Martin Scorsese to co-direct documentary about New York Dolls' David Johansen

Showtime Documentary Films have announced that Martin Scorsese and his frequent collaborator David Tedeschi are directing "an intimate documentary" about New York Dolls frontman David Johansen.

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Martin Scorsese and David Tedeschi will co-direct an intimate documentary coming to SHOWTIME that reveals the many faces of David Johansen, the legendary frontman of the New York Dolls. pic.twitter.com/QIfNDdUCog

— SHOWTIME (@Showtime) July 7, 2020

Promising to reveal "the many faces of David Johansen, the documentary is set to include his post-New York Dolls years – including footage from his 70th birthday show at New York's Café Caryle back in January.

In a statement about the project, Scorsese revealed that Johansen's music has been a "touchstone" for decades, and that he listened to the New York Dolls when making Mean Streets.

"Then and now, David’s music captures the energy and excitement of New York City," he continued. "I often see him perform, and over the years I’ve gotten to know the depth of his musical inspirations. After seeing his show last year at the Café Carlyle, I knew I had to film it because it was so extraordinary to see the evolution of his life and his musical talent in such an intimate setting. For me, the show captured the true emotional potential of a live musical experience.”

Scorsese's Sikelia Productions will serve as executive producers, alongside Ron Howard, Brian Grazer and Imagine Documentaries.

Revisit our review of New York Dolls live at The Academy, Dublin in 2010 here.