American rock band formed in New York City in 1971. Original lineup: David Johansen (vocals, 1950-2025), Johnny Thunders (guitar, 1952-1991), Sylvain Sylvain (guitar, 1951-2021), Arthur "Killer" Kane (bass, 1949-2004), and Jerry Nolan (drums, 1946-1992). Foundational influence on punk rock, glam rock, and post-punk despite limited commercial success during their original 1971-1977 run.
Released two studio albums during their original tenure: New York Dolls (1973, produced by Todd Rundgren) and Too Much Too Soon (1974, produced by Shadow Morton). Reunited in 2004 (with Kane dying weeks after the first reunion show) and released three further albums between One Day It Will Please Us to Remember Even This (2006) and Dancing Backward in High Heels (2011). David Johansen, the last surviving original member, died in February 2025.
