OFFICIALRAMONES.COM TURNS 3 YEARS OLD

It was in the summer of 1999 that I decided to create an official website for the band. For those of you who might not know it, I have worked for the Ramones as their creative director/lighting designer/merchandise manager for their entire career. In July of that year the Ramones - Johnny, Joey, Deedee. Tommy, CJ and Marky - got together in New York City to promote the release of their "Anthology" double CD package. It was an exiting evening - the fireworks started early when DeeDee became too rambunctious and we were asked to leave the lobby of the hotel where we met before going to the Virgin Megastore in Union Square to sign autographs. It had already been 3 years since the Ramones had retired and I found the sight of all 6 of them very stimulating so right there and then I knew I had to do something to keep the flame alive. I had been thinking about a website for a while but I didn't know anything about web design and I didn't expect it to be easy, but the excitement of being back with "the guys" gave me such a rush I decided to go for it.

By the end of the evening I had a mental blueprint of what the site should be, so I brought it up with Johnny and Joey, got their approval, and the next day I started looking for classes on web design and of course PhotoShop. The plan was to "open" in early December. By October I had realized everything was a lot more complicated than I thought and was getting nervous but in true punk style I decided all I could do was "to do my best with what I had and not let anybody or anything stop me," and with a little help from my friends and contributing fans we managed.

We launched the website and the Fan Club with "The Cyberpunk Blitz" on December 17, 1999. (If you haven't you can see photos of the evening on the site.) With a contest party that included 13 bands and lots of friends. The winners got the privilege of being the back up band for Joey at the end of the evening. CJ also performed with a couple of bands.

A lot has happened in these 3 years. The triumph of their induction into The Rock n' Roll hall of Fame was a bittersweet victory since Joey did not live to enjoy it, and as Tommy said in his speech that night "It would've meant everything to Joey." But at least DeeDee was there to tell the world that the Ramones didn't have to thank anybody since nobody ever made it easy for them.

Unfortunately, DeeDee also left us to travel to "The highest trails above." This year our tribute to Joey in the form of "The Bowery Electric Festival" was a smashing success, and we are going to try to repeat the feat with an even better one next year.

The City's government made it official and named the corner of 2nd Street and The Bowery "JOEY RAMONE PLACE," but because of the current crisis they claim to be very busy and short of resources for issues of that nature, so we are going to have to rally the troops and push for it. Our most recent cause for celebration was CJ's tour of Japan, and the tribute to The Ramones at Club Citta in Kawasaki. The photos are on the site already so check them out.

My feelings are that in the face of the horrible losses the Ramones World suffered recently, we the fans are more important than ever to keep the flame alive - so this website will become even more fan-centered. The continuation of the the Ramones' legacy and influence is in our hands; we owe it to them. Timing is on our side Punk has been going through a period of reenergizing for some time now. Let's make sure it keeps going, let's turn on new fans. Thank you very much for all your support, your letters, your participation, and when you feel like it let me know - how am I doing?

Remember, our goal was established a long time ago. But now more than ever...
TODAY YOUR LOVE TOMORROW THE WORLD!

sincerely,
arturo.