1 March 2025

DAVID JOHANSON, best known as frontman of controversial
and seminal NYC punks NEW YORK DOLLS (1971-1976) passed
away yesterday, aged 75, following a long battle with cancer.

The NYD already broke up after 2 albums, due to all sort of problems (drugs,
fights, no discipline whatsoever, bad management – the late Sex Pistols manager
Malcom McLaren managed them for a short while – and other turbulent stuff).
As several members did, Johanson started a solo stint with 4 albums and did
some acting.

In 2004 the Dolls reunited (except for troubled guitarist Johnny Thunders
who died in 1991), made 3 LPs and toured now and then. They called it a
day forever in 2011.

Cover of their 1973 debut LP – Johanson in the middle

1973

David Johanson: Story