I have always dug The Ramones, despite not owning an album. It was always one of those deals that seemed a good idea, at some point and time, but with no hurry as The Ramones would always be around.

Well, not anymore. Not ever again.

Joey was a transcendant figure. It was clear from the start that the term 'virtuoso' would never be applied to his singing, his music.

But he had that special quality. That 'it' that actors, muscians, and other performers around the world hope they have.

Whatever 'it' is...Joey Ramone had it. It was something you watched when he was on stage.

You could see it when he performed, his frail frame on the stage as he slung his legs apart and leaned into his lyrics.

The godfather of punk.

I didn't know Joey personally, but from all accounts he seemed to be a nice guy.

Roomie had a picture taken with him. Our friend's band was opening for The Ramones, and Roomie accompanied them for part of the tour. Especially the New York City gigs, where, being from Queens, The Ramones had to be big.

Joey had been on the Letterman show earlier in the week, perhaps that day, and he still wore a Late Night t-shirt. Roomie asked for a picture with him and he assented.

Roomie appears in that picture, exhuding excitement, next to his idol, looking absolutely thrilled. And next to him is Joey. Joey in his Late-Night t-shirt, slump shouldered, black sunglasses and a happy, yet sheepish smile on his face.

One must look closer. Joey's jeans are ripped and faded, accompanied by a big, fresh pee-stain on his pants.

He had pissed on his pants, but rather than blow off a fan and go change, he got his picture taken, knowing how much that would mean to a guy like Roomie. Like any fan.

I know of all positive things I could say about the guy, this hardly seems flattering.

But in this culture of remote, disdainful celebrities, fakeness, and pretentiousness, a guy like that, as genuine as that, is something special. As if being a rock icon never got to his head. Like he was one of Us, and he never forgot it.