The former leader and last member of the punk band New York Dolls, David Johansen, passed away at the age of 75 in his residence in New York. The news was confirmed by his daughter Leah Hennessey. Johansen, who had been battling stage 4 cancer, a brain tumor, and a back fracture, remained active in both music and film throughout his career.
David Johansen joined the New York Dolls in 1971, after starting in the local band Vagabond Missionaries. Quickly, the New York Dolls gained fame for their disruptive aesthetic, combining elements of hard rock and glam pop. Despite critical acclaim, the group’s albums did not sell well.
After the New York Dolls disbanded in 1976, Johansen continued his solo career, often performing songs from the previous band. In the 1980s, he adopted the character of Buster Poindexter, a lounge singer, and found success with songs like "Hot Hot Hot."
In the film realm, Johansen appeared in movies like "Scrooged" (1988) and is remembered for his role as the lounge singer. In 2023, the documentary "Personality Crisis: One Night Only," directed by Martin Scorsese and David Tedeschi, premiered, highlighting Johansen's role in the punk and glam movement in the United States.
