Ramones Not Down With Repubs

Joey Ramone’s brother says not to use the band’s name in connection with the McCain/Palin ticket for the presidency.

“It has been brought to my attention that Linda Cummings, using the name ‘Ramone,’ has been in the media joining with the Palin family and the McCains to attempt to aid their campaign for the Presidency,” Mickey Leigh said in a statement. Cummings is the widow of Johnny Ramone, who was the band’s guitarist.

“As a President of Ramones Productions, and brother of Joey Ramone, I just want it to be clear that Linda Cummings does not represent the political views of the Ramones. Surely, as for Joey Ramone, the only Ramones song he would sing at a Republican campaign event would be ‘Glad To See You Go!’”

Leigh explained a comment Johnny Ramone made at the 2002 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony.

“I should add that when Johnny stated ‘God Bless George Bush’ at the 2002 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame awards, I realize now that he was on to something,” Leigh said.

“Because if it were not for George Bush and his handling of our country the past eight years, I doubt so many Americans, including so many highly regarded Republicans, would now be getting behind Barack Obama. So, yes, God bless George Bush for paving the way to Obama.”