MUMBAI: Tommy Ramone, of the American rock band The Ramones, has passed away. The news came from the band via a post on its official Twitter account that said, "We are saddened to announce the passing of Ramones founding drummer Tommy (Erdelyi) Ramone. #RIPTommy Ramone"

Ramone, who was one of the four founding members of the band, was 62 years old when he passed away. He was also the last surviving member of the band's original line-up. Reports state that the drummer was being treated for bile duct cancer and was in hospice care when he died.

The Ramones was formed in 1974 in New York City by its original members- Joey (lead singer), Johnny (guitarist), Tommy (drummer) and Dee Dee (bassist). None of the band members were related, but adopted pseudonyms that ended with the name Ramone (after the band's own name). The band is best known for tracks like ‘Blitzkrieg Bop' and ‘I Wanna Be Sedated'.

Although the band gained limited commercial success, the Ramones is looked at one of the most influential bands on punk rock. It is also credited as one of the greatest rock bands of all time, today. In 2002, The Ramones, which included its founding members and drummer Marky Ramone, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Later in 2001, the band was honoured with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.