Spurred on by VH1's Behind the Music series, rock biographies have turned into little more than banal exposés of bad behavior. For this reason alone, Mandy Stein's touching tribute to The Ramones, comes off as oddly unconventional and exciting. Rather than interviewing bitter roadies and flustered hotel managers, Stein talks to the musicians and family members who gathered at the legendary Avalon Theatre in Los Angeles on September 12, 2004, for a concert honoring The Ramones' 30th anniversary. The concert, which took place just two-and-a-half days before Johnny Ramone's death, featured more than a dozen musicians cranking out Ramones covers. Among the more memorable performances were Pete Yorn's soulful interpretations of "Don't Come Close," and a gray-haired Henry Rollins' energetic "Blitzkreig Bop." But it was the sudden appearance of Eddie Vedder, the Hamlet of alternative rock, that really shook the crowd. His doleful moans and sensitive vibratos infused meaning into "I Believe in Miracles." Rob Zombie, a close friend of Johnny Ramone's, agreed to host and help organize the sold-out show. At one point while on stage, he picked up his cell phone and called Johnny, who was too sick to attend the concert. When Johnny answered, he turned the cell phone to the crowd, cueing them to chant "Hey Ho, Let's Go!" Although Rob insists that Johnny was extremely touched by the call, the Ramones' guitarist never lost his signature cool. When the audience settled down, Rob put the phone to his ear: "Keep it moving, Rob," Johnny ordered.

Directed by

Mandy Stein and Steven Lippman