– The 2008 Joey Ramone Birthday Bash in its 8th Year – Part 2

The Ramones – Blitzkrieg Bop

(Read more About the Ramones) (Read the Ramones Birthday Bash Part 1) – Finally, in one of the most elegant, poised moments of the night, Mary Weiss performed the classic “Out in the Streets”. Weiss’s voice echoed off the walls and filled the venue, the crowd singing along. Trash and Vaudeville’s Jimmy Webb danced in the balcony, and a soft glow rose from the cell phones thrust in the air. Few songs have had more of an impact – “Down in the Streets” is the punk rock “My Way”, having been covered by everyone from Debbie Harry to the New York Dolls. Without the Shangri-La’s, the Ramones might never have existed, and Joey wouldn’t have written his own version of “Leader of the Pack” with “7-11” (“Oncoming car ran out of control, it crushed my baby and it crushed my soul.”) Not until Mickey took the stage was Joey’s presence more felt.

Leigh continued this Birthday bash tradition shortly after his brother passed away from lymphoma in April 2001. Joey’s family had a huge celebration planned for his 49th birthday, and decided to go ahead with the plan on May 19. It’s gone on every year since then, moving from clubs like Coney Island High and The Continental to the grandiose Fillmore at Irving Plaza. It’s a fitting destination given Joey’s love for the legendary San Francisco venue. When directing the Ramones in “Rock n’ Roll High School”, Alan Arkush even shows up in a scene wearing a Fillmore East t-shirt.

Taking the stage with close friends of the Ramones family, Mickey performed a heartfelt version of “I Want You Around” with even more affection than the original. This is how we loved seeing Joey – soft spoken, sensitive, and gentle. Mickey’s version was just the same, and a perfect tribute to his brother. A dedication was also made to Joey and Mickey’s mother, Charlotte Lescher. Charlotte encouraged both of her boys in their careers and never stopped championing their achievements. Along with Mickey, she helped organize each Birthday Bash after Joey’s passing. Charlotte passed away in January 2007 at the age of 80.

Every classic was there: “Something to Believe In” (performed with Ramones producer and former Plasmatic Jean Beauvoir), “Cretin Hop”, and “Rock n’ Roll High School”. But it was “What a Wonderful World” that has undoubtedly become the Birthday Bash theme song. Mickey reached into the crowd, grabbing hands in the audience and kneeling to sing to them while saluting his brother: “And I say to myself, thank you, Joey!”

On what would otherwise be a somber day, the Birthday Bash brought everyone together for one reason. Having taken such a loss and transforming it into a night of celebration is just what Joey’s family wanted. It’s been seven years without him, but it’s been seven years of friends and family celebrating a truly extraordinary life. There was a spirit in the house that night, as there will be next year and every year after. Happy birthday, Joey.

(Read the Ramones Birthday Bash Part 1)

(Read more About the Ramones)

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