The world lost one of the greats as David Johansen of New York Dolls died at age 75 just a few weeks after revealing he had been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Tributes have been pouring in since the new broke Saturday morning.
Morrissey, who was once president of the New York Dolls Fan Club and wrote short biography on them before forming The Smiths, posted a photo of Johansen with simply the words “All Hallow” on his Morrissey Central website.
Stevie Van Zandt of the E Street Band and Little Steven’s Garage wrote, “One of the most unique legends of our business and a very good friend. One of a kind.”
Guitarist and longtime Billy Idol collaborator Steve Stevens wrote, “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.”
The The’s Matt Johnson wrote, “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.”
Read more tributes from Pearl Jam, Tim Burgess, Don Letts, photographer Mick Rock, Hanoi Rocks’ Michael Monroe, Kid Congo Powers, Riot Fest, former Cure member Lol Tolhurst, The Mountain Goats, and more.
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
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
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
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
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
Safe travels, David Johansen
— Tim Burgess (@Tim_Burgess) March 1, 2025
Travel on well David Johansen. pic.twitter.com/hq2OBNB3tT
— Mike Scott (@MickPuck) March 1, 2025
I'm so sad we've lost David Johansen – our last living Doll 💔 I saw him a good dozen times in 1978/79 after his first amazing solo album. Such an icon. 💔
— Dorian Cope (@doriancope.bsky.social) 2025-03-01T17:50:40.464Z
The great David Johansen has left the building. It's difficult to convey how central he was for those of us of a certain age and mindset. But maybe this rockin' tune he recorded during his eponymous solo career in the late '70s will give you a sense of it.https://t.co/hxg005cLZA
— Michael Azerrad (@michaelazerrad) March 1, 2025
RIP David Johansen. pic.twitter.com/cRFdMEXV55
— Riot Fest (@RiotFest) March 1, 2025
Our heartfelt condolences to Mara, Leah and all who loved the great David Johansen 🕊️
With love,
Pati Rock and the Estate of Mick Rock pic.twitter.com/whnOenFpuD— Mick Rock (@TheRealMickRock) March 1, 2025
1 of 2 posts : Sad to hear David Johansen of the New York Dolls has died. Here is a pic that my High School friend Mark Swenson took at The Santa Monica Civic March 16 1974 . Right before my 16th birthday. I was in the seat next to Mark so quite close. (Continued on next post )
— Kid Congo Powers (@kidcongopowers.bsky.social) 2025-03-01T17:35:05.841Z
RIP David Johansen. He pretty much invented everything. Staten Island native, New York Doll. #davidjohansen pic.twitter.com/2U7L4V8Pdo
— Anthony Roman (@Antonharmony) 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
R.I.P. to David Johansen, a glam punk icon. Time to tease your hair, step into some heels, and turn up this misfit anthem from the other America https://t.co/1vol4c9ShX
— DREW DANIEL (@DDDrewDaniel) March 1, 2025
Very sad news about David Johansen: I loved the Dolls OGWT appearance – androgynous, chaotic, ludicrous and hard rocking. I interviewed Johansen in 2022 and he sharp and funny. Farewell – you really made a contribution
— Jon Savage (@jonsavage.bsky.social) 2025-03-01T16:33:09.692Z
David Johansen, Gene Hackman, Roberta Flack… the '70s are as over as they're ever gonna be
— Ann Powers (@annkpowers.bsky.social) 2025-03-01T16:21:53.637Z
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