New York Dolls

New York Dolls

New York Dolls are an American rock group from New York City, formed in 1971 and active until 2011. They are associated with glam punk, glam rock, proto-punk, punk rock and rock, and are widely regarded as one of the key bands linking early 1970s rock to the later punk movement.

Early reputation and influence

The band gains attention initially for a limited commercial impact, but their self-titled debut becomes an underground favourite. Their sound and image help shape later punk and glam metal acts: their rough, energetic playing and confrontational style influence many later rock bands, while their cross-dressing stage image and sexualised presentation leave a mark on glam metal groups such as early Mötley Crüe and Poison. Their influence is also reflected in comments from artists such as Chrissie Hynde, who notes that punk bands kept both New York Dolls albums.

Career

The original line-up faces difficulties with the mainstream record industry. After the band breaks up, frontman David Johansen pursues a moderately successful solo career. The group reunites in 2004 for occasional touring with surviving members, then returns to recording in 2006 with One Day It Will Please Us to Remember Even This. Two further albums follow: Cause I Sez So in 2009 and Dancing Backward in High Heels in 2011, the latter featuring a revised line-up.

Members

Members across the band’s history include David Johansen, Sylvain Sylvain, Johnny Thunders, Arthur Kane, Jerry Nolan, Blackie Lawless, Gary Powell, Steve Conte, Sami Yaffa and Brian Delaney. The original and later line-ups also include other players such as Billy Murcia, Rick Rivets, Peter Jordan, Chris Robison, Tony Machine, Frank Infante, Brian Koonin, Earl Slick, Jason Hill and Claton Pitcher.

Later history

Sylvain Sylvain dies in 2021, and David Johansen dies in 2025.