Blondie, Cheap Trick, the Cramps and the Misfits will be among the artists honoring Joey Ramone at a New York concert on May 19, the day the late punk icon would have turned 50.
Those acts will join the Independents (an act long championed by
Joey) and Ramone's brother Mickey Leigh at the sold out "Life's a Gas — Joey Ramone's Birthday Bash," set for New York's Hammerstein Ballroom. Leigh — one of the event's organizers — will take the stage with his group Stop as well as with longtime Ramones producer Daniel Rey.
A spokesperson for the Birthday Bash said organizers are still talking to other acts about performing at the event.
In addition to the live performances, an event spokesperson said other artists will take part via videotaped messages which will be played at the show. Ramone himself will be the subject of a video profile that will be shown at the concert.
Organizers are also putting together a roster of speakers for the event.
When plans for the Birthday Bash were announced last month, organizers did not name any acts, saying they want fans to show up to honor Ramone, not to see a specific band (see "Bands, Fans To Celebrate Joey Ramone's 50th Birthday").
The hugely influential punk figure — whose impact can still be seen with bands such as Blink-182 and Green Day — died on Easter Sunday after a seven-year fight with lymphatic cancer (see "Punk Pioneer Joey Ramone Dead At 49", "Joey Ramone Laid To Rest").
To see Joey and the rest of Queens' favorite sons at one of their final stage performances together - a gig at New Yorks legendary CBGB - check out this streamed concert. [Courtesy of www.popwire.com].
This report is from MTV News.
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