By Nza
In true legacy form, another Ramones DVD has surfaced and this one, like the others is a keeper — Too Tough To Die: A Tribute to Johnny Ramone was released on Nov. 4.
The show was originally put together to help celebrate the Ramones’ 30th anniversary of their first gig but ironically Johnny Ramone passed away just two days after it happened. Captured on this rockumentary are interviews and performances by Red Hot Chili Peppers, Eddie Vedder, Deborah Harry, the Dickies, X, Henry Rollins, Dickey Barrett of the Bosstones, Tim Armstrong of Rancid, Tommy, Marky, CJ Ramone, and many more. Rob Zombie hosts the show with all proceeds going to cancer research.
I’m usually not a fan of others covering the Ramones and strongly prefer the originals, but there are some worthy performances on this disc. Henry Rollins along with Steve Jones of The Sex Pistols shred through “Commando,” “Judy is A Punk,” and the classic “Blitzkrieg Bop.” Eddie Vedder performs “I Believe In Miracles” amazingly as always (if you’re a Pearl Jam fan, you know what I’m talking about). Closing out the DVD, in good taste , is Johnny Ramone’s memorial service. Nicolas Cage, John Frusciante of the Chili Peppers, CJ and Tommy Ramone, Eddie Vedder, and Rob Zombie pay tribute to one of the godfathers of punk with beautiful and heartfelt eulogies. This is a must-have for any Ramones fan and even someone looking for some proper punk rock.