Image – Brett Zimmerman
Christopher Ward is a bass player that is more commonly known as CJ Ramone. Chris had been given that name when he became the bassist for legendary punk rock group “The Ramones” for seven years. During those seven years, Cj replaced former bass player Douglas Colvin aka “Dee Dee Ramone”. He played in the band until they officially retired in 1996.
I saw CJ Ramone preform at the Anaheim House of Blues. Which happened to be one of the last shows for the HOB. That is before they relocate a few blocks down for a larger space. I personally love smaller venues for punk bands, its more personal and gratifying. CJ’s lineup is composed of Steve Soto and Dan Root on Guitar, with Pete Sosa on drums. Cj warmed up with a few songs from his latest album, “Last Chance To Dance”, which officially put him into the Fat Wreck Chords roster.
Keeping true to his Ramones roots, Chris plays with the same get in your face and listen to me intensity, that’s been trademarked by the group. After a few of his newer songs, he went on with Ramone’s classics, like “Sheena is a Punk Rocker”, and “I Wanna be Sedated”. CJ also had a guest come on to sing some songs with him. The guest appearance was Tony Cadena, and with Steve Soto and Dan Root also on stage, and when they aren’t playing with CJ, they all come together with their band The Adolescents. Tony and CJ sang ” Cretin Hop” side by side, and it was wonderful. It really just goes to show that the punk community is just one big happy family.
Towards the end of the set, CJ payed homage to his former band mates, first off with “53rd and 3rd” for his late friend and mentor Douglas Colvin, who also wrote a good portion of the Ramones more popular songs. Then with “Three Angels” was his tribute to his fallen brothers and band mates, Joey (Jeffrey Hyman), Johnny (John Cummings), Dee Dee (Douglas Colvin), And Tommy Ramone (Thomas Erdelyi), and was really special to witness. CJ, with a few others keeps The Ramones name alive, along with Elvis (Clem Burke), Richie (Richard Reinhardt), and Marky (Marc Bell), are the last living members of the Rock and roll Royalty.
CJ keeps the music alive for future generations to enjoy, as well as the die hard fans that have seen them in the past. If your a fan of The Ramones be sure to catch his show, and if your unfamiliar with them, look them up, I’m pretty sure you won’t be disappointed, especially if your still a kid at heart.
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