David Johansen's Debauched, Preening Brilliance
Briefly

David Johansen, the celebrated frontman of the New York Dolls, died of cancer at the age of 75. The Dolls were pivotal in the formation of punk rock in the 1970s, known for their provocative performances and confrontational style. Johansen, born in Staten Island, embraced the counterculture of Manhattan, contributing to the band's unique identity with his flamboyant dress and bold stage presence. His reflections on their early days reveal the vibrant, often chaotic punk scene, characterized by raw energy and a rejection of convention, exemplified in their legendary performances at venues like the Mercer Arts Center.
The New York Dolls burst onto the punk scene, shaking conventions with their raw performances and flamboyant style, reshaping the cultural landscape of 1970s New York.
Johansen's audacious persona was essential to the early punk movement, blending chaos and spectacle that captivated audiences and helped define the era.
Read at The New Yorker
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