Tommy Ramone has died aged 62.
The drummer – who was the last surviving original member of iconic punk band The Ramones – was undergoing treatment for bile duct cancer at a hospice when he passed away at his home in the Ridgewood area of Queens, New York yesterday (11.07.14).
The group’s official Facebook and Twitter accounts revealed the sad news and paid tribute to the late rocker – whose real name was Tommy Erdelyi.
Their statement said: "We are saddened to announce the passing of Ramones founding drummer Tommy (Erdelyi) Ramone. #RIPTommyRamone"
Tommy founded the ‘Blitzkrieg Bop’ band in 1974, having originally been their manager before being asked to play drums.
Four years later – having co-produced their first three albums ‘Ramones’, ‘Leave Home’ and ‘Rocket to Russia’ – he left the line-up, instead focusing on management and production.
He co-produced their fourth record – ‘Road to Ruin’ – before reprising that role again on their eighth LP ‘Too Tough to Die’ in 1984.
Fans and fellow stars have started to pay tribute to the influential musician, including former My Chemical Romance frontman Gerard Way.
He tweeted: "R.I.P. Tommy Ramone"
Tommy Ramone dies aged 62
