New York Dolls

New York Dolls
New York Dolls on TopPop in 1973. From left to right: Johnny Thunders, Sylvain Sylvain, Jerry Nolan, Arthur Kane, and David Johansen.
Background information
Also known as
  • Actress (1971)
  • The Dolls
OriginNew York City, U.S.
Genres
Years active
Labels
Past membersDavid Johansen
Sylvain Sylvain
Johnny Thunders
Arthur Kane
Billy Murcia
Rick Rivets
Jerry Nolan
Peter Jordan
Blackie Lawless
Chris Robison
Tony Machine
Bobby Blaine
Steve Conte
Gary Powell
Sami Yaffa
Brian Koonin
Frank Infante
Jason Hill
Jason Sutter
Aaron Lee Tasjan
John Conte
Kenny Aaronson
Earl Slick
Brian Delaney
Claton Pitcher

New York Dolls were an American rock band formed in New York City in 1971, who released two albums, New York Dolls (1973) and Too Much Too Soon (1974), before disbanding in 1976. Its classic lineup consisted of vocalist David Johansen, guitarist Johnny Thunders, bassist Arthur Kane, guitarist and pianist Sylvain Sylvain, and drummer Jerry Nolan; the latter two had replaced Rick Rivets and Billy Murcia, respectively, in 1972.[4] In their appearance, they drew from drag fashion, wearing high heels, hats, satin,[5] makeup, spandex, and dresses.[6][7]

In 2004, the New York Dolls reunited with a new lineup and later released three more albums.[1] After a British tour with Alice Cooper in 2011, the Dolls disbanded again.[2] By 2025, all original members of the New York Dolls had died: drummer Billy Murcia (1951–1972), guitarist Johnny Thunders (1952–1991), drummer Jerry Nolan (1946–1992), bassist Arthur Kane (1949–2004), guitarist Sylvain Sylvain (1951–2021), and lead singer David Johansen (1950–2025).

Their music and stage presence played a key role in the development of punk rock and later glam punk, with their look inspiring the androgynous appearances of several glam metal bands in the 1980s. They have been cited as an influence by notable artists such as Morrissey of the Smiths, the Sex Pistols, KISS, Henry Rollins, the Jesus and Mary Chain, the Undertones, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, David Bowie, Japan, Billy Idol, Terry Chambers of XTC, Def Leppard, R.E.M., the Replacements, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, Marilyn Manson, the Cramps, the Libertines and the Manic Street Preachers.

  1. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Erlewine was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ a b "Bowie guitarist Earl Slick on his years with The Thin White Duke, working with Lennon and the making of Station To Station – Getintothis". March 25, 2016.
  3. ^ Stephen Thomas Erlewine. "New York Dolls – Discography (Compilations)". AllMusic. Retrieved October 30, 2017.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference Larkin was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ "The New York Dolls: 'More Than a Band'". The Beaver County Times. February 20, 1974. p. C-14.
  6. ^ Ward, Stokes & Tucker 1986, p. 549.
  7. ^ Cite error: The named reference Tucker was invoked but never defined (see the help page).