Ramones Brother Leigh Slams McCain

Johnny Ramone's widow Linda Cummings goes over to the dark side...

By Fred Mills

Joey Ramone's brother Mitchell "Mickey" Leigh, who's had a long career in music including stints the Rattlers, Lester Bangs' Birdland and the Slashtones, has taken exception to recent pro-McCain political activities that Linda Cummings has been engaged in recently. Cummings, of course, was with Joey until leaving him for Johnny Ramone, eventually marrying the notoriously pro-Republican guitarist. See below for a statement issued over the weekend by Leigh.

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STATEMENT FROM MICKEY LEIGH:

"It has been brought to my attention that Linda Cummings, using the name "Ramone," has recently been in the media joining with the Palin family and the McCains to attempt to aid their campaign for the Presidency.  As a President of Ramones Productions, and brother of Joey Ramone, I just want it to be clear that Linda Cummings does not represent the political views of the Ramones.  Surely, as for Joey Ramone, the only Ramones song he would sing at a Republican campaign event would be 'Glad To See You Go!'

"I should add that when Johnny stated 'God Bless George Bush' at the 2002 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame awards, I realize now that he was on to something.  Because if it were not for George Bush and his handling of our country the past 8 years, I doubt so many Americans, including so many highly regarded Republicans, would now be getting behind Barack Obama.  So, yes, God bless George Bush for paving the way to Obama."

~ ~ Mickey Leigh

[Photo Credit: Debbie S.]