If you do not consider the Ramones to be the most influential punk band of all time you don't know much, do you. You don't have to love or even like the Ramones. It's a matter of knowing better than to bad mouth them when around anyone who may know what they're talking about. Nothing died with him. My illusions of immortality were shattered long ago.
People get old, sick, and they die.
There's nothing symbolic, poetic or ultimately tragic about it. I'm very pleased to see the many respectful appreciations that have appeared in newspapers, magazines and television programs. And poor Marky, who drummed for the Ramones for many years but was passed over in the press in favor of Tommy, who stayed for only as long as it took to replace him.