THE RAMONES: 'Too Tough To Die' Documentary To Receive World Premier This Month

On Friday, June 29 at 6:00 p.m., The Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles will again celebrate the legacy of THE RAMONES with a double header world premier.

"Too Tough To Die", the documentary produced and directed by Mandy Stein, consists of two highly exciting yet emotional parts. The first captures highlights of THE RAMONES 30th Anniversary Concert, which took place at the Palace in Los Angeles on September 12, 2004. The event was meticulously produced by career-spanning RAMONES creative director Arturo Vega and Joe Cib, and included Tommy, Marky and CJ Ramone; as well as performances from RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS, DICKIES, X, Eddie Vedder, Steve Jones, Rob Zombie, Daniel Rey, Henry Rollins, Pete Yorn, Tim Armstrong, and Dicky Barrette. In addition, there are commentaries from Lisa Marie Presley, SONIC YOUTH and Seymour Stein, as well as many of the musicians.

Ironically, the event took place just three days prior to Johnny's passing, and thus the second part of the film covers the bittersweet tribute ceremony unveiling the Johnny Ramone monument at Hollywood Forever, also the resting place of Dee Dee Ramone. The beautiful bronze statue captures Johnny, larger than life, clad in his signature RAMONES outfit and playing guitar. Sculptor Wayne Toth applied incredible detail to the work, giving it life-like results. It premiers September 15 on Starz, but why wait?

Then there's the recently discovered 1982 performance of THE RAMONES at the Us Festival. The event took place in Southern California and was an exciting three-day extravaganza with many of the top bands from the time. The performance was professionally captured via a four-camera shoot and recorded onto 24 tracks. Honorary RAMONES producer Ed Stasium has mixed the sound for the film. The footage is amazing. The average temperature was 110, it was midday, and bets were being taken as to whether they would wear their leather jackets... come and find out. In addition, Arturo Vega will be presenting an amazing display of band memorabilia from his personal collection, as well as from those close to the band. Longstanding tour manager Monte Melnick will also be on hand autographing his book "On the Road with the Ramones".

As always, the proceedings will be hosted by Linda Ramone; and both Marky Ramone and Henry Rollins will be on hand to introduce the evening.

If you have never been to one of the events at the cemetery, please know you are allowed to bring food and drink. It's a proper nocturnal picnic so bring a blanket, spread the goodies and prepare for a lot of fun. A $10.00 donation is requested to benefit prostate cancer research.

Check out a poster for the event at this location.

(Thanks: ZombieRichard)