The rock 'n' roll world is in mourning again as word filters through from Los Angeles that Dee Dee Ramone has died of an apparent drugs overdose.

Ramone – real name Douglas Glenn Colvin – was found by his wife, Barbara, lying on their living-room couch with a syringe nearby. Fifteen minutes after calling the emergency services, the Los Angeles City Fire Department paramedics arrived and declared the 49-year-old dead.

Although a post-mortem was carried out yesterday, a spokesman explained that "the cause of death will be deferred pending toxicology tests, which could take three to four weeks."

It's the second tragedy to strike the New York 1-2-3-4 merchants in a year, with singer Joey Ramone dying last April from lymphatic cancer.

"Make a joyful noise unto God," reads a band communiqué. "All ye lands, sing forth the honour of Dee Dee's name. Make his praise glorious."

The bassist's death adds extra poignancy to the soon-to-be-released Ramones tribute album, which includes U2's take on 'Beat On The Brat'.

Fans are being invited to post messages at www.deedeeramone.net. Peter Murphy will be paying tribute to Dee Dee Ramone in the next issue