The last surviving member of cult punk rock pioneers The Ramones has been made an honorary citizen of the town near Arezzo in Tuscany which he has called home for five years now. Drummer Marky Ramone, born Mark Steven Bell, is still alive, having chosen to live most of his life in Italy with his wife.
"As soon as I arrived here, I immediately felt the spirit of freedom. I fell in love with the old things, the food, the lifestyle, and I immediately met so many people. New York is a beautiful city that I adore, but totally different. I feel great here," said Marky, who became an honorary citizen of Castiglion Fiorentino, near Arezzo, on May 8th. All the other original members of the 1974 lineup - Joey, Johnny, Dee Dee, and Tommy- have passed away.
