Today marks the end of an era for punk rock in many ways due to the unfortunate news that original Ramones member Tommy Ramone passed away yesterday. The 62 year old had battled cancer of the bile duct and died in Queens, New York, on Friday.
The drummer, who was born as Erdélyi Tamás in Hungary before moving to America, joined Johnny, Dee Dee and Joey Ramone in 1974 to form the original line up of one of punk rock’s most treasured acts. Originally set up to manage the band, Tommy took his place on the drums due to Joey’s issues to play fast enough and sing at the same time. With Joey switching to lead vocals, Tommy spent four years between 1974-1978 bashing the skins throughout their most vibrant times before Marky Ramone took the sticks with Tommy switching back to a managerial role on their 4th album.
Fortunately, Marky is still alive today and was last seen sat 20ft from us in the UK at the Kerrang! Awards this year in London.
The official statement from the band’s camp is below, but raise a glass today to one of the finest punk band’s of all time who created an incredible amount of energy that inspired generations and will always continue to do so. They will all be sorely missed:
“We are saddened to announce the passing of Tommy Ramone (nee Erdelyi), the original drummer for the Ramones, earlier today, 11 July 2014.
“It wasn’t just music in The Ramones: it was an idea. It was bringing back a whole feel that was missing in rock music – it was a whole push outwards to say something new and different. Originally it was just an artistic type of thing; finally I felt it was something that was good enough for everybody.” – Tommy Ramone, 1978.
Tommy Ramone RIP.