Joey Ramone lost his battle with lymphatic cancer in April 2001. As lead singer of The Ramones, Joey influenced millions of kids all over the world and changed music forever. After retiring with The Ramones in 1996, Joey remained involved in the industry. Joey had been active on the East Village music scene, frequently hosting theme nights and showcases at clubs such as The Continental and Coney Island High. These events included the Joey Ramone Birthday Bash, and featured performances by Joey's friends, family, and band mates such as Debbie Harry, The Bullys, Marky Ramone, and Mickey Leigh.
Joey's mother, Charlotte Lesher, and brother, Mickey Leigh, organized the 2001 Joey Ramone Birthday Bash as a celebration of Joey's life. The event became a tradition and is now an annual event to raise money for the Joey Ramone Foundation for Lymphoma Research.
In May 2008, Thirsty joined Trash and Vaudeville, The Village Voice, and Manic Panic as an official sponsor of the Joey Ramone Birthday Bash. All of us at Thirsty are honored and proud to be part of such an important event paying tribute to one of our heroes. For more information, and to make a donation to the Joey Ramone Foundation for Lymphoma Research, please visit
