UPDATED: New York Dolls legend David Johansen has died

Team Hot Press is deeply saddened by the news that New York Dolls mainman and Buster Poindexter creator David Johansen has died aged 75.

It was announced last week that the New York City singer and actor was suffering from stage four cancer, a brain tumour and a broken back.

After fronting the Vagabond Missionaries - great name! - in the late '60s, Johansen joined the Dolls whose eponymous 1973 album was a Warholian take on The Rolling Stones. It earned them a slot on cult BBC music show The Old Grey Whistle Test, which despite - or perhaps because of - presenter Bob Harris' "mock rock" put down helped foment the UK's punk rock uprising a few years later. Indeed, they were managed during the latter part of their career by Malcolm McLaren who applied his learnings to the Sex Pistols.

Their admirers included one Stephen Patrick Morrissey who set up an unofficial New York Dolls UK fan club.

After the Dolls imploded without making the commercial breakthrough they so richly deserved, David reinvented himself as louche lounge lizard Buster Poindexter and also enjoyed a successful career as an actor with Oz, Scrooged and Freejack among his credits.

Having been somewhat Stalinist about his Dolls past, Johansen in 2004 agreed to a reunion which resulted in three unexpectedly brilliant albums, a love-in with Michael Stipe and two wondrous gigs Dublin gigs.

Despite never achieving commercial lift off, their influence was keenly felt here with Steve Averill and Pete Holidai from the Radiators From Space, Stiff Little Fingers' Jake Burns, Cáit O'Riordan from The Pogues, Pugwash's Thomas Walsh and The Undertones' Paul McLoone among their Irish admirers.

Here are some of the heartfelt tributes that have been pouring in:

Sadly David Johansen of the incredibly influential New York Dolls died today. They were so ahead of their time. Too Much Too Soon indeed. They were very important to me and my friends in the early 80’s Seattle music scene. My band Shadow loved them and their wild clothes. They… pic.twitter.com/rWHBtFBOIR

— Pearl Jam (@PearlJam) March 1, 2025

The New York Dolls were the bridge between Bowie & The Stones leading straight to Punk on the other side.
Personality Crisis - New York Dolls | The Midnight Special https://t.co/0JOynBMBqP via @YouTube.

— Vernon Reid (@vurnt22) March 1, 2025

As a kid from Queens New York, this one hurts.Never about technique for New York rock and rollers. It was always about the sound of the subway, the stinking overflowing garbage cans, the misfits of Times Square. The Dolls did it to perfection. Safe travels David Johansen. pic.twitter.com/JB4gtOw6D9

— Steve Stevens (@Stevestevens) March 1, 2025

“RIP David Johansen. He was the king of a moment, and we loved the Dolls. Loved their sound, loved their look. I remember fondly the night we played New Jersey with David and Blondie. It was the coolest show we had ever played. “ - John Taylor

Photo courtesy : Michael Putland pic.twitter.com/KOFeaeJLU1

— Duran Duran (@duranduran) March 2, 2025

⁦@DavidJohansen_⁩ and the New York Dolls changed my life. Rock in peace all six of you: David, Sylvain Sylvain, Arthur “Killer” Kane, Jerry Nolan, Johnny Thunders and Billy Murcia. The band is back together at last… :( https://t.co/evKkiim4RQ

— Dee Snider🇺🇸🎤 (@deesnider) March 1, 2025

RIP David Johansen. It was a pleasure working with him on the original version of my single ‘Perfect’ in NYC back in 1982 when he provided blistering harmonica. pic.twitter.com/1BDHpg4EKU

— THE THE (@thethe) March 1, 2025

Travel on well David Johansen. pic.twitter.com/hq2OBNB3tT

— Mike Scott (@MickPuck) March 1, 2025

RIP DAVID JOHANSEN

Following our post on 12th February, we are sad to learn that David Johansen has now passed at the age of 75.

Our thoughts are with his wife Mara Hennessey, daughter Leah and anyone else that knew him.

Here follows a tribute posted on his fund page… pic.twitter.com/DyuLi08Wef

— David Bowie Official (@DavidBowieReal) March 1, 2025

RIP David Johansen. One of the most unique legends of our business and a very good friend. One of a kind.

— 🇺🇸🕉🇺🇦🟦Stevie Van Zandt☮️💙 (@StevieVanZandt) March 1, 2025

RIP David Johansen- He came to see us the first time we ever played in New York. I never forgot his welcoming larger than life personality as he chatted with us back stage- it’s a wonderful memory on a sad day.

— Lol Tolhurst (@LolTolhurst) March 1, 2025

Heartbroken to hear about David Johansen’s passing. One of the greats! Rest in peace dear brother. With love & respect.

Photo by Cristina Arrigoni pic.twitter.com/LEYx05pU56

— willie nile (@willienile) March 1, 2025