Rocker Johnny Ramone Dies
| Published 10/01/04

Graphic by: Doni Neel

When describing the death of Johnny Ramone, it just doesn't seem appropriate to saturate it in schmaltz and quotes like, "The world will forever mourn..." and so forth. In general, Johnny Ramone and the Ramones represented everything good that makes up Rock and Roll. Words like "fun," "energy" and "youth" come to mind when thinking of The Ramones.

Rock and Roll's origins are probably traced back to the late to mid 50s. Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis were pounding menacingly on pianos, and Alan Freed was spinning records on a radio show. Then the Brits got a hold of it and took it to new levels of insanity when they invaded America in the mid 60s. Rock music is really only 40-50 years of age, which puts those folks who started it in the category of old age. Can this be the case? Can Rock and Roll music and old age be used in the same sentence?

It's so strange to see someone in their 60s and 70s be associated with Rock and Roll music. Something that is traditionally associated with youth is now becoming old. So when I hear of someone like George Harrison dying (someone who was around during one of the first few waves of Rock and Roll music), it just hits very close to home. You don't think of death when you think of Rock and Roll.

However when you hear of someone like Johnny Ramone dying it just doesn't make sense. Someone who has been accredited with giving life back to Rock and Roll is now dead. How can THIS be the case?

It's really disconcerting to me when someone associated with Rock and Roll dies. However disconcerting it may be, it is still just the cycle of life taking its course. You get old and you die; not to sound apathetic, it's just simply the case. Johnny Ramone's death just leaves me speechless. Someone who represents the rebirth of Rock music is not supposed to die. It's something that really hits a little too close to home. Not only have we lost an individual, but it's as if a part of that which personifies Rock music has died along with Johnny Ramone.