zone of Los Angeles, USA show comes on Sunday-Monday nights midnight-'til 3. So then for example in the UK show comes on from 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM. Also btw, if you're playing in cool band, you can still send your CD to the Rodney. Listen show here. (March 28, 2006)

- New Apulanta DVD Kesäaika contains their live version of the Ramones song Blitzkrieg Bop. I saw that show at Puustock festival in Finland. Singer Toni said before the show: "Song is dedicated to the Puustock festival and to the legendary J-P Laitio...", also that part is on DVD and discussion when Apulanta members think of playing it . Thanks Apulanta. Apulanta, formed in 1991, is one of the most popular bands today in Finland. All, except the debut, of Apulanta's studio albums have gone at least to gold and they have a lot of singles that have also gone platinum, with their most popular reaching sales of quadruple (4x) platinum. Apulanta along with their record company Levy-Yhtiö have smashed the standards of the Finnish music industry in many innovative ways. You can find from my first book Heaven Needed A Lead Singer: Fans Remember Joey Ramone Sipe's (drummer) text. Also with Sipe I has recorded two Ramones cover songs. (March 28, 2006)

- I think this news is also nice to announce. To the Hungarian journalist Peter Uj was given the Hungarian Pulitzer-award, the most respected journalist-award. Although this is the award of his last year performances, here are some quotations from his articles issued in the most popular hungarian daily newspaper in last years:
After Joey passed away: "I had a dream. I had a dream of going to a Ramones-concert, seeing Them unite, unite for a concert of one-minute songs, the world's most simple and most powerful rock'N'roll songs. But that is gone, since He is dead. Joey Ramone died, so I have got nothing to do with rock'N'roll any longer."
After Johnny became an angel: "Ramones were the most perfect work of art of the XX Century. Faultless mental and biological unit. I will never forgive myself that I didn't go to Prague to the nearest and latest Ramones-concert."
Kovacs Tamas also for me more examples of Peter. Gongralutions Peter Uj. (March 22, 2006)

- There's an new 10"/MCD of The Bones coming out on March 31, 2006. It's called Partners in Crime Vol. 1 and it has 6 songs. It starts with the Ramones cover I Wanna Be Sedated, featuring Roger Miret (Agnostic Front) and Lou Koller (Sick Of It All) on lead vocals. This is released by the cool German label I Used To Fuck People Like You In Prison.
Also new The Strokes single Heart In A Cage has a Ramones cover, of the song Life's A Gas, it's the second track on CD1. It was released on March 20, 2006 in the UK etc. The Strokes has also included song to their live set. (Updated March 21, 2006)

- Lynne Cameron has run now one year of her Marky Ramone fan page and she had new contest between March 15 - April 15. As a prize she had one picture of Marky in Edinburgh, Scotland along with a copy of my (Jari-Pekka's) second book Rock In Peace: Dee Dee And Joey Ramone.
Winner was announced in April 15, he is Dominic Leech. (March 15, 2006)

- James Greene Jr does his special thing, it's called The Great Star Wars Synchronicity Project, where he listen to different albums while watching Star Wars to see if anything synchs up a la Dark Side Of The Moon and The Wizard Of Oz etc.... He'll do on March 13-17 Ramones albums Leave Home, Rocket To Russia, Road To Ruin, Too Tough To Die, and Adios Amigos. Will any of them synch up with Star Wars? Check it out here. (March 12, 2006)

- Here in Finland is released photo book Flashback! - Muistikuvia Rockvuosilta 1975-1985 (WSOY), photos and texts are by Seppo Pietikäinen. Page size is A4 and book has around 100 pages. Book has the Ramones photos from 1977 - 1 page photo of laughing Joey in backstage, smaller backstage photo of Joey, Dee Dee, Johnny and Tommy and 5 live shots taken from the back of the stage. Also book has 1 page story of Seppo's Ramones memories. Book is also featuring for example: Patti Smith, Velvet Underground/ Nico, Nits, Brian Eno, Popeda, Pelle Miljoona etc. etc. (February 22, 2006)

- There is a photo exhibition by Tom Hearn at The Picture Framer (96 Elm Street) in Cheshire, CT, USA on February 4 through 28, 2006. Real opening night was on February 12 (2-6 PM), but then was small snow storm and Tom decided to have an closing reception on February 26 (Sunday, 2-6PM). There are lot photos of the Ramones. Cheshire native Tom Hearn is a childhood friend of Legs McNeil and worked with Legs and John Holmstrom on PUNK magazine. One of his photos can be seen in Legs McNeil/Gillian McCain book Please Kill Me as well. He took many photos of the Ramones before and after their first album came out. These photos have never been published or seen by anyone. They will be on display and for sale, mounted and framed.
Fan called Tom Andrukevich wrote for me already in 2002 of Tom Hearn and his photos, and how he met Hearn in the shows of his (Andrukevics's) band The Survivors who were opening for the Ramones four times in the 70's. Andrukevich also sent in 2002 b/w copies of Hearn's Ramones photos from 1976. So you have now chance to see those cool photos. Like you can see of the advertisement flyer, there are also photos of Robert Gordon, Link Wray, Debbie Harry etc... All photographed between 1976-1978. (Updated: February 16, 2006)

- The final five of the listing The 30 Greatest American Rock Bands of All Time were announced by the Mote MGZN. The Ramones are number 3. Other were: 1) Nirvana 2) Aerosmith, 4) Sly And The Family Stone and 5) Doors. See story here. (February 15, 2006)

- Nominations for the 48th Annual Grammy Awards were announced by The Recording Academy in December. Annual Grammy Awards was held on Wednesday, Feb. 8, at Staples Center in Los Angeles. The Ramones/ The Ramones related works were nominated twice, in a Best Boxed Or Special Limited Edition Package category was Weird Tales Of The Ramones and it's art directors Hugh Brown & Sheryl Farber, and then in Best Long Form Music Video category was End Of The Century: The Story Of The Ramones video, it's directed and produced by Jim Fields & Michael Gramaglia.
The Ramones lost to Johnny Cash's The Legend in box set category (it's art director is Ian Cuttler) and to Bob Dylan's No Direction Home in the long-form video category, (video director: Martin Scorsese and video producers: Margaret Bodde, Susan Lacy, Jeff Rosen, Martin Scorsese, Nigel Sinclair & Anthony Wall). See list of nominations and winners here. (Updated February 11, 2006)

- Ramones - Familia Maitagarria is a new special book by Gotzon Hermosilla. It's tells basic history of the Ramones. Gotzon lives in Basque Country, in the north of Spain and they have there very old language called Eusquera. Alfredo, Anna and Helena Cordeiro told me that language is spoken by little amount of people and they're trying to recover it. Alfredo, Anna and Helena lives in Spain, but even they can't understand that language because it's totally different from Spanish and Catalan. Book has some lyrics translated and here's example of the language, lines: "Well the kids are all hopped up and ready to go. They're ready to go now, they got their surfboards." from Sheena Is A Punk Rocker are this way: "Beno, neska-mutilak aitzurtuta daude eta joateko prest. Oraintxe joateko prest, surf taulak hartu." Book is minisized and also photos are pretty small. You can order book from here. (January 5, 2006)

- Ramånes is a Swedish Ramones cover band. They've been touring 3-4 years and they just released an DVD. Ramånes has also released CD of eight Ramones covers or songs which Ramones covered. DVD is pretty funny, it contains document and live shows. Also document has parts of those live shows, from Spain, Malta etc... They were in Spain in last June (2005). All are wearing wigs. So Ramånes is doing their thing with a Ramoniac humour, and with a help of alcohol, like drummer went outside to do an snow angel during the show in Sweden (temperature was -10 celsius outside). DVD also has texts in Engligh. Ramånes homepage is here. You can also book them through their site. (December 12, 2005)

- Tommy Ramone told more of his psycho-bluegrass band called Uncle Monk in my second book Rock In Peace: Dee Dee And Joey Ramone. Band is an intense mixture of americana and modern rock. Tommy just wrote to me that record should be ready soon. (December 10, 2005)

- There's in next week a solo exhibit by photographer Maggie St. Thomas at Art Hub in LA on December 16 & 17, 2005. Art Hub is located at 110 1/2 Glassell Street, The Circle in Orange. Exhibition contains her works of The Ramones, Social Distortion, Rob Zombie etc. (December 7, 2005)

- (Photos: Johnny monument + Arturo Vega with Pinhead are by Maggie St Thomas) The Ramones fans were celebrating in Mexican style on October 29, 2005. Arturo Vega wrote in advance: "Hollywood Forever, the cemetary in Los Angeles that is host to Dee Dee's grave and Johnny's monument is throwing it's annual Dia De Los Muertos Festival on October 29, 2005 and you better believe it's a party. Doors open at 3PM and close at 11PM. If you can't imagine what we are talking about you have to come and check it out, there are parades, a stage for music and dance performances and dozens of drop dead cool installations all over the cemetary, admission is free but do bring some green since as expected of any Ramones event there will be T-shirts for sale, including a very special one, this unique piece has drawings by the masters themselves, Johnny, Joey and Dee Dee, the proceeds as usual are to benefit cancer research." Address of Hollywood Forever cemetary is: 6000 Santa Monica Boulevard, LA, CA. 90038. (Updated: December 7, 2005)

- On December 6, 1965, Mickey Ruskin opened the doors of the legendary NYC restaurant/bar/club, Max's Kansas City. In commemorating Max's 40th anniversary, they're having live/silent auction etc., proceeds will benefit and sustain the goals of the Max's Kansas City Project, a 501C3 non profit organization established in memory of Mickey Ruskin. The live/silent auction will feature a diverse an extraordinary array of talent: Artworks, photographs and memorabilia have been donated by many famous and outstanding artists, photographers, musicians and fashion designers who frequented or performed at Max's over the years, they include Tommy Ramone, Ramones Artistic Director Arturo Vega, Bob Gruen, Blondie, Springsteen, Alice Cooper, Billy Idol, Sheryl Crow.... Tommy Ramone will be going to the auction and will be signing a picture of the Ramones first album cover, donated by George DuBose. Arturo Vega's piece is a print of the Porn Is The New Rock series he is been working. Tickets: $100 live/silent auction, cocktail reception & party 6:30-11:30 or $40 silent auction/party 8:30-11:30. More infos here. (December 2, 2005)

- (see also picture in right) The first Ramones Museum ever was open it's gates in Berlin, Germany at 4pm Thursday on September 15, 2005,... It was then exactly one year after Johnny got a call from heaven. Ramones Museum is located in the heart of Kreuzberg 61, address is Solmsstrasse 30, 10961 Berlin. Ramones Museum in Berlin displays more than 300 unique memorabilia items of The Ramones. On display is a pair of Johnny Ramone's stage-worn jeans, a stage-worn glove from Joey Ramone (as seen in the video for I Wanna Live, from the collection of Ramones tour manager Monte A. Melnick) and a pair of Marky's sneakers, plus huge amount of posters (also from 70's, like of the first Ramones show in Berlin in 1978), unpublished photos and signed memorabilia from 1975-1996. Most of you fans not have also seen hard to get promotional items, like Leave Home letter opener, first Ramones promotional T-shirt from 1975, miniature Ramones baseball bat which was promo item concerning first album etc. Flo, who is behind of museum, wrote on November 20, 2005: - "So far we've been overwhelmed by all the attention Ramones Museum Berlin has attracted and we're happy to have met all the cool people and Ramones fans from the entire PLANET since the opening on September 15th. There's a few things that have changed, we're open only at the weekends from 12 noon to 6 pm. In case you've travelled a long way just to check out the museum or you're only in town for a few days during the week, don't hesitate to contact us. Appointments outside the office hours are always possible. Just drop us a line: mail@ramonesmuseum.com
- Also, some new items and tons of new photos have been added. Some new stuff was pretty hard to come up with, like the Road To Ruin (Needles And Pins) Pin Box, a brown Johnny Ramone pick, a signed Ramones frisbee or some really early photos from 1976, taken in New Jersey just two weeks after the legendary Roundhouse gigs in London. - Currently in the works is a visit to the museum from Marky Ramone himself, scheduled for February 2006. Marky's gonna be in town for a gig with an Australian band, says Flo.
No entry charges. For more info check: http://www.ramonesmuseum.com Then on September 15, 2005 was also live performance by El*ke etc. (Updated: September 20, 2005)

