Johnny Ramone, co-founder and lead-guitarist of punk pioneers The Ramones [ tickets ], died on Wednesday (9/15). He was 55.

Ramone, who had been battling prostate cancer for the past five years, died in his sleep at his Los Angeles home at around 3 p.m. Pacific Time, according to information posted at the band's website.

Earlier this summer, Ramone was hospitalized due to complications from the cancer. At the time, his doctor told MTV News that Ramone's situation wasn't dire.

"[H]e got through it, and he's now on a new, experimental therapy," Dr. David Argus reportedly said. "He's fighting courageously, and I think he will be going home in the near term."

Johnny Ramone--born Johnny Cummings--is the third member of The Ramones' original four-man lineup to die in the past few years. Frontman Joey Ramone lost his struggle with lymphatic cancer in 2001, and bassist Dee Dee Ramone died of a drug overdose in 2002.

The New York-based Ramones--whose members were not related, but all of whom changed their last names to Ramone--were founded by Joey, Johnny, Dee Dee and Tommy (drums) in 1974. The group released its self-titled debut in 1976 and spent the next 20 years recording and touring almost incessantly before breaking up in 1996.

Over the years, the lineup changed to include Marky (drums), Richie (drums) and C.J. (bass).

"Johnny Ramone was my bandmate and brother for over 15 years," Marky said in a statement. "The bond between band members was closer than any others in the Ramones’ organization. John kept things in control when they could have spun out of control very easily. I'll never forget the day he asked me to join the Ramones in 1978. I always admired his guitar playing. He was the originator of the down stroke 8th note guitar style, which is very difficult to do for hours on end like he did playing in the Ramones.

"Four months ago, I knew about the serious nature of his illness, but for a while, he had a turn for the better," Marky continued. "This comes as a shock, but it was inevitable because of the severity of his condition which worsened more recently. We were lucky enough to talk and hang out a few months ago when he was strong enough to do the commentary track on the DVD 'Ramones Raw,' which was his last professional contribution to the Ramones. I spoke to him most recently when I was in LA for the 30th Anniversary concert that we put together for Ramones fans. Based on our last conversation, I felt this moment was coming. I'm sorry to see him go--like this. I hope the fans take the news as best they can. His legacy will live on in every band that has, is and always will be trying to duplicate the Ramones sound. It's a sad day for Ramones fans and a sad day for rock and roll."

Drummer Tommy Ramone is now the only surviving member of the original quartet.

During the course of its two-decade recording career, The Ramones dished out classic punk-rock hits such as "I Wanna Be Sedated," "Sheena Is a Punk Rocker," "Rockaway Beach" and "Rock & Roll High School."

The group's last album, "Adios Amigos" (Radioactive), was released in 1995, and a farewell tour followed, which included a spot on 1996's sixth incarnation of the Lollapalooza outing. The group's final lineup featured Joey, Johnny, Marky and C.J.

The Ramones were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.

Johnny Ramone is survived by his wife Linda Cummings and mother Estelle Cummings. His body will be cremated during a private ceremony.