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In late April of 2001, Ramones Creative Director Arturo Vega heard a song about Joey Ramone's passing which moved him deeply. The tune was called "The Bowery Electric," and it was written by a New York songwriter named Jed Davis. Arturo, who had been with the Ramones for their entire career, felt that the song perfectly summed up Joey's relationship with his city, his neighborhood, his music, and his fans - and Arturo knew that SOMETHING needed to be done with it. But what? Longtime Ramones/Joey Ramone producer Daniel Rey was a fan of "The Bowery Electric" as well. Daniel had heard the song while working with Jed's band, Collider, and he wanted to record it. Arturo played the song for Tommy, Marky and CJ Ramone - they all liked it and agreed to be part of the project. The idea of a tribute from "Joey's Musical Family" was born. In March, 2002, two historic recording sessions took place in secret. Tommy, Marky, CJ, Daniel, Jed, and Arturo met at Loho Studios on Clinton Street and fired up "The Bowery Electric":
	Tommy Ramone: producer, percussion Marky Ramone: drums CJ Ramone: bass Daniel Rey: guitars Jed Davis: vocals, keyboards Arturo Vega: executive producer
These sessions were significant for many reasons (besides the obvious). This marked the first time Tommy and CJ had ever worked together. Tommy's last Ramones-related production was 1984's "Too Tough to Die"; CJ joined the band six years later. "The Bowery Electric" is the first song to feature both great Ramones producers. Daniel is responsible for the best of the band's later work (plus Joey's solo album), and of course Tommy co-produced most of the Ramones' early recordings. It's also the first song Rock and Roll Hall of Fame drummers Marky AND Tommy both played on. Tommy produced Marky on "Road to Ruin," but here he plays percussion over Marky's drums. The song will be released as a single this summer. In the meantime, it's inspired the title for a Joey birthday tribute at CBGB - THE BOWERY ELECTRIC FESTIVAL, on May 19 - and a contest to give fans the opportunity to have THEIR Joey tribute included as the b-side. "The song existed first," Arturo says. "The power of this song made it possible for all these Ramones to get together and pay tribute. "This is the best way to bring together the musicians, the producers, and especially the fans - in other words, people who worked side-by-side with Joey for the better part of 27 years."
"The Bowery Electric" I got so lost in thoughts of you I missed the F at Second Avenue I came in from the rain And heard it pull away I stepped back out into the street And with the Bowery beneath my feet I squint to see it as it was When this neighborhood was yours It never seemed so distant All that's clear is something's missing New York City is a little less warm tonight It's a little less cool tonight New York City is a little less kind tonight And a little less rockin tonight Debbie's hanging on the phone Danny's speechless, and hey hey, Arty's home And now the Bowery Electric crew Shines a spotlight star for you While on the streets below We wander slow, already lonely New York City is a little less warm tonight It's a little less cool tonight New York City is a little less kind tonight And a little less rockin tonight I still get lost in thoughts of you And in those moments, I know what to do: I put my headphones on And you are never really gone Do you remember "Hullaballoo"? "Upbeat", "Shindig" and Ed Sullivan, too? You know that I remember you Yes, I still fuckin remember New York City is a little less cold tonight It's a little less lame tonight New York City is a little less cruel tonight New York City, let's rock tonight! Jed Davis, April 15, 2001.