- Jeff Salen is a founding member of the Tuff Darts, and he was also in Jayne County & The Backstreet Boys with Marky Ramone etc. and in Butch with Tommy Ramone and Monte Melnick. Especially older Ramones fans will remember for example Tuff Darts song like All for the Love of Rock & Roll etc., and I was thinking it's good to inform you about new releases. Jeff still performs with the Tuff Darts, and also solo with the Tuff Jeff Salen band. His new solo album is called The Endless Road, it's available on Fountainbleu Entertainment Records and Tommy Ramone plays lead guitar on it! The Tuff Darts album was recently re-released on Sire/ Wounded Bird Records. Click here to visit his homepage. (November 17, 2005)

- Time for new contest on the Marky Ramone Fan Site. This time Lynne Cameron have one box of the Ramones Toxic Teddy bears to give away to the lucky winner who can answer this question:
What is the name of Marky Ramone's very first band he played in?
Answers by E-mail to: lynnecam1uk@yahoo.co.uk by the 30th Of November and winner will be announced on the lst of December, 2005. All the entries will be entered into a draw and the first one pulled out of the that wins. (UPDATE ON DECEMBER 1: Jessica Moore from the USA is the lucky winner). Lynne's page is here (UPDATED: December 1, 2005)

- How sounds idea of this tribute CD - Pan For Punks... A Steelpan Tribute To The Ramones! I bet, you'll be surprised positively. Tracy Thornton is from North Carolina, USA and he has produced and performed 14 Ramones songs which makes you pogodancing, or like he said: "Just imagine if CBGB's were located on one of the Caribbean islands - it would sound exactly like Pan For Punks... A Steelpan Tribute To The Ramones!" Warped speed filled with chants minimal (and great) way and steel drums played in a new atmosphere etc. really works out also because Tracy Thornton captured the fun and melodic essence a way which gets you so happily surprised. Release is now officially out in the USA and probably later in this year in the Europe. It also includes a DVD video of Blitzkrieg Bop. Video is also in "speed" format and it has Ramones street influence on it. Tracy and I has got great feedback of Pan For Punks... A Steelpan Tribute To The Ramones for example from (Ramones related people) Ida Langsam, Donna Gaines and Monte Melnick. Among of 14 songs are for example I Wanna Be Sedated, Rockaway Beach and Outsider. Tracy does of Pinhead slower version with a bit spiritual attitude, but after it comes smily version of Do You Wanna Dance? and a bit heavier We're A Happy Family. Visit homepage of Pan For Punks here. You can order CD from there or from CD Baby. See tracklisting here. (Updated: November 11, 2005)

- I just found nice article by Jeffrey Morgan, it's great to read for the mighty Ramones fans. Widely appreciated John Holmstrom is telling on it of his Ramones drawings etc. and he also mention on it another widely appreciated artist Bobby London who did drawing also to the Weird Tales Of The Ramones box set, read article here. (November 1, 2005)

- There's released Pleasant Dreams DVD and I suggest not to buy it. It's real rip-off release. Everyone, whom I know has got it, is been really disappointed for it. Here are few examples what Mark Bannister told: "The presenter says I Wanna Be Sedated was recorded by the original line-up... That gets us off to a bad start right there, the guy is obviously clueless. Two minutes later, they introduce the band. Unfortunately, the people who put this together don't know the difference between CJ and Dee Dee so we get a shot of CJ instead of Dee Dee...
Also in official Ramones.com forum Dave Frey of Ramones Productions posted following buyer beware: "I have learned about a DVD that the Edgehill Publishing Company in England has recently offered for sale. We bought it. This is a bootleg that will not be for sale in the very near future. In my opinion the title is totally mediocre, of terrible quality, and features a running commentary by unknown incompetents who have no idea what they are talking about. There are far better bootlegs of all of this footage that hardcore collectors already have." (October 25, 2005)

- Here are some infos of new mags featuring the Ramones. Latest Mojo Magazine (UK) has the Ramones on the cover and a big 9 page long feature on the making of the first Ramones album, also different people are remembering Johnny. You can read 4 comments in a homepage of Mojo, click here. Magazine is featuring rememberings by Rob Zombie, Lisa Marie Presley, Eddie Vedder and John Frusciante. It also has many great photos and the bonus CD featuring 15 bands from New York (New York Dolls, Blondie, Suicide, Dictators, Television, Bad Brains... etc.). Also Italian magazine Rockstar has the Ramones on the cover, in front of CBGB's. And mag also has in general infos of CBGB's. Color Magazine is outta British Columbia (USA) and it has a 2 page feature of the Ramones with photos by Maggie St. Thomas, like from the Ramones show in 1995 and of the Hollywood Forever's Rock And Roll Highschool screening. You can order mag through this E-mail: sandro@colormagazine.ca (Updated on October 25, 2005)

- Jungle Records is a London-based independent label and they have put together a 3-disc set made up from previously unreleased Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers material (release date: October 7, 2005)! Release contains Walter Lure singing with The Ramones Rolling Stones cover Street Fighting Man. Walter Lure played many sessions with The Ramones and for this version of Street Fighting Man he took lead on a day when Joey didn't turn up. I asked more infos from Walter Lure and he replied for example: "Joey had laryngitis that night and couldn't sing so he either left before I got there or never came to the session. We started the recording and I was playing rhythm and then played the solo/ lick line over it in the middle. Someone said it might be better if we had a vocal track to listen to so they asked me to try it as I knew most of the words. I did it and found it was easy to sing with a Johnny Thunders type of nasal sneer in my voice. I don't know if you've heard it yet but I always liked it."
I've been doing great interview with Walter to my third book and it's coming out really informative way. But back to this release... The Ramones also recorded version with the Joey. Street Fighting Man (with Joey on vocals) was released at first as a B-side of single and it's nowadays also released in re-issued version of Too Tough To Die. This Jungle Records release has newly discovered unreleased studio recordings, remixed live sets and DVD with 50 mins of unseen footage filmed in 1984 etc. (October 4, 2005)

