Tommy Ramone, last of the Ramones, dies at 65
LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Tommy Ramone, a co-founder of the Ramones and the last surviving member of the original band, has died, a business associate said. He was 65.
Dave Frey, who works for Ramones Productions and Silent Partner Management, confirmed Ramone died Friday.
Ramone was born Erdelyi Tamas in Budapest, Hungary.
The Ramones were formed in 1974 in New York. Drummer Tommy, singer Joey, bassist Dee Dee and guitarist Johnny all had different last names, but took the common name Ramone.
The band influenced a generation of rockers with their hit songs "I Wanna Be Sedated" and "Blitzkrieg Bop," among others. Though they never had a Top 40 hit, the Ramones influenced scores of followers, including Green Day and Nirvana.
The Ramones disbanded in 1996 after a tour that followed their final studio album, "Adios Amigos." The band earned an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.
Johnny Ramone, whose birth name was John Cummings, died in 2004 of prostate cancer. Joey Ramone, whose real name is Jeff Hyman, died in 2001 of lymphatic cancer. Dee Dee Ramone, whose real name is Douglas Colvin, died from a drug overdose in 2002.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
