(OP) The 8th Annual Johnny Ramone Tribute will be held at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery on Sunday August 19th, 2012. The event will be hosted by Johnny's wife Linda Ramone with appearances by very special guest Priscilla Presley, Steve Jones of Jonesy's Jukebox, Henry Rollins, actress Rose McGowan, guitarist Billy Zoom of X, actress PJ Soles (Riff Randell of "R'n'R High School"), and Slim Jim Phantom from the Stray Cats.
The event will be even more special this year, as it will include a book signing of Commando, Johnny's autobiography that was released earlier this year.
The book signing will feature Linda, Commando Editor and Ramones manager John Cafiero (of Osaka Popstar), the sole surviving original member of the Ramones, drummer Tommy Ramone, as well as aforementioned celebrity guests with the exception of Presley. Music to suit the occasion will be spun throughout the cemetery grounds by "Intoxica Radio" DJ, musician Howie Pyro. Fans of Johnny, a founding member of the legendary punk band The Ramones, will gather at his 8-foot bronze memorial statue to celebrate his life and legacy.
As the sun sets, the event will feature an outdoor screening under the stars showcasing one of Johnny's Top 10 favorite Elvis films, "King Creole," (a personal favorite of Presley's himself). The screening will include a slideshow of rare photos from Johnny Ramone's personal archives of the guitar legend with one of his closest friends, daughter of the King, Lisa Marie Presley; who also penned the Epilogue in Commando. The esteemed Priscilla Presley will appear in-person to speak and share reflections on Johnny Ramone, daughter Lisa Marie, her iconic husband's legacy, and the lasting impact he made on the world. This is even more poignant considering it's the weeklong Graceland celebration of the 35th anniversary of Elvis' death.
Johnny, a longtime Elvis fan and avid collector, cites Presley in Commando as being highly influential in igniting his flame for Rock 'n' Roll; a spark that would eventually lead to significant contributions to pop culture and rock history in his own rite. Appropriately, the grounds of the event will include an on-site display of rare Elvis memorabilia culled from Johnny's personal collection, as housed in the "Elvis Room" of Ramone's Los Angeles home.
Net proceeds benefit the Johnny Ramone Research fund at USC Westside Prostate Cancer Center lead by Dr. David Agus. Admission is only $10, however donations in excess of the required admission are welcomed and suggested (but not mandatory). Tickets can be purchased online in advance, or at the gate upon entry.
