John William Cummings aka Johnny Ramone
October 8, 1948 – September 15, 2004
Johnny Ramone co-founded The Ramones along with fellow bandmates Joey Ramone, Dee Dee Ramone, and Tommy Ramone.
The Ramones are the definitive reason I got into pursuing live concert photography and journalism in my formative teenage years. Just one year after my first published feature hit newsstands, I was living my dream not only seeing the Ramones perform live but being able to photograph them too at the KROQ Weenie Roast in 1995, which led me to document a host of other Ramones related events as well for my friend, Arturo Vega, including this interview which he helped set up September 13, 2001, with none other than Johnny Ramone. This feature, honoring the celebration of the life of Johnny Ramone, and the lives of all RAMONES members and cretins alike, includes some never before seen photographs of the Ramones live in concert in 1995, and the unveiling of Johnny Ramone’s monument in 2005 at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
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Maggie St.Thomas interviews Johnny Ramone (September 13, 2001)
WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO SINCE THE RAMONES DISBANDED?
Johnny Ramone: The Ramones stopped in ’96. I have been retired, but I still have work with certain Ramones related projects. There are always new products to be dealt with. I’m also very busy with my hobbies, which includes baseball and films.
WHAT DO YOU COLLECT?
Johnny Ramone: I collect movie posters and baseball-related items.
ANY FAVORITE FILMS?
Johnny Ramone: As far as film goes; I enjoy all Hollywood films and all horror films like the Bride of Frankenstein, which also might be my favorite. I like 60’s and 70’s Italian and Spanish horror films.
WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE ARTISTS?
Johnny Ramone: My favorite artists have always been Elvis and The Beatles and they still are!
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE RAMONES ALBUM?
Johnny Ramone: My favorite album would have to be Rocket To Russia. I feel this album has the most classic Ramones songs.
WHAT SONGS DO YOU MOST ENJOY PERFORMING LIVE?
Johnny Ramone: As far as my favorite songs to perform live, most of the songs we did live were my favorite. If they weren’t I would have gotten rid of them.
WHAT’S ONE THING YOU’VE LEARNED IN BEING WITH THE RAMONES THAT YOU’LL NEVER FORGET NOR LEAVE BEHIND?
Johnny Ramone: I learned very early on to try to never let your fans down. It is the fans that have given me a lot of my happiness.”
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Hey Ho! Let’s Go!
The Ramones 30th Anniversary was held at The Avalon (formerly The Palace) on Hollywood and Vine in September 2004. Rob Zombie called Johnny Ramone on the cell phone so that Johnny could hear the audience shout “Hey Ho! Let’s Go!” and typical Johnny fashion he said to keep the show moving. Here are some photographs capturing the magic from that night, with 35mm film style and grace. It was an evening of fun featuring The Red Hot Chili Peppers, X, Eddie Vedder, Marky Ramone, CJ Ramone, and more!
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Johnny Ramone memorial statue unveiling and ceremony
A statute in memory of legendary punk guitarist Johnny Ramone was unveiled in a public ceremony on Jan. 14, 2005 by Johnny’s wife Linda Cummings at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles. The monument is located next to Chris Cornell, and just around the corner from where bandmate Dee Dee Ramone is also buried. The bronze statue, created by artist Wayne Toth, captures Johnny in his most memorable image – playing his Mosrite guitar.
Photos and words by Maggie St.Thomas
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