joey ramone died 8 years ago today

jeffrey hyman, a/k/a joey ramone, died eight years ago today - on april 15, 2001. he fought a seven+ year battle against lymphoma. that year, it was announced that the ramones would be inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame. he was only 49 years old :(

within two months of the induction ceremony, on june 5, 2002, dee dee ramone died of a heroin overdose. just over two years later, on september 14, 2004, the third original member of the band, johnny ramone, died of prostate cancer.

in 2004, the documentary "end of the century: the story of the ramones" was released in theatres. this is a must see film for any fan.

i can't list how many times i saw the ramones in concert during the late 70's and early 80's. during that period they were given little respect as a band - or force in the music world. how ironic that green day would play for them at the hall of fame induction. how amazing was it that joey ramone was listening to u2's "in a little while" at the time he died - and, subsequently, when u2 would play that song in concert, bono would pay tribute to joey!

my favorite ramones memories of joey and the ramones are from their concerts at brooklyn college.

rip: joey ramone