In 2011, the Ramones received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy in recognition of their punk rock legacy. Richie Ramone attended the Special Merit Awards ceremony on February 12, 2011 at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre and gave a heartfelt speech:
Ya know, I'd just like to say that tonight is history making because all three (Ramones) drummers are in the house, under the same roof. This never happened. So Marky and Tommy, congratulations. Ya know, Joey always used to say to me after we recorded every album, he'd come and say: "Richie, ya know this is gonna be the one... This is gonna be the one..." And I can't help thinking that he is watching us right now with a little smile on his face behind his rose-colored glasses. Ya know, Joey, this is the one, man. This is the one. Congratulations. We miss you. Peace."
