METROPOLIS VINTAGE would like to give a HUGE THANKS to JOHN HOLMSTROM and everyone that came out to help us celebrate yesterday.
Things kicked off quickly with local NYC customers and international visitors lining up before the event even started, and John was more than happy to get the ink flowing early and things underway. This was a dual celebration – commemorating the 40th Anniversary of THE RAMONES classic ROAD TO RUIN LP, which John illustrated the cover to, and the launch of his newest ‘zine venture – THE STONED AGE. THE STONED AGE “intends to bring back the fun of 20th century marijuana culture, when it was the choice of hipsters, beatniks, jazz musicians, hippies, and other misfits,” and METROPOLIS was soon packed with many such characters, including members of THE NEW BOMB TURKS, THE GORIES, KILL THE MAYOR, WOLFMANHATTAN PROJECT and THE ART GRAY NOIZZ QUINTET, to name just a few.

Seated in front of a large banner of THE RAMONES, John had an impressive selection of merchandise on hand, from high-quality prints of the map poster he’d drawn for THE RAMONES exhibit at the Queens Museum, to a reprint of the very first issue of PUNK, and of course a big stack of THE STONED AGE to give away. Our limited edition, specially designed METROPOLIS JOHN HOLMSTROM STONED AGE PARTY T-Shirts flew out the door, and even after raiding the back room to find a few extras, they remained in high demand. There MAY be a few more stocked away, so watch this space and we’ll let you know when we have any more to offer.

Speaking of rarities, one of the main highlights of the day was RICHARD COLLIGAN, proprietor of METROPOLIS VINTAGE, displaying his massive collection of vintage CRAMPS and RAMONES T-Shirts acquired throughout the ages. Spanning three decades, this awe-inspiring collection bought a tear to the eye of the most hardened rock fan, partly due to the sign displayed alongside them: “NOT FOR SALE, PUNK!” Nevertheless, everyone left happy, with a piece of history of their own signed by the one and only JOHN HOLMSTROM.
Three hours had sped by in a blur of fun and free beer, all soundtracked to the rarities of DJ DREW REDMOND, and many continued the party by heading over to the JOEY RAMONE BIRTHDAY BASH just down the block at The Bowery Electric. Thanks once again to all who came out to celebrate with us, and for BEDFORD & BOWERY and EV GRIEVE blogs for covering the party, which John says was his most successful signing to date. Check out these photos from our party and stay tuned for our next event!