C.J. Ramone

C.J. Ramone

C.J. Ramone is an American punk and rock and roll musician from Queens, New York, best known as the bassist for the Ramones from 1989 to 1996. Born Christopher Joseph Ward in 1965, he joins the band after replacing Dee Dee Ramone and also writes songs for the group. He is the youngest member of the Ramones, by nine years, and his arrival gives the band a younger image and a renewed burst of energy and stage presence.

Ramones years

Before joining the band, he is already a Ramones fan, especially of Dee Dee Ramone, and has served in the Marines. His first show with the group takes place in Leicester, England in 1989, and he stays with them until their retirement in 1996. During that period he sings on many well-known Ramones songs and helps keep the group active in its later years. He also suggests the band cover Tom Waits’ I Don’t Want to Grow Up on ¡Adios Amigos!, a version that becomes a fan favourite.

Other groups and collaborations

After his time with the Ramones, he continues with a solo career in punk rock and related styles and works with other punk artists. He plays in The Ramainz, also known as The Remains, alongside Dee Dee Ramone, Marky Ramone and Barbara Zampini. He also performs with Los Gusanos, Bad Chopper, The Bowery Electric Crew, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, and Cretin Family.

Legacy and involvement with Ramones history

Alongside performing, he helps archive and promote Ramones history. Johnny Ramone says he is glad to see Dee Dee replaced by the younger C.J., and Tommy Ramone later credits him with helping keep the band young when the Ramones are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He is married to Ramones’ niece Chessa, and they have two children.