Annual Tribute to Ramones Co-Founder a Starry Event
By DONNA BALANCIA
A new supergroup comprised of Duff McKagan, Billie Joe Armstrong, Fred Armisen and Steve Jones played a few tunes before hundreds who gathered to honor Johnny Ramone at Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sunday.
Every year, Linda Ramone outdoes herself putting on a celebration of the life of Johnny, who has a memorial statue in his honor at the famous cemetery on Santa Monica Blvd.
Armisen: ‘We Practiced But Not Too Much’
Armisen said the group didn’t just summon up the songs they performed including “Rockaway Beach.” “We practiced a few times,” he said. “But not too much.”
Armstrong, meanwhile, sported a beard and told us that his much-touted side project, The Long Shot, is on a break for now because he has other obligations, music-wise.
This year, in addition to the famous foursome singing Ramones songs on the stage, a host of heavenly stars attended the event, including Tatum O’Neal, Traci Lords, Shepard Fairey and the one and only Morrissey.
Morrissey’s New Record
“I’m here in Los Angeles doing some recording,” he told CaliforniaRocker.com in the VIP tent at the event. “I wouldn’t miss this.”
Morrissey was kind to the fans, posing for pictures and then jamming along in the audience with McKagan, Armstrong, Armisen and Jonesy on stage.
Danny Fuentes of Lethal Amounts curated an exhibit of Ramones memorabilia that included set lists, rare photographs, T-shirts and Shepard Fairey art. Others on hand included Brian D’Addario of The Lemon Twigs with Anastasia, Lukas Nelson, Vincent Gallo and Howie Pyro spinning the discs.
On The Big Outdoor Screen: ‘Barbarella’
Hundreds of fans turned out for a large-screen showing of Barbarella, which was razor sharp with crisp colors on the overhead.
Check out some of the photos:
Watch Duff, Billie Joe Armstrong, Fred and Jonesy:
Watch Billie Joe Armstrong perform “Rockaway Beach” with Duff, Fred and Jonesy:
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