In Memoriam
Johnny Ramone
October 8, 1948 – September 15, 2004 · aged 55
Punk Rock
Born John William Cummings in 1948, Johnny Ramone was the founding member and lead guitarist of the seminal punk rock band, the Ramones. Armed with his signature Mosrite guitar and a strict downstroke playing style, Johnny crafted the aggressive, high-energy, and rhythmic wall of sound that defined punk rock. He was the strict disciplinarian of the band, ensuring they maintained their uniform look of leather jackets and ripped jeans, and their relentless touring schedule. While Joey Ramone provided the heart and voice of the band, Johnny was its unrelenting motor and fiercely protective architect. Despite never achieving massive mainstream commercial success during their active years, the Ramones heavily influenced almost every punk and alternative rock band that followed. Johnny passed away from prostate cancer on September 15, 2004, at the age of 55, cementing his status as one of rock's most influential guitarists.
Milestones
Blitzkrieg Bop, I Wanna Be Sedated, Sheena Is a Punk Rocker
Also remembered in 2004
- Dimebag Darrell (1966–2004)
- Ol' Dirty Bastard (1968–2004)
- Ray Charles (1930–2004)
- Rick James (1948–2004)