The 5th Annual Johnny Ramone memorial tribute was the largest ever, with thousands of fans gathering from all over the world to pay homage to the legendary guitarist and take part in a multitude of events, attractions and festivities. PassmoreLab unveiled their high-res, 3D conversion of Osaka Popstar’s animated video, “Wicked World” as an opening featurette to the WORLD PREMIERE of the 1968 cult classic “Night of the Living Dead” in 3D!

The special outdoor event, presented by Linda Ramone in association with the JRA, took place on Saturday October 3rd in Los Angeles, CA. Now in its fifth year, the Tribute is held annually at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, home of the 8 ft. bronze, Johnny Ramone memorial statue and gravesite of legendary bassist Dee Dee Ramone.

The eclectic mix of fans, Hollywood celebrities and rockers in attendance included actress Rose McGowan, actress Rosanna Arquette, actress PJ Soles, actress Virginia Madsen, actors David Arquette and Vincent Gallo, Sex Pistols' Steve Jones, musician Pete Yorn, X’s Billy Zoom, radio personality Joe Escalante of the Vandals, Gilby Clarke of Guns n’ Roses, Stan Lee of The Dickies, Jeff McDonald of Redd Kross, Charlotte Caffey of the GoGos and many more.

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, founding member and sole survivor of the original lineup, drummer and producer Tommy Ramone appeared with youngest member CJ Ramone (who joined the band in ‘89 through to their retirement in ‘96). The duo signed autographs for the legions of Ramoniacs who patiently waited on consistently filled lines that ran several hundred fans deep at a time.

"This is something Johnny definitely planned before he died. He was always 15 steps ahead of everyone.” Stated original drummer and founding member Tommy Ramone. “It is very gratifying to see Ramones fans gather together for events like this. It gives us the opportunity to keep the Ramones legacy alive and to share special times together.”

JRA Chief of Staff John Cafiero with custom jacket by Shepard Fairey

After dark, movie screenings kicked off with Johnny, Joey, Dee Dee & Tommy: THE RAMONES in “IT’S ALIVE”. The legendary show had been unattainable for decades until it was unearthed only a couple of short years ago. Featuring the Ramones in their prime, filmed LIVE IN CONCERT on New Years Eve 1977, the classic performance captures the intensity and raw energy that legends are made of. In the words of Johnny Ramone himself, this is truly “The Ramones at their best”...``

Jeff McDonald of the band Redd Kross (who’s 1987 Neurotic album was produced by Tommy Ramone) had this to say: “The event was so cool and “It's Alive” is proof that the Ramones were one of the greatest bands of all time up there with the Beatles and the Stones.”

The full-length Ramones concert was screened outdoors, after dark against a 24-ft mausoleum wall in a double feature concluding with the WORLD PREMIERE of the 1968 cult classic “NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD” in 3D! PassmoreLab presented the debut of its new high-def, colorized, 3D print of one of Johnny Ramone’s top 10 horror film favorites on a 41-ft polarized screen provided by Senova in support of the event and the cause. The event was a fundraiser with net proceeds benefiting the Johnny Ramone research fund at USC Westside Prostate Cancer Center lead by Dr. David Agus.

"This year’s event was spectacular and turned out to be everything we’d hoped for," said John Cafiero, Chief of Staff of the Johnny Ramone Army. "It was just a great night all around. The event was rich and diverse as a whole and so was the crowd. Commandos assembled from all over the world and it was the biggest turnout we’ve ever seen at the annual Tribute. I think Johnny would be proud.”

Fans enjoyed a full evening of Rock ‘N Roll celluloid in both 2D and 3D with the vintage 1977 Ramone’s concert film “It’s Alive”; the rarely-seen “Rock ‘N Roll High School” original theatrical trailer - introduced by special guest PJ Soles (who starred as Riff Randall in the film), plus opening featurettes of animated music videos from the Johnny Ramone Army and the world premiere of Osaka Popstar’s “Wicked World” video in 3D; NVIDIA’s new 3D Vision presentation of the horror game “Resident Evil 5”; and never-before-seen 3D photos of Johnny Ramone himself.

Rose McGowan and John Cafiero.

The screenings concluded with the 3D World Premiere of George Romero’s original 1968 cult classic "Night of the Living Dead, Now in 3D!” which was superbly introduced by actress and JRA affiliate Rose McGowan, a close friend of Ramone for many years.

“We had a huge turnout! What can I say? It was for the love of Johnny Ramone, a great cause and fantastic entertainment,” reflects McGowan. “Johnny would’ve been thrilled that so many people love & respect The Ramones.”

