Ramones deny they're backing John McCain in US presidential election

Mickey Leigh, the brother of the late Ramones' frontman Joey Ramone, has slammed Linda Cummings, widow of the late star, for using the Ramones' moniker to endorse the Republican party's campaign for the US presidency.

Cummings had voiced her support for presidential hopeful John McCain and running mate Sarah Palin, prompting Leigh to release a statement claiming she did not represent the views of those associated with the seminal New York band.

"It has been brought to my attention that Linda Cummings, using the name "Ramone"," he said in the statement, "has been in the media joining with the Palin family and the McCains to attempt to aid their campaign for the Presidency.

"As a President of Ramones Productions, and brother of Joey Ramone, I just want it to be clear that Linda Cummings does not represent the political views of the Ramones.

"Surely, as for Joey Ramone, the only Ramones song he would sing at a Republican campaign event would be 'Glad To See You Go'.

In the statement Leigh went on to reference Johnny Ramone's endorsement of George Bush. The guitarist – controversially for a prominent US musician – endorsed the Republican president.

"I should add that when Johnny stated 'God Bless George Bush' at the 2002 Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame awards, I realise now that he was on to something," Leigh said.

"Because if it were not for George Bush and his handling of our country the past eight years, I doubt so many Americans, including so many highly regarded Republicans, would now be getting behind Barack Obama.

"So, yes, God bless George Bush for paving the way to Obama."