Although Johnny made an appearance on this blog only recently, sporting the brown and gold, I couldn't resist sharing this night, the 7th annual tribute since his passing. Essentially a fundraiser for prostate cancer research, it was just as much a celebration of the music of the Ramones, with Tommy (the last surviving founding member) making an appearance, the screening of the 1977 performance of the Ramones on "Don Kirshner's Rock Concert", and the unveiling of a new painting in honour of Dee Dee.
Held at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery it was a picnic free-for-all...and what a beautiful night for it. Blankets were down, nibbles were out, and a few beers cracked to celebrate. The current incarnation of the Misfits were in attendance too, promoting their new record that comes out this week, and making themselves available for photos and signings - the queue was huge!!!
Johnny's memorial and Dee Dee's grave were spruced up, and the event was just a quiet respectful nod to the impact these blokes had on punk rock. Many of Johnny's friends were there to celebrate, including a one Lisa Marie Presley - who is so beautiful!! - and it was announced that Johnny's autobiography will finally be published in 2012. Described as an honest "in his words" account of the history of the band, we were told we'll learn a lot about Johnny, like his passion to one day become a film director, something he wasn't able to achieve. Can't wait to read that!
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| Tommy Ramone interviewed by Joe Escalante from The Vandals. |
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| Dee Dee's grave resplendent with tributes. |
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| The footage from "Don Kirshner's Rock Concert", screened in it's entirety for the first time in decades. |
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| Yours truly getting up close... to cutouts. |
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| Airbrushed tribute to the Misfits. How I covet thee. |
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| Misfits meeting their minions. |
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| The congregation of fans soaking up the last light of the day. |
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| And the reason we were there. |
