Dee Dee Ramone was one of the founding members, bassists, and songwriters of the legendary punk rock band the Ramones. He was also a troubled soul who struggled with drug addiction for most of his life. On June 5, 2002, he died from a heroin overdose at his home in Los Angeles, California. He was 50 years old. This article will explore the life and death of Dee Dee Ramone, and how his legacy lives on in the music world.
Early Life and Career
Dee Dee Ramone was born as Douglas Glenn Colvin on September 18, 1951, in Fort Lee, Virginia. He was the son of an American soldier and a German woman. As an infant, his family relocated to West Berlin, West Germany, due to his father’s military service. His father’s military career also required the family to relocate frequently. As a result of these frequent moves, Douglas had a lonely childhood with few real friends. His parents separated during his early teens, and he remained in Berlin until the age of 15, when he, along with his mother and sister Beverley, moved to Forest Hills, Queens, New York, in order to escape Dee Dee’s alcoholic father (according to Wikipedia).
There, he met John Cummings and Thomas Erdelyi (later dubbed Johnny and Tommy Ramone), then playing in a band called the Tangerine Puppets, named after a Donovan song. Bassist Monty Colvin from the progressive metal band Galactic Cowboys is one of Dee Dee’s cousins (according to Wikipedia).
The Ramones were formed in 1974, when Dee Dee joined forces with Johnny, Joey (Jeffrey Hyman), and Tommy. They adopted the surname Ramone as a tribute to Paul McCartney’s pseudonym Paul Ramon. They also developed a distinctive look of leather jackets, ripped jeans, sneakers, and sunglasses. They played simple rock songs as hard and fast as possible, influenced by bands like the Stooges, the New York Dolls, and the MC5. They gained a cult following that centered at the New York club CBGB’s, where they performed regularly.
Dee Dee was the most prolific lyricist and composer of the band, writing many of their best-known songs, such as “53rd & 3rd”, “Chinese Rock”, “Commando”, “Wart Hog”, “Rockaway Beach”, “Poison Heart” and “Bonzo Goes To Bitburg” (also known as “My Brain Is Hanging Upside Down”). The latter won the New York Music Award for best independent single of the year in 1986, while Animal Boy, which the song is from, won for best album (according to Wikipedia).
Dee Dee was also the band’s original lead vocalist until Joey took over the role. He then became the band’s bassist and backup singer until 1989, when he left to pursue a solo career.
Drug Addiction and Solo Projects
Dee Dee was addicted to drugs, particularly heroin, for much of his life. He began using drugs as a teenager and continued to use for the majority of his adult life. He often wrote songs about his drug experiences, such as “Chinese Rock”, which he co-wrote with Richard Hell of The Voidoids, and “I Wanna Be Sedated”, which he wrote after suffering a panic attack while on tour in London (according to Wikipedia).
After leaving the Ramones, Dee Dee attempted to reinvent himself as a rapper under the name Dee Dee King. He released an album called Standing in the Spotlight in 1989, which featured songs like “Funky Man” and “The Crusher”. The album was widely panned by critics and fans alike, who considered it a misguided and embarrassing effort (according to Music Times).
Dee Dee soon returned to his punk roots and released three solo albums featuring brand-new songs, many of which were later recorded by the Ramones. He also formed several bands, such as The Chinese Dragons and The Remains. He toured the world playing his new songs, Ramones songs and some old favorites in small clubs (according to Wikipedia).
Dee Dee also explored other artistic outlets, such as painting and writing. He published two books: an autobiography called Lobotomy: Surviving the Ramones in 2000, and a novel called Chelsea Horror Hotel in 2001. The novel was based on his experiences living at the infamous hotel in New York City (according to IMDb).
Death and Legacy
Dee Dee remained close to his former bandmates and continued to write songs for them until their retirement in 1996. He also appeared on their farewell concert video We’re Outta Here in 1997 (according to Wikipedia).
In 2002, along with the other surviving Ramones members, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Less than two months after his induction, he was found dead by his wife Barbara on a couch of their Los Angeles apartment. The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office confirmed that the cause of death was an accidental heroin overdose (according to Rolling Stone).
Dee Dee’s death was a shock and a tragedy for his family, friends, and fans. He was mourned by many people in the music industry, who praised his talent, influence, and personality. He was buried at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, where his headstone reads “OK…I gotta go now” (according to Ark Behavioral Health).
Dee Dee Ramone is widely regarded as one of the most influential and important figures in punk rock history. His songs have been covered by many artists, such as Metallica, U2, Green Day, Rancid, and The Offspring. His paintings have been exhibited in several countries, such as Germany, France, and the United States. His books have been translated into several languages, such as Spanish, Italian, and Japanese. His life and career have been documented in several films, books, and documentaries, such as End of the Century: The Story of the Ramones, Hey! Is Dee Dee Home?, and My Ramones (according to Wikipedia).
Dee Dee Ramone’s legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of millions of fans around the world. He is remembered as a pioneer, a rebel, a poet, and a friend. He is also remembered as a human being who had his flaws and struggles, but who never gave up on his dreams and passions. He is an inspiration for anyone who loves music and life. He is Dee Dee Ramone, and he will never be forgotten.
