Tommy Ramone passes away aged 62

Tommy Ramone, the founding member of New York punk band The Ramones, has passed away.

Aged 62, the former Ramones drummer died on Friday (July 11) whilst in hospice care following treatment for bile duct cancer.

Born Thomas Erdelyi in Hungary in 1952, he emigrated to America and went on to form The Ramones with three high school friends in 1974.

Like his band mates, Tommy changed his surname to Ramone. He served as the group’s drummer from 1974 until 1978 and co-produced their first three albums – ‘Ramones’, ‘Leave Home’ and ‘Rocket To Russia’.

Tommy Ramone played on many of the band’s best known hits including ‘Blitzkrieg Bop’, ‘Sheena Is A Punk Rocker’ and ‘Rockaway Beach’.

The Ramones were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.

62-year-old Tommy Ramone was the last surviving member of the seminal punk band following the deaths of lead singer Joey, bassist Dee Dee and guitarist Johnny in 2001, 2002 and 2004, respectively.

Tommy Ramone’s death was made known via The Ramones’ official Facebook page with the statement:

“We are saddened to announce the passing of Tommy Ramone (nee Erdelyi), the original drummer for the Ramones, earlier today, 11 July 2014.”

A quote from the late musician was also posted saying:

“It wasn't just music in The Ramones: it was an idea. It was bringing back a whole feel that was missing in rock music – it was a whole push outwards to say something new and different. Originally it was just an artistic type of thing; finally I felt it was something that was good enough for everybody. - Tommy Ramone, 1978”

Watch The Ramones in action below: