NEW YORK — The music world mourns the loss of David Johansen, the charismatic frontman of the seminal glam and protopunk band, the New York Dolls. Known for his distinctive raspy voice, Johansen passed away at the age of 75. Reports indicate he died Friday at his residence in New York City, following a battle with stage 4 cancer and a brain tumor. A spokesperson for the family confirmed the news.
The New York Dolls were trailblazers in the punk rock genre, their presence characterized by flamboyant style elements such as teased hair, women’s clothing, and heavy makeup. Their bold aesthetic later found echoes in the glam metal scene, influencing bands like Motley Crue and Faster Pussycat.
In an interview with The Knoxville News-Sentinel in 2011, Johansen expressed his artistic philosophy: “When you’re an artist, the main thing you want to do is inspire people, so if you succeed in doing that, it’s pretty gratifying.”
The band was often described in vivid terms by the media. Rolling Stone referred to them as “the mutant children of the hydrogen age,” while Vogue dubbed them the “darlings of downtown style, tarted-up toughs in boas and heels.”
The Dolls were more than a band; they embodied a phenomenon. Blending influences from rock ‘n’ roll, urban blues, theatrical shows, the Rolling Stones, and girl groups, they captivated the underground music scene. Despite their innovative approach, commercial success eluded them, and the group disbanded midway through the 1970s due to internal conflicts and substance abuse issues.
In a notable comeback, Johansen and surviving members of the Dolls reunited in 2004 for the Meltdown Festival in England. This was made possible by passionate fan and former Smiths frontman, Morrissey, and led to the release of three additional studio albums.
In the 1980s, Johansen reinvented himself with the creation of Buster Poindexter, a suave, humorous character known for the single “Hot, Hot, Hot,” which became a party anthem. Apart from his musical endeavors, Johansen also ventured into acting, appearing in films like “Candy Mountain,” “Let It Ride,” “Married to the Mob,” and famously playing the Ghost of Christmas Past in the Bill Murray comedy “Scrooged.”
