Fresh Air Remembering New York Dolls Frontman David Johansen
17 snips
Mar 7, 2025 
David Johansen, co-founder of The New York Dolls and later known as lounge singer Buster Poindexter, reflects on the band’s flashy influence on punk rock. He shares personal anecdotes about the song 'Personality Crisis' and the complexities of artistic identity. Film critic Justin Chang reviews Bong Joon-ho's 'Mickey 17,' discussing its existential themes and the challenges faced by its protagonist. Together, they explore how performance and gender expression shaped both music and film, highlighting Johansen's enduring legacy.
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Vague Memories
- David Johansen's memories of recording the first New York Dolls album are vague.
- He mostly remembers the lights on the control board.
Relearning Songs
- Johansen had to relearn his own songs for the reunion.
- He found the process insightful, rediscovering the timeless quality of his work.
Image vs. Reality
- The New York Dolls were initially a close-knit group, striving to create something new.
- Over time, their image was reduced to labels like "trashy" and "drag queens."