Ramones’ Drummer Marky Ramone (born Marc Bell) was born on this day, July 15th, in 1956. Coincidentally, Ian Curtis of Joy Division was also born on this date in 1956. Curtis passed away quite tragically on May 18, 1980, having committed suicide by hanging himself. Johnny Thunders (born John Genzale) of The New YorkDolls and The Heartbreakers was born on this date in 1952. He died of a drug overdose (though some say it was murder) on April 23, 1991. It’s always sad to lose someone so charismatic and talented in their prime. Let us all take a few minutes (at least) today to celebrate the lives and music of these three influential musicians!
Green Would Call This One of His “Princess Dianna” Pictures
Scritti Politti vocalist, songwriter and brain trust, Green Gartside (born Paul Julian Strohmeyer) was born on this day, June 22nd, in 1956. Green has been the one constant in a band that’s forever bringing in new musicians for each recording. My favorite Scritti Politti song is the brooding and atmospheric “Skank Bloc Bologna” (released 1978) from before Green changed their sound and went all dance pop. The photo you see above hangs on a wall in my apartment and is inscribed, “To Gail with Love and Thanks, From Green.” Read my truly fabulous interview with Green from the year 2000 at This Link.
