I SLEPT WITH JOEY RAMONE: A Family Memoir

Leigh, Mickey with Legs McNeil

ISBN 10: 0743252160 / ISBN 13: 9780743252164

Published by Simon & Schuster, New York, 2009

About this Item

Presentation copy, inscribed by Mickey Leigh to Howie Pyro (born Howard Kusten, 1960-2022), bassist, DJ, and longtime veteran of the New York punk and underground scenes, on the front flyleaf. Best known for his work with D Generation and Danzig, Pyro recorded and performed with Joey Ramone. Additionally inscribed to Howie Pyro by Allan Arkush, the director of Rock 'n' Roll High School (1979), and by P.J. Soles, who portrayed Riff Randell in the film. Review copy, with the publisher's press release laid in. With honesty, humor, and grace, Joey s brother, Mickey Leigh, shares a fascinating, intimate look at the turbulent life of one of America s greatest - and unlikeliest - music icons. Octavo: xii, 404 p. with textual photographs. Original black paper-covered boards, with pink titles. The bottom corners are very lightly bumped; else near fine in a near fine dust jacket.

Seller Inventory # 77607

Bibliographic Details

• Title: I SLEPT WITH JOEY RAMONE: A Family Memoir
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster, New York
• Publication Date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0743252160
• ISBN 13: 9780743252164
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: First Edition.
• Condition: Near fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Near fine
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)
• Seller catalogs:
  • Popular Music

About this title

Synopsis

When the Ramones recorded their debut album in 1976, it heralded the true birth of punk rock. Fast and frenetic in their leather jackets and torn jeans, the Ramones gave voice to the disaffected youth of the seventies and eighties, influenced countless bands, and inspired the counterculture for decades to come.

Born Jeffry Hyman of Queens, New York, Joey Ramone was the quirky, extraordinary lead singer and cofounder of the band. Hiding his face behind signature sunglasses and a mop of dark hair, he helped define punk's early image, and his two-decade-plus tenure as the Ramones' front man made him unforgettable. Told by Joey's brother, Mickey Leigh, I Slept with Joey Ramone provides an intimate look at the turbulent life of one of America's greatest -- and unlikeliest -- music icons.

With honesty, humor, and grace, Mickey shares the fascinating, sometimes troubling story of growing up with an emotionally distressed brother who becomes a rock star and the effect it had on their family. He shows how Joey used music to cope with mental illness; embraced the glam nightlife of the New York scene; launched CBGB alongside bands like the Talking Heads and Blondie; and brought punk to Britain, clashing with the Sex Pistols and changing music history.

Ultimately, betrayal and infighting would end the band. While the music lives on for new generations to discover, I Slept with Joey Ramone is the enduring portrait of a man who struggled to find his voice and of the brother who loved him.

Review

"Mickey Leigh's story makes for compelling reading. "I Slept With Joey Ramone" is funny, sad, shocking and surprising and best of all, brutally honest." -- John Holmstrom, Co-founder of "PUNK" Magazine

"Mickey's cool new book is not only important, it's very, very moving. Joey's overcoming incredible adversity to be the lead singer in one of the greatest and most influential Rock bands of all time will be an inspiration for every kid that doesn't quite "fit it." -- Steven Van Zandt

"Joey Ramone kick started my career as a singer ... blame him." -- Bono