Joey Ramone is the subject of an upcoming Netflix biopic chronicling the life and times of the legendary Ramones frontman. Titled I Slept With Joey Ramone, the film is based on the memoir of the same name, written by his brother Mickey Leigh (who will also serve as executive producer) and comes with the blessing of Joey Ramone’s estate.
The announcement arrives on the 20th anniversary of the punk icon’s passing. The biopic will delve into the life and times of the musician (born Jeffrey Ross Hyman in 1951) who co-founded the New York group in 1974. Sonically, the band stipped back the overly embellished arrangements of the times, turning out hard, fast punk music which they were (arguably) the originators of; if not the first, certainly the most iconic.
The Ramones called it quits in 1996, but their influence on music and pop culture is everlasting. Joey died from lymphoma in 2001. The other three founding members of the group, Johnny (John Cummings), Dee Dee (Douglas Colvin) and Tommy Ramone (Tom Erdelyi) also have passed away.
Actor/comedian, Pete Davidson is set to portray the leather jacket-clad icon. The film sees him reunited with director, Jason Orly, who he previously worked with on Big Time Adolescence in 2019. Netflix is producing the biopic in partnership with STXFilms.
STX chairman, Adam Fogelson said: “When you share a bed with someone — and not just a bed, but a childhood, a family, and a lifetime — you know that person better than anybody else. Mickey Leigh not only collaborated with his big brother’s band — he has irreplaceable memories of and insights into Joey Ramone, having supported him when no one else would and witnessed him overcome adversity in the most dramatic way.”
Fogelson added, “I Slept with Joey Ramone is a great rock anthem that will make an equally great rock biopic, set apart by a universal story of family. Pete is perfect for this role and we’re excited he and Jason will be bringing this icon of rock to life…”
Ramones | “Blitzkrieg Bop”
You can check out Leigh’s book I Slept With Joey Ramone here. A release date for the film is yet to be announced – we will keep you posted!
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