Los Angeles: Tommy Ramone, the last surviving member of New York punk band The Ramones whose raucous and energetic drummer defined the band's unique sound, has died at his home in Queens. He was 62.
Ramone, born Erdelyi Tamasin Hungary, had been in hospice care after undergoing treatment for bile duct cancer, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
He played on the band's seminal first three albums, Ramones (1976), Leave Home (1977) and Rocket to Russia (1977). Later, he left to concentrate on studio work and was replaced in the group by Marc Bell, or Marky Ramone, however, he returned to co-produce the band's 1984 album Too Tough to Die.
The Ramones began their career at the legendary CBGB club in Manhattan, a hotspot for punk rock and new wave bands of the time, including the Velvet Underground and Blondie.
Known for their long shaggy hair, leather jackets and ripped jeans, The Ramones developed a cult following across the US and would tour relentlessly for two decades.
Lead singer Joey Ramone died in 2001, while Johnny Ramone died of prostate cancer in 2004. In 2002, bassist Dee Dee Ramone died from a heroin overdose.