- Norwegian Ramones tribute album comes out on October 25, 2005, then also big Ramones tribute concert will be held at Rockefeller in Oslo. There's in concert playing 10+ bands. Show is 18+ and tickets are 175 kronor. The tribute album project started as an idea on a party in January, 2005. The most of the songs are recorded in Seafront Studio. All bands are from Norway expect Hymans and Clawfinger are from Sweden and Bunch Of The Living Dead and The Humps are from USA. You might know some of the bands, like The Tip Toppers who released cover album of the Ramones album Subterranean Jungle in June 2004. Steinar Edvardsen, who is one of the main men behind of the album and tribute concert, said that there's coming out also later the limited edition vinyl with some extra material. Here is listed all bands/ artists in this record: Mormones, Casino Steel, Silver, Mohammed, Brunch Of The Living Dead (USA), Xploding Plastics, The 3856, Backstreet Girls, The Retardos, NPB (Nude Pube Banglers), Vibeke Saugestad, The Beat Tornados Feebles, Yum Yums, The Carburetors, Grounded, The Humps (USA), Clawfinger (Sweden), 10 Ft Baby, Los Plantronics, Jack The Stripper, Tip Toppers, The Colvins, Rampant Dogs, Shirleys Temple, Neperud, The Hymans (Sweden), Mean Dean and The Grand Royal Rebel Lounge. (September 30, 2005)

- This did happen in November, 2004, but now Tamas from Hungary sent me an link as he found this out. There was Ramones tribute concert by Hungarian ambassador to the USA in Washington, and Tommy Ramone was a special guest. Tommy was wearing a suit and other men also similar clothes when they were rocking out Blitzkrieg Bop, Judy Is A Punk, Now I Wanna Sniff Some Glue etc. Here's site where is also photos of the event and an interview in hungarian, click here.... And one week later Tamas Kovacs translated this article, click here. (September 28, 2005)

- Usbe from Italy was travelling in Japan and he saw (and bought) there 4 action figures of The Ramones, they're pretty much in Misfits style (see photo). Those action figures are horror kind, and not official but I anyway decided to write of them. There's on the packaging names Joy, Dee, Honey and Marquee instead of Joey, Dee Dee, Johnny and Marky. (September 27, 2005)

- A cool Ramones related documentary was in TV many times in the area of California. Now it can be watched on the internet at http://www.blairingout.com, there click on Rock Interviews, and then click Maggie St. Thomas. First parts are on there. Part 5 will be up soon. There's a LOT of Ramones related material that Maggie talk about in there, as well as photos and clippings from Hollywood Forever ceremony.. You've seen something already, if you're a regular visitor of my site, click here to see lovely photos by lovely Maggie of this event etc.
In general Maggie is been taking lot photos in many Ramones events, and you know her also through my site and books. And thanks Maggie that you mentioned also works by me and that there's a photo of the cover of Heaven Needed A Lead Singer: Fans Remember Joey Ramone on there. There's so much Ramones related stuff that you're gonna love to watch a document. (September 17, 2005)

- There was a signing for the Weird Tales Of The Ramones box set at Golden Apple Comics in Hollywood on Saturday, September 10, 2005. 20 of the artists who designed the comic book were there to sign. They were: Rick Altergott, Sergio Aragonés, Jordan Crane, Mary Fleener, Tim Hensley, Xaime Hernandez, John Holstrom, Carol Lay, Bobby London, Lorna Miller, Bill Morrison, Johnny Ryan, John Seabury, Scott Shaw, Christine Shields, William Stout, Steve Vance, Wayno, Steven Weissman and Jim Woodring. As well Rock'N'Roll High School director Allan Arkush was there. (Updated: September 12, 2005).

- Punk: Attitude punk rock documentary was released on September 6, 2005 in USA on double DVD by Capital Entertainment. Release date in UK is on October 3, 2005 by Fremantle Media etc. Punk: Attitude is featuring interview with Tommy Ramone, as well for example with David Johansen, Henry Rollins, Chryssie Hynde and Jello Biafra. Documentary delves into the roots of punk, borne of the Velvet Underground, MC-5, and the New York Dolls, connecting the musical dots from the 70's London scene to New York's CBGB's. So Punk: Attitude is released by Capital Entertainment and it's director is Don Letts. Punk: Attitude documentary takes 90 minutes, but two-disc DVD features over 17 extras including a 30 minute LA punk scene featurette produced exclusively for the US DVD. Other extras include, Where Are They Now and Punk Family Tree, California Screamin' "Behind the Masque" article, Henry Rollins interview, Dave Goodman feature, Fanzines, Fashion, Women in Punk, Record Companies, The Attitude/Spirit of Punk, The Influences/Origins Of Punk, Punk On Culture and the Arts, UK versus US, Punk Evolution, The Gigs/Performance and The Punk Sound. (Updated: September 6, 2005)

- The best rock'N'roll magazine in Spain, namely Popular 1, have decided to do the well-deserved homage to the Ramones. Joey Ramone on the front cover, and a 16-page article with reviews about discography and comments on Rock'N'Roll High School etc. (September 5, 2005)

- HIM will release in mid September first single from their upcoming CD, Dark Light. Wings Of A Butterfly single is available on 3 formats. 2 track CD single and UK 7' picture single has Ramones cover Poison Heart. HIM is played Poison Heart pretty often at live during the last few years. HIM is a Finnish band who delivers romantic love in a metal format. They're really popular in many countries and Dark Light comes out by "Ramones label" Sire Records. You can find from my second book Rock In Peace: Dee Dee And Joey Ramone interviews with HIM singer Ville and drummer Gas. (September 5, 2005)

