Punk Band New York Dolls’ Frontman David Johansen Dies at 75 After Years-Long Battle With Stage 4 Cancer

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Trigger warning: This article contains mentions of death. 

David Johansen, lead singer of the iconic punk band New York Dolls from the ’70s, has sadly passed away at the age of 75. His daughter, Leah Hennessey, shared this sad news with various media outlets on Friday, February 28, following her earlier announcement about Johansen’s advanced-stage cancer.

According to the announcement made by Hennessey, it was shared that her father passed away tranquilly, owing to natural reasons. She was with him, along with her mother Mara, in a setting bathed in sunlight, filled with melodies and adorned with blooming flowers.

For quite some time, the musician who recently passed away had been battling various health complications. Just last month, Hennessey announced on social media that her father’s health was declining. She revealed that five years ago, during the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, his original cancer transformed into a brain tumor.

As a die-hard admirer, I’ve always respected the punk musician and his partner Mara for their privacy. However, they’ve had no choice but to reveal their struggles due to the crushing financial strain that’s come with his medical treatments these past ten years – a burden that’s grown increasingly heavy on their family.

As I share this heartfelt news, I want to express my deepest gratitude for the overwhelming love and support our family has received since we made the difficult decision to share the singer’s health status. It was truly a blessing to have the opportunity to connect with so many cherished friends and relatives in these final moments before he left us.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Johansen provided a brief insight into his ongoing battle with a terminal illness and shared glimpses of his tranquil lifestyle. He confided in the publication that he, along with his family, have been cohabiting with this illness for some time now, yet they continue to find joy, socialize with friends, and maintain their daily routines.

However, a fall in November 2024 took us to an unprecedented level of incapacitation, as he shared later on. The New York Dolls, although short-lived, left a lasting impact as a prominent punk band from the ’70s.

Following the breakup of the band in 1975, Johansen put out four solo albums and two live albums using his real name. Additionally, he released four records under the alias Buster Poindexter and two more albums as David Johansen and the Harry Smiths.

In addition, he occasionally appeared in acting roles, best remembered for his part in the HBO series Oz and as a musical guest on Saturday Night Live. Johansen leaves behind his daughter Leah and his wife, Mara Hennessey.

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2025-03-01 22:22