New York Dolls

The New York Dolls are a glam rock group formed in New York City in 1971. Current members * David Johansen - vocals, harmonica (1971-1977, 2004-present) * Sylvain Sylvain - guitar, bass, piano (1971-1977, 2004-present) * Steve Conte - guitar (2004-present) * Sami Yaffa - bass (2005-present) * Brian Delaney - drums (2005-present) * Brian Koonin - keyboards (2005-present) Past members * Johnny Thunders (deceased) - guitar, vocals (1971-1975) * Rick Rivets - guitar (1971) * Arthur Kane (deceased) - bass guitar (1971-1975, 2004) * Billy Murcia (deceased) - drums (1971-1972) * Jerry Nolan (deceased) - drums (1972-1976) * Blackie Lawless - guitar (1975) * Peter Jordan - bass (1975-1977) * Chris Robison - keyboards (1975-1977) * Tony Machine - drums (1976-1977) * Gary Powell - drums (2004) Though they found little success during their initial run, the New York Dolls prefigured much of what was to come in the punk rock era and even later; the Dolls' over-the-top crossdressing influenced the look of many glam metal groups, especially that of early Mötley Crüe, and their shambling, sloppy but highly energetic playing style set the tone for many later rock and roll bands. Chrissie Hynde once commented that every punk band ("And I knew them all") had both New York Dolls albums, illustrating the Dolls' influence. In 2004, the three surviving members reunited for some work. In 2006, now down to two surviving members, the band released a new album.