- This happen already in late 2004, but I heard of that Ramones connection now... Howard Trevor Jacobs, who is been professor of genetics at Tampere University, in my home country Finland, for the past eight years, just got one of the most prestigious and valuable awards in science: the Descartes prize, the European Union's answer to the Nobel. When he got award he was wearing Ramones T-shirt, kilt, bovver boots, leather jacket, ear studs etc. (see picture in left. It's taken from: http://img.radio.cz/pictures/ctk0412/jacobs_karlssonx.jpg). You notice him easily also because another man in this picture has old-fashion style.). Gongralutions Howard. He comments in article: "I wear a Ramones T-shirt because I like the Ramones. It's simple." and: "And as for the general issue of why I dress like a punk, it's a non-question. Punks are rebels and scientists are rebels. So this fits perfectly." You can read article here (August 25, 2005)

- Weird Tales Of The Ramones was coming out on June 22, 2005, but new release date was then changed to August 16, 2005 by Rhino Records. This collection was compiled by Johnny Ramone before his death last year. See tracklisting here. Most of the tracks are remastered. Also compilation contains the Ramones DVD debut of Lifestyles Of The Ramones and later promo videos. The box will also include a comic book featuring the work of 25 graphic novel/comic artists, including John Holmstrom (Punk Magazine), Rick Altergott (Doofus), Sergio Aragones (Mad Magazine), Bill Griffiths (Zippy The Pinhead) and Xaime Hernandez (Love And Rockets). In addition to Punk Magazine, Holmstrom has to his credit illustrations on the back cover and throughout the liner notes of the album Rocket To Russia and the cover of the Road to Ruin. Rhino Records created a Ramones Painting program with audio to help highlight the amazing artwork used in the box, you can see it here, it's pretty cool. (Updated: August 24, 2005)

- Heideroosjes is one of the most big Dutch punkband. They did a short clubtour that was called A Flashback To The Ramones in 2000. One of the concerts - at the Amsterdam Paradiso - was broadcast on Dutch TV, and a DVD called A Bag Full Of Stories.... 15 years Heideroosjes also contains parts of that tour. Now, in 2005, the Heideroosjes are having a sort of sabbatical year, relaxing and writing new songs, but they find it hard to keep off stage. So they planned a short tour in Holland and Belgium for November/December, changed their bandname for that period of time and will ONLY be playing Ramones songs. More info at: http://www.ramroosjes.tk (August 22, 2005)

- As you know Motörhead guys and especially Lemmy of Motörhead are huge Ramones fans, and also vice versa. There's now a petition to get Motörhead to the Rock'N'Roll Hall Of Fame - like you know the Ramones got in to the Rock'N'Roll Hall Of Fame in 2002. The petition can be found here. (August 18, 2005)

- Sire Records is celebrating soon its 40th anniversary with a four-disc boxed set. It's titled Just Say Sire: The Sire Records Story, and it rounds up 61 tracks on three audio CDs and another 20 music videos on a DVD. Release date is on September 13, 2005. Sire was founded in 1966 by former Billboard staffer Seymour Stein and Richard Gottehrer. Sire Records is it who did a first record deal with the Ramones. Blitzkrieg Bop is first song on CD3, and Rock'N'Roll High School is second video on DVD. Boxed set contains for example as well music by Dead Boys, Pretenders, Talking Heads, Lou Reed, Dinosaur Jr., Richard Hell And The Voidoids, Cure, My Bloody Valentine, Depeche Mode, Jonathan Richman and Madness. (August 17, 2005)

- A rockabilly tribute to the Ramones comes out on September 13, 2005 by CMH Records (Los Angeles). Here you can read more information of it and also get 20% discount when you pre-order it, click here. (August 15, 2005)

- Marco "mramone" Zuanelli has released new Ramones book in Italian language. Gabba Gabba Book has 325 pages (page size A4!), with a preface by Marky Ramone. Book includes huge amount of articles, interviews etc. about the Ramones, published on Italian newspapers and reviews from 1976 to 2004 etc. Book also has advertisements of the Ramones releases or compilations which contains the Ramones etc. Some articles are by famous and well respected Ramones fans like Paolo di Gaetano. Material is in chronological order. A very "must" for all Italian fans of The Ramones! Even I can't understand the language I found especially lot interesting photos that I wasn't seen before. For more infos (including how to order the book, price is: 22 euros + shipping), you can contact Marco "mramone" Zuanelli. His E-mail is: mazuanel@tin.it (Updated: August 14, 2005)

- Rents are raising all over the East Village the Lower East Side, some places are announced that they're shutting down, and "our place" CBGB's is in doubt. The CBGB's is one of the most important places to the Ramones during their career. Click here to see more infos in my homepage. (Updated August 9, 2005)

- There was Live At Continental: Best of NYC, Volume 1 CD release party on July 30. So it's live compilation CD and it's featuring: Joey Ramone & The Independents, The Ramainz (Dee Dee Ramone & Marky Ramone etc.), Agnostic Front, Cheetah Chrome, Lenny Kaye, The Lunachicks, Murphy's Law, The Waldos etc. Later Continental is putting out vol. 2 and also DVD which does contains Ramoniac material as well. Continental is famous club in NYC and our heroes played there really many times as a solo artists, and CJ, Marky and Tommy possibly also in future are performing there. Click here to buy a CD (August 1, 2005)

- Mucchio Selvaggio is an Italian music magazine and magazine releases 4 times in a year special issue titled Mucchio Extra. July issue is dedicated to the Ramones and there's 13 pages about the Ramones + cover. There's Ramones history, discography, videography, bibliography and some cool pictures etc. Check out the homepage: http://www.ilmucchio.it. (July 26, 2005)

- Latest (June, issue 69) issue of a Spanish magazine called Efe Eme contains a Ramones book . It's a 95-page book, it's in Spanish. This book is a revised and updated edition of a book issued in 1993 that was called Ramones Tratamiento De Shock (Ramones Shock Treatment), which is out of print, not in catalogues anymore. Webpage of magazine is here.
Issue 22 (July/August, 2005) of Netherland magazine UP Magazine has 4 Ramones related reviews by respected r'N'roller Bram van Schaik. Reviews are of Gabba Gabba Hey musical, Ramones: End Of The Century DVD and Ramones tribute CD's Todos Somos Ramones and All Good Cretins Go To Heaven - A Tribute To The Ramones. (Updated: July 13, 2005)

