David Johansen, the last living member of the glam and punk band New York Dolls, has died at 75 at his home in Staten Island. Johansen had been suffering from Stage 4 cancer. His stepdaughter, Leah Hennessey, confirmed his death, according to The New York Times. 

Born January 9, 1950, in Staten Island, Johansen began performing with local bands before joining the Dolls in 1971 as their lead singer and songwriter. Changing their name to the New York Dolls, the band became prominent in the New York music scene with their heavy, driving sound and over-the-top stage presence, which included showing off big hair and makeup. Johansen played an important role during his time in the New York Dolls, helping to inspire numerous punk, heavy metal, and alternative musicians.

Johansen had been battling Stage 4 cancer for years and also had to deal with a brain tumor and a broken back up until his death, according to The Times. He had undergone chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and surgery for his ailments. His family was eventually forced to ask for support from his followers because of the exorbitant medical expenses, which had plunged the family into debt. Johansen received support from family, friends, and fans until he was pronounced dead on February 28, 2025. 

The band’s first two albums, New York Dolls and Too Much Too Soon, feature Johansen on lead vocals, with the majority of the songs written or co-written by him. The band had a spectacular influence on early punk and glam rock bands, such as the Sex Pistols, The Clash, David Bowie, Billy Idol, R.E.M., Blondie, Joan Jett, and many others. The band’s aesthetic helped to start the ’80s hair metal scene, inspiring bands such as Mötley Crüe, Twisted Sister, and Poison, all of whom emulated the look of big hair and makeup. 

Johansen was also known for his alter ego, “Buster Poindexter,” a lounge lizard best known for his hit single “Hot Hot Hot” in 1987. Poindexter also appeared in movies such as Candy Mountain, Let it Ride, Married to the Mob, and Scrooged. 

“[With] the character Buster Poindexter, who David Johansen kind of developed as a second career after, you know, all the legitimate punk music, he [played] this ridiculous kind of pop musician making silly music,” THS English teacher Mr. Daniel Oppedisano said. “It’s sort of like if Lady Gaga now came out with a new iteration of herself that was terrible, like just to have fun doing terrible stuff.” 

Many mixed opinions remain of Johansen and his music career, but it is undeniable that his alternate music persona was able to capture the attention of many. 

The legacy of Johansen and the New York Dolls lives on through their music and their influence on the glam rock music scene. Supporters can donate to the David Johansen Memorial Fund to support the memory of the late singer.