RIP Tommy Ramone

As you all should know, I'm a giant Ramones fan (that's why I'm called Ramone in case you didn't already know).  You can imagine how I felt when the news broke that the last surviving member of the Ramones, Tommy, had passed away.  The Ramones, to me, are more than just four dudes who played music.  They're the band that saved rock n' roll, and also, the band that helped mold me into the person I am today.

Tommy was more than just the drummer in the band.  When the band first formed, Joey was playing drums and Dee Dee was playing bass and singing.  Tommy knew the band needed to put Joey up front and get a full time drummer, and after unsuccessfully auditioning drummers, the band convinced Tommy to be their new drummer.   He played on the first three albums, helped write many of the songs, and also produced many of the records, even after he left.  Tommy left the band because he felt he would benefit the group more from a producing stand point.

To my knowledge, the Ramones are the only band who's original members are all dead.  They're Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, godfathers of punk, and the band that saved rock n' roll.  Think about it, in the early to mid 70s, rock n' roll was becoming over indulgent with long, drawn out songs featuring 12 minute keyboard solos.  The Ramones brought rock back to basics and influenced generations of soon to be musicians to pick up an instrument and start playing.  Is it more important to be a great player, or a great songwriter?  Sure, the Ramones weren't masters of their instruments, but their simple three-chord songs are timeless and prove that great songs are more important than great musicianship.

Joey, Johnny, Dee Dee, and Tommy have finally reunited after all these years.  It's too bad I'll have to wait quite awhile to see it.  But as they say, good things are worth waiting for.  Rest in peace, Tommy.  Adios amigo.