- Rob Femur is doing a radio show in Seattle, WA, USA called Gabba Gabba Hey and it's a two hour free form punk rock show. It airs every Saturday evening from midnight to 2am and can be heard streaming on-line on www.1077theend.com. Rob Femur fills the airwaves with punk tunes from the late 70's to now, like Ramones, Dead Boys, the Queers Descendents, Social Distortion, Nofx, Vibrators, Against Me, Screeching weasel etc. The station is a huge market commercial alternative radio station... so this is a great surprise that they allow this on their airwaves. (June 23, 2005)

- German band Hamburg Ramones do focus on their opinion of Phil Spector: Free Phil Spector! Free Phil Spector is also name of their CD. Hamburg Ramones has recorded 9 songs, 2 of them are Ramones covers (Judy Is A Punk and Pet Sematary) and 7 of them are mostly Ramones tribute kind of songs with terrific lyrics. Especially if you've been a long time Ramones fan you'll praise the lyrics after finding many stories relating to them. They're singing and playing for you for example message from Joey, song about Dee Dee Ramone and another ones of Johnny Ramone, Marky Ramone and PJ Soles. Official release date of CD is probably in August.
Hamburg Ramones is not just Ramones tribute music. You can easily notice their wide influences since the days of the 60's. The attitude and spirit lives on with this music. Their guitarist Ecki saw The Ramones for the first time in 1978. He and every band member of Hamburg Ramones were influenced for the rest of their lives in big ways. I had the honor of meeting Ecki and Thomas for the first time in 2004 in NYC, we were there because of Joey (Joey's Birthday Memory Party). Hamburg Ramones homepage is here.
Here are also shorter mentions of 2 another Ramones tribute bands. Rock It To Russia (also used before name Rocket To Russia etc.) comes from Florida and you can find their homepage here. Btw, two of the members are related to Richard Reinhardt (Richie Ramone), they are cousins.
In Northern Ireland there's a Ramones tribute band called Curse Of The Ramones. They has got great feedback, like when they for example played at the Northern Ireland Harley Davidson convention recently. Curse Of The Ramones cover for example Ramones songs like No Go, Danny Says, Spiderman, Mental Hell and Freak Of Nature. (June 23, 2005)

- Like you have seen from updates of my site, WEA/ Warner Germany tried to get for their use URL: Ramones.de. Jörg Buscher etc. didn't got down on their knees because of the pressure WEA/Warner gave. They also then tried to buy the site: "We said NO! NO! to Warner. NO! to them to make RAMONES.de a fucking commercial website. This is something it was worth for. And a sign to all the other fansites in the world! So Warner/WEA Music Group Germany last Friday announced they will NOT do any juridical steps against RAMONES.de, so the website will be what it is. Ours, the fans one, said Jörg."
"The Fans made the RAMONES what they are, not any fucking Company!" (Johnny Ramone, 1978)
Thanks fans of sending E-mails. Jörg thanked this way: "Jari-Pekka, very many thanks for your support, there must have been a lot of people knowing about the "fight" by your site and sending protestmails to the WEA. It helped a lot. It all went on very fast though... and it shows, "little" fans like us can do a lot. RAMONES.de will be online soon. Uncommercial and independent. OURS!" (Updated May 17, 2005)

- Doll magazine from Japan has wrote regularly of the Ramones. Marky Ramone just played with Misfits in Japan and Doll magazine did there interview with Marky (Marky played today on April 30, 2005 last show with Misfits). Issue number 214 contains that interview, also Seein' Red, Dillinger Escape Plan, Street Dogs etc.
Also issue 44 of UK mag Black Velvet Zine is out now and it includes for example review of my second book, interviews with The Explosion, Fonzie and My Chemical Romance, concert reviews of New Found Glory, The Explosion, Good Charlotte, Millencolin etc., album reviews of The Donnas and Adler's Appetite. One issue cost to Europe 5 euros and to USA 7US$ etc. More info here.

- Generation N (which are on the Todos Somos Ramones with I Wanna Live), Raw Frame, Tortuga and The Wreckers are playing alive at the Kersoin in Augsburg on May 12, 2005. Between the breaks and on the end of the live action they'll do a Raw Can Roll - Party with some rare unseen videos etc. by the Ramones and others. The Show is also dedicated to Dee Dee, Joey and Johnny! More Info here: www.g-e-n-e-r-a-l.de (May 5, 2005)

- I got this E-mail from my Ramoniac friend Munich Reilly from Ireland in early April, 2005:
"Munich: I have a request to ask... One of my best friends, Andrew Doherty, died tragically last week and he was a Ramones fanatic. We used to call him Dee Dee and he was absolutely mad into the band. He really loved your books by the way! When he was lying in the funeral parlour there was a Ramones T-shirt on his coffin and it was buried with him. I would really appreciate it if you could put a little piece about Andy on your fantastic website. A lot of my friends are Ramones fans and they would love to see him mentioned there."
Of course I said yes for Munich's request. Here is the tribute by Munich Reilly for his eternal friend Andy Doherty:
"When Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and the Big Bopper lost their lives in a plane crash on Feb. 3 1959, it became known as The Day The Music Died. March 31 2005 is the Day Rock'N'Roll in Drogheda (Ireland) Died. Andy "Dots" Doherty has left his earthly body, but his spirit has been released to soar forever, in perfect peace.
I'm gonna fly....... Deep canyons beneath me...."
Munich did continue: We are having a memorial walk for Dots this Saturday on April 30, 2005 so it would be fantastic if you could get this on your website by then. A big gathering of his friends will be in town and they would love to see it. I really appreciate this Jari-Pekka, and I know it means a lot to his family too.
Fans, please, have one minute silence for Andrew Doherty on April 30... I did so today. As an addition, there was at the CBGB's memorial for Joey on April 30, 2001, exactly four years before. (Updated: April 30, 2005)

