Remembering New York Dolls Frontman David Johansen
Mar 7, 2025
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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.
The New York Dolls, despite limited commercial success, significantly influenced punk rock by challenging societal norms through their flamboyant style and sound.
David Johansen's artistic journey from lead singer of the Dolls to the lounge singer Buster Poindexter illustrates his versatility and deepening appreciation of performance art.
Deep dives
The Influence of the New York Dolls
The New York Dolls, despite their limited commercial success, played a crucial role in shaping the punk rock movement. Their loud and rough sound, combined with their provocative image, challenged societal norms and introduced a sense of danger to rock music. They were known for defying expectations by embracing a flamboyant style, which included androgynous clothing and makeup. This bold approach not only inspired later punk bands but also redefined concepts of gender expression in music.
David Johansen's Artistic Evolution
David Johansen, the lead singer of the New York Dolls, has undergone a significant artistic evolution throughout his career. He initially gained fame with the Dolls and later developed a lounge lizard persona named Buster Poindexter, showcasing his versatility as a performer. During interviews, Johansen reflected on how he had to relearn his classic songs for reunions, recognizing their enduring relevance and artistic depth. This retrospective appreciation allowed him to see the music not just as a past spectacle, but as a continually evolving art form.
Cultural Impacts and Artistic Identity
Johansen's background in theater influenced his stage persona significantly, blending performance art with rock music. His experiences with drag performance prompted a deeper understanding of gender, where he distinguished between biological sex and cultural gender roles. This awareness contributed to the Dolls' unique identity as they navigated the East Village arts scene, where they were more than just a rock band but part of a broader cultural revolution. This connection to theatricality enriched his performances, making them a commentary on societal norms.
Challenges and Resilience on Tour
The New York Dolls faced mixed responses when touring outside their home base in Manhattan, contrasting their vibrant local performances with indifferent audiences elsewhere. Johansen recounted both supportive fans in rust belt cities like Detroit and Cleveland and the challenges during tours in places unfamiliar with their provocative style. Incidents like his arrest during a performance for inciting a riot reflected the tension between their art and societal expectations. Despite these hurdles, Johansen maintained a resilient spirit, emphasizing the joyous connection with fans who embraced their music.
The 1970s band The New York Dolls made only two studio albums, but the group was hugely influential, setting the stage for punk rock. We listen back to Terry Gross' 2004 interview with the band's co-founder David Johansen, who died last week. The group was described as flashy, trashy and drag queens — but Johansen didn't care. He later went on to perform under the persona of the pompadoured lounge singer Buster Poindexter.
Also, film critic Justin Chang reviews Mickey 17, a futuristic action-comedy by Parasite director, Bong Joon Ho.