David Johansen, frontman of the New York Dolls and creator of the alter ego Buster Poindexter, has died at 75. He passed away at his home in New York City after battling stage four cancer and a brain tumor. A recent fall had left him bedridden and in need of around-the-clock care.
Johansen’s career spanned decades, from his proto-punk roots with the Dolls, who influenced generations of rock and punk acts, to his reinvention as Poindexter in the 1980s. He also worked as a DJ on SiriusXM and appeared in films, most notably as the Ghost of Christmas Past in Scrooged.
The New York Dolls, known for their glam aesthetics and raw energy, became an iconic force in punk rock history. Songs like “Personality Crisis” became anthems, later covered by artists such as Guns N’ Roses and Sonic Youth. The band’s turbulent history was explored in Personality Crisis: One Night Only, a 2023 documentary co-directed by Martin Scorsese.
Despite his many reinventions, Johansen remained a quintessential New York City artist, known for his boundary-pushing style. Johansen’s death was confirmed in an update from his family on the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, which had been launched to assist with his medical expenses.
On February 28, the statement read:
“David Johansen passed away peacefully at home, holding the hands of his wife Mara Hennessey and daughter Leah, in the sunlight surrounded by music and flowers.
After a decade of profoundly compromised health he died of natural causes at the age of 75.
David and his family were deeply moved by the outpouring of love and support they’ve experienced recently as the result of having gone public with their challenges. He was thankful that he had a chance to be in touch with so many friends and family before he passed.
He knew he was ecstatically loved.
There will be several events celebrating David’s life and artistry, details to follow.”
Our thoughts go out to Johansen’s family and friends during this difficult time.
David Johansen has died after a lengthy health battles including cancer, a brain tumor and a broken back. When KISS was starting up in New York City he was an undeniable force of nature leading the New York Dolls as their frontman. Rest now. pic.twitter.com/dazWtKpRIy
— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) March 1, 2025
RIP David Johansen, I was & still am a huge fan of the Dolls & I’m saddened that the end of a wonderful life was so difficult. A cult hero who inspired & influenced so many genres. Condolences to his family, friends & fans
Joe pic.twitter.com/aqzTtRxPPv
— Def Leppard (@DefLeppard) March 3, 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 #DavidJohansen he was great the NY Dolls were great.https://t.co/4yc2lLN5KS
— Billy Idol (@BillyIdol) 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
RIP David Johansen. pic.twitter.com/cRFdMEXV55
— Riot Fest (@RiotFest) March 1, 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