- Here are infos of few new interesting magazine/fanzine releases. Tape Op, (the 'creative music recording magazine' from the USA), has just released their latest issue (No. 46 - March/April 2005) which includes an indepth interview with Tommy Ramone about producing/ recording the Ramones and other bands such as the Replacements. The interview was conducted last summer by Roman Sokal and also includes a few vintage pics provided by Tommy. For more information on how to obtain a copy of this particular issue Tape Op or any other, please go to http://www.tapeop.com.
Fanzines are mostly always nice to read, like this one. Fourth issue of Punk rock/ alternative fanzine Everything You Hate (EYH) from Liverpool, UK is out now. It has Johnny Ramone drawing in cover by Peter King, 1 page story of Johnny, pictures with gig report from the Ramones 30th Year Anniversary concert/ Beat On Cancer show at Spirit, West 27th Street, NYC, interview of The Apers, livereviews for example of UK Subs, 28 Costumes, Instant Agony, The Dangerfields etc. Price is only Four US Dollars or Four Euros, includes postage and packaging. If you would like a copy of this issue feel free to contact guys at: eyhfanzine@yahoo.co.uk
A Mojo (UK) Special Limited Edition issue is titled Punk: The Whole Truth. 148 pages of original articles + new interviews, rare pictures. It contains for example material of Ramones, Siouxsie Sioux, Buzzcocks, Sex Pistols, Green Day and Clash.
Review of my second book Rock In Peace: Dee Dee And Joey Ramone was in latest Close-Up issue, review was by Patrik Wiren. (March 20)

- Continuum International Publishing Group published Ramones book by Nicholas Rombes in their 33 1/3 series. Release dates: in North America on March 1, 2005, in Europe and the rest of the world on April 1, 2005. Book is paperback and it has 128 pages. Nicholas tells: "When I sat down to write about the album's opening song, Blitzkrieg Bop, my first line was: This is the best opening song to any rock album." Nicholas approach album, naturally because of nature of this series, wide way and also in many refreshing ways. How many of you know that Sire Records paid Roberta Bayley 125 US$ for classic cover shot. As well Nicholas is going inside of early NYC scene and precursors (like The Velvet Underground and MC5) of the Ramones. Did you also remember how was the music scene in April 1976, when album came out, among the top10-selling albums from the month were: Presence by Led Zeppelin, Eagles collection, At The Speed Of Sound by Wings and Thoroughbred by Carole King. He did interview for this book for example with Craig Leon who produced the first Ramones album, they compare album and demo versions as well. 33 1/3 series is of short books about critically acclaimed and much-loved albums of the past 40 years. Over 50,000 copies have been sold! Continuum is released before in 33 1/3 series books about Elvis Costello, Radiohead, Replacements, Velvet Underground and Joy Division. (Updated: March 14, 2005)

- I think it's good to put here also some news from Sweden. There was in last Saturday (February 26, 2005) in big newspaper called Metro Sweden article of me + some Ramones comments by Dregen of Backyard Babies + Dee Dee Ramone drawing from my second book Rock In Peace: Dee Dee And Joey Ramone by Nicke of Hellacopters. Also review of my second book comes to next Close-Up issue. Both writings are by Patrik Wiren. Hymans, legendary Ramoniac band from Sweden, played yesterday (March 2, 2005) in Stockholm in one big competion. Their set was - 1.Rockaway Beach, 2.Teenage Lobotomy, 3.Blitzkrieg Bop, 4.I Wanna Be Well, 5.Glad To See You Go, 6.Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment, 7.You're Gonna Kill That Girl, 8.I Don't Care, 9.Sheena Is A Punkrocker, 10.Havana Affair, 11.Commando. Does set list look familiar?, yeah it's same than how start Ramones album It's Alive. (March 3, 2005)

- New Die Toten Hosen CD-single Alles Wird Vorübergehen contains a studio cover version of Ramones classic Rockaway Beach. Die Toten Hosen used to play it at live on their gigs in 2003. Alles Wird Vorübergehen is really slow and emotional song. So intensity and speed of Rockaway Beach feels after it even more shock treatment than commonly. CD-single has also version titled "J.C.´s Dubbed 2 Death-Mix" (it's by Die Toten Hosen producer Jon Caffery) of Alles Wird Vorübergehen. CD-single is a limited digipack - and who wants to order the single should visit the DTH-online-shop on Monday March 8, 2005 ->: Click here. (March 2, 2005)

- Now is seen daylight first photo book of The Ramones. Book is titled: Ramones - Photographs by Chip Dayton, it's paperback version released by Omnibus Press and it has 128 pages. Chip Dayton regularly visited legendary CBGB's club in New York City and he was taking lot photos of The Ramones. Chip saw The Ramones first time in late 1975. This photo book is featuring big amount of one page and double page photos of our heroes, in color and in black and white. The most of them are unreleased ones and around 50 % of the time when Tommy was still in drums. The most new ones are from early 1980's. Some of Chip Dayton's photos are also on album Road to Ruin. Book also contains introduction by Jesse Malin and Chip's small interview with Keith Cameron. (February 23, 2005)

