9th Annual Johnny Ramone Festival – at Hollywood Forever Cemetery – Hollywood, CA

The best party of the summer just took place over last weekend at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. In case you were left out in the dark we are indeed talking about the 9th Annual Johnny Ramone fest!

This summer may have just seen the biggest and best event in the festivals long history with a draw that exceeded previous years turnoutsby far. Not only was attendance high, but the number of special guests, especially those who were of cult status was beyond what anyone expected, and fans have come to expect a lot from the organizers at the Johnny Ramone fest.

The main attraction of the night was legendary film maker John Waters who easily could have been enough to satisfy the rabid crowd. Like a sugary topping on a cake, last minute guests made this event that much sweeter. Film star Ricki Lake was a nice addition but it was Johnny fucking Depp who had the audience roaring with excitement as he stepped to the Q and A panel alongside the cast from “Cry Baby”. To top things off the questions for the cast were asked by Steve Jones of The Sex Pistols.

Burlesque queen Dita Von Teese also made an appearance as she introduced John Waters. John described his excitement for Cry Baby and how his love for rock n roll and the Ramones was a long lasting love. He recalled how The Ramones made rock and roll dangerous again and that working with Iggy Pop on the film was a great experience as well considering Iggy had just gone sober. Some of the nights funniest moments came when Ricki Lake described in secrecy how she lost her virginity during production of the film, much to the crowds surprise it was not to co star Johnny Depp and remains a secret unknown the public!

DJ Howie Pyro provided music during the change over and spun Ramones hits while classic concert footage played on the mausoleum wall.

Musicians from well known bands were also in the house. We saw members of The Vandals, X, Samhain, Tiger Army, Dgeneration, Fangs on Fur, The Stray Cats, Sex Pistols, artist Shepherd Fairy and much more on site for the event.

“Cry Baby” was the perfect film for the event and with a cast of characters who came out to support, it made for the best Ramones fest despite the fact that none of the surviving Ramones were around.

We want to thank Linda Ramone for once again putting on an event that honors her husband and his bands legacy. We’d also like to thank the good people at Hollywood Forever for their role in the Ramones fest as well.

We are already looking forward to next years Fest!

-Louie Bones-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 

 

 

 

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