David Johansen tributes: Little Steven, Morrissey, Steve Stevens & more remember the late New York Dolls frontman
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 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.
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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
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
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
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 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
David Johansen (RIP). The last one of the original New York Dolls has now left us. One of the coolest singers and frontmen in Rock’n’Roll. (in the photo on the right)
Posted by Michael Monroe on Saturday, March 1, 2025