- Tommy Ramone is musical director of a Gabba Gabba Hey! musical featuring the music of the Ramones. Gabba Gabba Hey! debut was in Perth, Australia, at the Monkey Bar on August 17-21, 2004. With 18 high energy Ramones songs and a rather touching love story all performed in 70 minutes, Gabba Gabba Hey! is streetwise yet heartfelt; retro but also new and innovative. Tickets, priced $25-$39.90 were available by logging on to http://www.bocsticketing.com.au. Tommy said to me before that he hope to bring musical to USA etc. in early 2005. But now the plan is for the show to begin running in the USA in the fall. Also it's being staged in Germany this spring 2005 and at the Edinburgh Festival in Scotland this summer 2005. More info of the musical also here.
Tommy Ramone wrote following in late August, 2004:
This is Tommy Ramone with an update on The Ramones Musical Gabba Gabba Hey! We just finished a successful showcase run in Perth Australia. It was well received by both the audience and the critics.
With a book by novelist Michael Herrmann, the show was directed by New York-based Andy Goldberg with choreography by Strictly Ballroom star Paul Mercurio. I was very happy to be involved as the musical director. With a cast of seven and a band of three (lead by former Clash guitarist Nick Sheppard) the production is both faithful to the spirit of the Ramones as well as a groundbreaking rock-theater hybrid.
We are hoping to bring the show to the US sometime next year.
William Ferrier who was in the lead role wrote following:
" We've just done shows. Everyone I've talked to after the show have responded positively (even the dictator fans). It's loud and fast Ramones style all under 70 minutes. You gotta have a sense of humour. It's much in the campy style of Rock'N'Roll High School. It's been a blast hanging out with Tommy. I asked him alot of questions about the good old days and he really gave us an in-sight of what it was like growing up with the rest of the guys. It's been a dream come true to work with him."
Read 2 reviews here! (Updated: August 26, 2005)

- Readers of Alternative Press Magazine from all over the country recently voted The Ramones into AP's Hall of Fame in recognition of the band's outstanding achievements and lasting impact on the world of music. (February 15, 2005)

- The biggest worldwide tribute to our heroes is here! And this is full of love! This totally cool Ramones tribute album Todos Somos Ramones came out in January, 2005. Todos Somos Ramones is released by Rockaway Records (from Buenos Aires, Argentina) and behind of it are guys who are/were good and close friends with our heroes. And who are widely respected, think would they have got this tracklisting otherwise? SEE TRACKLISTING HERE
DoubleCD is mastered by Ed Stasium (long time Ramones producer) and comes in a deluxe packaging with a folder case and a 60 pages booklet similar to a Ramones Anthology box set on Rhino Records from a few years back called Hey Ho Let's Go, the booklet has over 100 never before seen photos of the Ramones, information about all bands featured and liner notes by Tommy Ramone himself! Dr. Donna Gaines also wrote some liner notes. Cover is by Gonzalo Facio. This has 58 songs s`panned over 2 CD's set and over 2 hours of music! Songs from all 13 Ramones original studio albums are covered + some B-sides and unreleased tracks too. This contains Ramones covers on all music styles - synth-pop, irish string band, metal, country/ hillbilly, rockabilly, brit-pop, hardcore, folk, accoustic, ska, psychedelia, big brass band....
This is not only a tribute, because you can hear real Dee Dee with Youth Gone Mad and real Joey together with The Independents. CJ and Bien Desocupados are behind of Punishment Fits The Crime and Dee Dee's wife Barbara Zampini recorded together with Jet Set Go song Howling At The Moon.
Some extra mentions of the another songs.... Legendary guitar-hero Sylvain Sylvain of the New York Dolls recorded Sheena Is A Punk Rocker specially for this comp together with The She Wolves. Can you imagine that Boys covered Ramones song from '90's, yeah, they did chose Touring! You know Al Maddy for example of his close relationship with our Joey, he recorded I Want You Around together with the former guitarist Ivan Julian of Richard Hell & The Voidoids. And Stiv Bator and Johnny Thunders... As well this contains SLUG cover by special line-up I collected (I sing and Tommi (ex-Rehtorit) as well, guitarist is Heko (Ne Luumäet and Rehtorit), drummer is Sipe (Apulanta and solo) and bassist is Martti (Luonteri Surf).
Order this doubleCD via E-mail: info@rwyrcds.com.ar
or visit homepage. (Updated January 20, 2005)

- Finally, Ramonez '77 album is here! Ramonez '77 is formed in 1984 ja now they released their debut album Rest In Pace. Ramonez '77 are from Hamburg, Germany and they've been for example before Nina Hagen's backingband. Ramonez '77 is not only a cover band, most of their material is written by themselves. They're musically and lyrically really Ramones oriented. Rest In Pace contains for example song titled Beat On The Bush, on it they sing "Beat on da Bush, with a toilet brush, oh yeah... What can you do? With a bush like that, always on your back! What can you do? Ask Allah..." Some other titles are Gone Today Here Tomorrow, Cretin Boy and My Kind Of A Girl. Album was released by Mata Hari Enterprises. A vinyl edition is available on Klartext Records. (January 16, 2005)

- Gabber Gabber Hey CD is a loud and fast accelerated tribute to The Ramones. This 220 BPM Tribute to the Ramones is featuring for example DJ? Acucrack, The Countdown, Defragmentation, Boomer Reynolds aka Omegaman, Diablo Syndrome and more. Gabber Gabber Hey is released by Underground Inc. (USA). You can order it from their site. The 20% off coupon code is: RAMONES. (January 7, 2005)

- Read Tommy's interview from Guardian newspaper (UK), Click here. Interview is promoting it that End Of The Century start to be in UK Cinemas on January 7, 2005. (January 6, 2005)

- Paul Simonon of The Clash collected together Revolution Rock: A Clash Of Reggae, Rock & R'n'B for Trojan Records. The compilation includes not only songs that helped the band form its sound, but original versions of songs that the Last Angry Band covered. Unfortunately this album has been put on hold for the time being, due to licensing issues. It will still be released, but not for a few months. Album contains anyway Blitzkrieg Bop, it's only punk song. Other songs included are for example Louie Louie by The Kingsmen, King Of The Road by Roger Miller, Junco Partner by James Booker and Dead End Street by The Kinks. (January 4, 2005)

- Dutch punkband Heideroosjes celebrates it's 15th anniversary with a DVD called A Bag Full Of Stories.... 15 years Heideroosjes. It was released last November (2004). Amongst all the stuff there is footage from the Flashback to the Ramones performance they did in 2000. The Marlboro Flashback series were tributes to great international bands by Dutch bands and all the episodes were broadcasted several times on commercial tv over here. In all DVD contains 23 live songs and a punk-u-mentary of 55 minutes. Heideroosjes are still signed with Epitaph for their albums, but this DVD-project is a real old-fashioned Do It Yourself production! (January 4, 2005)

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