"Night of the Living Dead" was one of Johnny Ramone's favorite films, listed at #4 in his top 10 horror favs of all time. Attendees of the 5th annual Johnny Ramone Tribute had the opportunity to see it in 3D for the first time anywhere and received free commemorative Johnny Ramone Army 3D glasses upon entering.

“I think Johnny would have been very proud. He loved horror movies, and would have been thrilled that “Night of the Living Dead in 3D!” had its world premiere at his tribute, in front of so many fans,” said Linda Ramone, wife of the legendary guitarist.

"Night of the Living Dead", one of the greatest low budget cult movies ever made and originally shot in black and white over 40 years ago, was painstakingly restored, colorized and converted, frame by frame into full 3D using PassmoreLab's proprietary technology. The process, which took over 12 months to complete at a cost greater than the film's original production budget, was no small feat.

“It was great to see this all come together," said James Humann, producer at PassmoreLab. "We are fans ourselves, and were happy to be a part of such an amazing event!"

George A. Romero's “Night of the Living Dead” is considered one of the most influential independent films ever produced. Generally dismissed at the time of its release, the film appeared on the midnight-movie circuit in the early 1970s and gradually built a following. Recognizing the film's significance to its genre, the Museum of Modern Art was one of the first institutions to screen “Night of the Living Dead” years before the film achieved commercial success via its cult status.

The 1968 low budget cult film has been deemed "historically, culturally or aesthetically important" by the National Film Registry, cited in the American Film Institute’s 100 important thrillers and listed at #9 on Bravo's 100 Scariest Movie Moments. Critic Rex Reed wrote, "If you want to see what turns a B-movie into a classic... don't miss Night of the Living Dead. It is unthinkable for anyone seriously interested in horror movies not to see it."

CLICK HERE for a press release on the WORLD PREMIERE of NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD in 3D.

The art of Dee Dee Ramone.

Special homage was also paid to Legendary Ramones bassist Dee Dee Ramone. Over 20 original paintings by Dee Dee were exhibited on site in an art show curated by his wife, Barbara Ramone who was on hand to meet and greet the fans.

"I think it’s about time for all of this stuff to come out," said Barbara Ramone, wife of the late seminal bassist and founding member of the Ramones. "Dee Dee is still here. That's very obvious. His spirit lives in these paintings."  

Barbara personally hand picked 10 different paintings by Dee Dee to be reproduced and offered as 18" x 24" archival prints in an edition strictly limited to 20 numbered pieces of each. The edition was printed directly from Dee Dee's original art and all proceeds from sales of the Ltd. edition prints benefited the LA Regional Foodbank, donated on behalf of Dee Dee Ramone.

"I wanted to see homeless people and children benefit directly. Dee Dee always wanted to help children & went out of his way to give to the homeless all the time.” Remembers Barbara Ramone. “I think he'd be proud to know that his art continues to do that today."

A rare memorabilia exhibit was curated by longtime Ramones artistic director Arturo Vega, displaying stage worn clothing and other rare artifacts from the Ramones historic career.

Clear Channel’s Star 98.7 FM was on site with DJ Joe Sib (of the band Wax) & “Complete Control Radio” broadcasting live via remote from the event with interviews, on air giveaways of JRA prize packs, music and more.

To heighten the 3D festivities, NVIDIA, a leader in graphic technology, showcased its award-winning “3D Vision” giving attendees the chance to play this year’s hottest horror game, Resident Evil 5 for free. Fans witnessed RE 5 transformed from a standard game into a jump-out-of-your-seat, 3D experience. For more on NVIDIA and their involvement at the 5th Annual Johnny Ramone tribute, click here to read their press release.

Last but not least, everyone who attended was a part of the filming for a yet-untitled Hi-Definition 2D documentary capturing the raw, emotional, and endearing moments of the 5th Annual Johnny Ramone Tribute. The forthcoming documentary will chronicle the day-long rock-icon tribute event attended by thousands -- as told by the people who were there: his loyal fans, trusted comrades, the attending celebrities and rock musicians Johnny influenced through his celebrated career. More details will be announced as they develop. Until then, for more info, read the official press release.

Vincent Gallo with Linda Ramone.

Actor/Director Vincent Gallo, who was also a close friend of Johnny’s concluded of the event: “Tonight is a great night, but at the same time it makes me sad because it makes me realize how much I miss my friend."

When asked how Johnny would’ve described the night in two words, Linda Ramone replied: “fucking cool...”

CLICK HERE to read a press release recapping the event.