Arturo Vega, who died at age 65 on June 8, was known as “The Fifth Ramone.” His E. Second St. loft became the band’s headquarters, T-shirt factory and sometime home. He was their the spokesman, lighting director, logo designer and faithful friend, staying with them from 1974 to 1996, when the band broke up for the last time. Photographer Roberta Bayley, shooting for PUNK magazine, which was very tight with the Ramones, captured iconic images of the band, Vega and her PUNK associates. At right, Arturo Vega, in front of his loft’s entrance, surrounded by the Ramones, during a photo session for the band’s first record cover. Above, posing in front of a painting by Arturo Vega, from left, Vega; John Holmstrom, founding editor of PUNK magazine; actress Edith Massey of “Pink Flamingos” and “Polyester” fame; Joey Ramone; and Legs McNeil, PUNK magazine co-founder.
