VIDEO: Billie Joe Armstrong, Duff, Jonesy, Fred and Moz Show for Johnny Ramone

Duff McKagan Billie Joe Armstrong Fred Armisen and Steve Jones - Photo by Donna Balancia

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.

Duff McKagan, Billie Joe Armstrong, Fred Armisen and Steve Jones – All photos © 2018 Donna Balancia

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 busy recording in Los Angeles – All photos © 2018 Donna Balancia

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.

Duff McKagan, Fred Armisen, Billie Joe Armstrong – All photos © 2018 Donna Balancia

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:

Mr. and Mrs. Clem Burke attend Johnny Ramone celebration - All photos © 2018 Donna Balancia
Mr. and Mrs. Clem Burke at Johnny Ramone tribute – All photos © 2018 Donna Balancia

 

Superstar rocker Morrissey points out his Ramones pins – All photos © 2018 Donna Balancia

 

Morrissey and Linda Ramone strike a dramatic pose during Johnny Ramone tribute – All photos © 2018 Donna Balancia

 

Mia and her little pals – All photos © 2018 Donna Balancia

 

Howie Pyro – All photos © 2018 Donna Balancia

 

Jeffertitti of The Entire Universe and Dani Miller of Surfbort – All photos © 2018 Donna Balancia

 

Tina and Julian of Foxes magazine with Kevin Preston of Prima Donna and The Longshot – All photos © 2018 Donna Balancia

 

Punk newscaster Erin and Joe Altmann – All photos © 2018 Donna Balancia

 

Anastasia and Brian D’Addario of The Lemon Twigs – All photos © 2018 Donna Balancia

 

Lukas Nelson and friend give the international rocker symbol, fingers up and tongue out for CaliforniaRocker.com – All photos © 2018 Donna Balancia

 

Watch Duff, Billie Joe Armstrong, Fred and Jonesy:

 

 

Watch Billie Joe Armstrong perform “Rockaway Beach” with Duff, Fred and Jonesy: