Died On This Date (July 11, 2014) Tommy Ramone / The Ramones
themusicsover Tommy Ramone (aka Thomas Erdelyi; Born Erdélyi Tamás)
January 29, 1952 – July 11, 2014
Thomas Erdelyi, later to be more widely known by his stage name, Tommy Ramone, was the founding drummer for the highly influential rock band, the Ramones. Until he passed away, Erdelyi had been the last surviving member of the original foursome. Formed with former high school classmates, Douglas Colvin (Dee Dee Ramone), John Cummings (Johnny Ramone), and Jeffrey Hyman (Joey Ramone) in 1974, the Ramones were considered by many to be the first real punk band. When discussing his Underground Garage channel on Sirius Satellite, Little Steven Van Zandt described its programming as “groups that inspired the Ramones, groups inspired by the Ramones, and the Ramones.” Originally slated to be the band’s manager with Hyman on drums, Erdelyi was quickly moved behind the kit when Hyman realized he couldn’t keep up with the tempo of the songs they were writing. He pretty much became drummer by default since no one else wanted to. Erdelyi remained in the band until 1978. He played on and co-produced the band’s first three studio albums as well as their 1979 live album, It’s Alive. Erdelyi was also an accomplished producer as well, most notably of the Replacements‘ Tim album. He returned to the Ramones camp to produce their 1984 album, Too Tough To Die. Tommy Ramone was 62 when he died in hospice care following treatment for bile duct cancer.
Thanks to Harold Lepidus at Bob Dylan Examiner for the assist.
What You Should Own
Arturo Vega was a graphic designer who is best remembered for his 20+ years of creative service for the Ramones. Originally from Mexico, Vega emigrated to the United States during the ’70s, and settled in New York City. He soon became friends with the band and even let 
At 6′-8″, Joey Ramone towered, both literally and physically, over the punk rock world as the leader of the Ramones. His early life was a exemplified of that cliche of the awkward kid who doesn’t fit in, and needs the escape that only rock ‘n’ roll can provide. He found refuge in records by the Beatles, the Who and Phil Spector’s “wall of sound.” In 1974, he co-founded the Ramones, who many consider to be the the first real punk band. Beneath Joey’s vocal barrage and the band’s assault of bass, drums and guitar, lay some of the most beautiful melodies rock music has ever heard. And they told more in two minutes than many bands can say across an entire CD. The Ramones were the blue print. When discussing his awesome Underground Garage channel on Sirius Satellite, Little Steven Van Zandt describes the programming as “groups that inspired 
