Tommy Ramone (1952-2014)

Update: Unfortunately, Tommy Ramone's passing has been confirmed by Ramones management

A legend and icon of punk rock has died. According to Variety and New York Rocker Magazine publisher Andy Schwartz, Tommy Ramone of the Ramones has passed away. The cause of death was related to treatment to cancer of the bile duct.

Tommy Ramone, born Thomas Erdelyi, formed a band with John Cummings (who would become Johnny Ramone) called The Tangerine Puppets when they were both teenagers. After that band dissolved, Cummings formed a new band which would become the Ramones. Tommy was originally supposed to be the manager, but ended up drumming on the band's first three albums before deciding to leave the band as a musician. However, Tommy would continue to serve as a producer and songwriter for the band at various points in their career. Before his passing, Tommy was the last surviving member of the original Ramones.

We had the privilege of speaking with the legendary musician back in 2005.

Punknews sends condolences to Tommy's family and friends. You can click read more to hear Tommy setting the foundation for the beat that would become known as punk rock.

Joe Young of ANTiSEEN (1960-2014)

Joe Young, the founding guitarist of Charlotte, NC-based punk act ANTiSEEN has passed away. Young was 54 years old. Vocalist Jeff Clayton confirmed the unfortunate news on a Facebook post that read "RIP dear friend. See you on the other side." A memorial service will be held on May 18th at Charlotte's Tremont Music Hall, with donations to Young's family welcome at the antiseenjc@yahoo.com PayPal account.

ANTiSEEN have been incredibly prolific since their formation in 1983, releasing material on labels like TKO Records, Sub Pop and Man's Ruin. They collaborated with GG Allin for 1991's Murder Junkies album. Most recently the band put out a split single in 2013 on TKO with the Meatmen, and a collaboration with Nunslaughter on Hell's Headbangers.

Mike Atta (Middle Class) (-2014)

Mike Atta, guitarist and founding member of seminal first wave Santa Ana punkers, The Middle Class, has passed away. Atta died on Sunday night after suffering for four years with liver cancer. Atta's mark has been indelible on punk rock, as many people claim that The Middle Class were the first hardcore band. Even more claim that the band was extremely influential. After the band broke up in 1982, Atta opened a vintage store called "Out of Vogue," named after a Middle Class song, and ran it until his demise. We send condolences to Atta's family and friends.

You can click read more to hear The Middle Class' debut EP.

Dave Gregg (D.O.A. / The Real McKenzies)

It's been reported that former D.O.A. and Real McKenzies guitarist Dave Gregg has died at the age of 54. Gregg played on the veteran Vancouver punk act's debut full length Something Better Change and the follow up Hardcore '81. Along with frontman Joe Keithley, bassist Randy Rampage and drummer Chuck Biscuits he made up the most iconic version of act. He left the band in 1988, going on to play several bands including the Real McKenzies from 2005 until 2011. He appeared on McKenzies albums such as Off the Leash and Shine Not Burn.

Our condolences go out to Gregg's family, friends and fans.

Dave Brockie (GWAR) (1963-2014)

According to Blabbermouth and Style Weekly, Dave Brockie of GWAR has passed away. Brockie was found in his house by friends on Sunday evening. It is not currently known what the cause of death was.

For nearly thirty years, Brockie was the frontman for GWAR, as vocalist Oderus Urungus. GWAR was formed by Brockie and his art school friends in Richmond, Virginia after the collapse of his previous punk band, Death Piggy. Throughout its existence, GWAR satirized politics and religion, playing the part of aliens that had been trapped on earthl. GWAR recently released Battle Maximus, an album that was recorded after the bands former guitarist, Cory Smoot, passed away unexpectedly.

Brockie's death was confirmed by former members Chris Bopst and Michael Bishop. Our condolences go out to all of those that are affected by Brockie's death.

Scott Asheton (1949-2014)

Scott Asheton, drummer for The Stooges, has passed away. He died on Saturday due to an unspecified illness at the age of 64. Asheton was absent from recent Stooges shows due to the illness and the band was using replacement drummer Terry Mullins. Asheton's last show was the band was on June 11, 2011, after which, he suffered a stroke. Asheton last recorded with the Stooges on 2013's Ready to Die. Asheton's brother, Ron, also a member of the Stooges, died in 2009.

Bob Casale of Devo (1952-2014)

Bob Casale of Devo has passed away. The cause of death was sudden heart failure on Monday. Casale was 61. Casale was a founding member of Devo along with his brother Gerald Casale and brothers Mark and Bob Mothersbaugh. Casale played guitar for Devo for the band through their tour from last year.

You can click read more to see Casale in some of Devo's completely awesome videos.

Bobby Faust (-2014)

Actor and model Bobby Faust has passed away. The cause of death was complications following a severe stroke last week. In punk rock circles, Faust was best known as the little person that adorned the cover of many releases by The Dwarves. In addition to being linked with the Dwarves, Faust was in several movies including God is on our Side with David Johansen of the New York Dolls.

You can click Read More to see one of Faust's short films as well as a memory that Dwarves frontman Blag Dahlia sent to Punknews about Faust.

Oliver Withöft (1965-2014)

Oliver Withöft, one of the co-owners of Century Media has passed away at 49. He had withdrawn from daily duties at the company last year due to a undisclosed heart condition. Withöft joined the large European indie label shortly after the label was founded by Robert Kampf and has been with the company since. Throughout the 25 years since its founding, it's been a major metal label as well as hardcore and punk, even running a punk/hardcore imprint called Abacus Recordings from 2002 to 2007.

Some of the many Century Media bands include Shadows Fall, Napalm Death, Planes Mistaken for Stars, The Agony Scene, and Sick Of It All, All Else Failed, The Goodwill, Turbonegro, Ignite, The Distance, Faulter, Righteous Jams, and In This Moment.

Withöft is survived by his wife, Judith, and their three daughters. Our deepest condolences to his friends and family.

Nick Babeu (Trigger Effect)

Trigger Effect vocalist Nick Babeu has sadly passed away. The band confirmed the news on their Facebook page:

Yesterday morning we lost our voice. Our singer, frontman and best friend Nick Babeu died an accidental death. We appreciate all of the kind words and actions we have heard and seen thus far. A memorial will be announced at Turbo Haus shortly. We love you Nick, thank you for the ringing in our ears and the love in our hearts.

Trigger Effect were a decade-long fixture in the Montreal punk scene, releasing their most recent album What's Left to Eliminate? in April. We spoke to Babeu back in 2008.

Our deepest condolences go out to Nick's family, friends and fans.