The iconic Johnny Ramone tribute at Hollywood Forever.
Hollywood Forever has a statue tribute to Johnny Ramone (born John Cummings), the legendary guitarist for the Ramones.
Last Sunday, Hollywood Forever hosted an unforgettable event that paid tribute to Johnny Ramone and celebrated the 30th anniversary of the iconic LA film Pulp Fiction, presented by none other than John Travolta.
The evening featured a special tribute to Johnny Ramone with performances, Cretin Commandos, joined by special guests Tim Armstrong from Rancid, CJ Ramone, and the legendary Billy Idol. John Travolta also made an appearance to present a deluxe screening of Pulp Fiction, marking its three-decade milestone.
Billy Idol took to the stage and reflected on Johnny Ramone’s impact on rock music: “Johnny helped keep rock ‘n’ roll alive when it was in a pit of going nowhere. We can look at the Ramones and see there was life in rock ‘n’ roll; it became punk rock, and that’s what they did. Johnny brought determination, discipline, and inspiration—not just on the guitar but up here as well,” Billy Idol said, pointing to his head.
Growing up, my sisters and I went through a punk phase, influenced by the Ramones. My older sisters introduced me to their first album, which they bought at Amoeba Records. I remember thinking these guys had style—they looked effortlessly cool. Soon, I was putting egg whites in my sister’s hair to create liberty spikes and attending rock shows, transitioning from my preppy school uniform to a punk look with heavy black eyeliner.
Who Are the Ramones?
The Ramones, formed in Queens, New York, in 1974, are often hailed as the pioneers of punk rock. The original lineup included Joey Ramone (vocals), Johnny Ramone (guitar), Dee Dee Ramone (bass), and Tommy Ramone (drums). Though not related, they all adopted the last name “Ramone” to unify their band identity. Known for their raw sound, fast tempos, and anti-establishment attitude, their influence on the genre is profound, touching on musical style, fashion, and cultural impact.
The Ramones’ visual style was as influential as their music. They donned black leather jackets, ripped jeans, and t-shirts, projecting an image of street-tough minimalism. This contrasted sharply with the flamboyant and elaborate styles of many rock stars at the time, creating a cohesive brand identity that emphasized their unity. Joey Ramone’s distinctive bowl cut, combined with his tall, lanky frame and shaggy hair, gave him a unique stage presence.
In a 1990 interview with Spin magazine, Dee Dee Ramone said: “We were more glamorous when we started, almost like a glitter group. Joey would wear rubber clothes, and John would wear vinyl or silver pants. We used to look great, but then we fell into the leather-jacket-and-ripped-up-jeans thing. I felt like a slob… what made me feel like a phony was standing there in a leather jacket and torn jeans—like I used to dress when I thought I was a worthless piece of shit. Then it was a reflection of my hostility and self-hate. Then, all of a sudden, I started feeling elegant and worthwhile. I wanted to reflect that, but there was no way to do it in the Ramones because those guys were a bunch of bums.”
Some of the Ramones’ most famous songs include “Blitzkrieg Bop,” “Sheena Is a Punk Rocker,” “Rockaway Beach,” and “I Wanna Be Sedated.” Despite their early struggles with commercial success in the United States, the Ramones gained a massive cult following and found a passionate audience in the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe. Their influence is evident in the British punk explosion of the late 1970s, with bands like the Sex Pistols and The Clash drawing inspiration from their style and sound.
The Ramones’ influence extended beyond music and style. They played a crucial role in shaping the punk rock cultural movements. Their presence in the New York music scene, particularly at CBGB—a club that became synonymous with punk—helped cultivate and legitimize the genre. Now, where CBGB used to be, there is a John Varvatos store with designs that embody the rockstar look.
Dee Dee Ramones grave located at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
Fans left lipstick kiss marks all over Dee Dee Ramone’s grave, located at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
Today, the Ramones are celebrated as one of the most influential bands in rock history. Johnny Ramone has a tribute statue at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, while Dee Dee Ramone is buried there. Fans from around the world can visit their memorials. Their music continues to inspire new generations of musicians, and their image remains a symbol of punk rock’s enduring spirit of rebellion and simplicity.
Written by Kimberly Mortensen