NYD’s singer David Johansen reveals he has stage 4 cancer

The New York Dolls co-founder and singer David Johansen revealed he has stage 4 cancer. He kept his condition private but now released a statement about his diagnosis. It was at the start of the pandemic in 2020 that he discovered an “aggressive cancer” that “had progressed and was diagnosed with a brain tumor, leading to complications ever since”. The day after Thanksgiving he fell and broke his back in two places but while the surgery was successful, he has been “completely bedridden and incapacitated, relying on around the clock care”. The statement also says that they will “continue his treatment and give him the best chance of recovery (because he) will need full-time assistance”.

The organization Sweet Relief, which provides services and financial assistance for career musicians and music industry professionals, made a fund to help offset the recent medical issues. It will assist him with full-time nursing, physical therapy and “funding for day-to-day vital living expenses.

David Johansen said about his battle with cancer

“We’ve been living with my illness for a long time, still having fun, seeing friends and family, carrying on, but this tumble the day after Thanksgiving really brought us to a whole new level of debilitation.  Is the worst pain I’ve ever experienced in my entire life. I’ve never been one to ask for help but this is an emergency. Thank you.”

The New York Dolls was formed in 1971 in New York City and became one of the most influential Rock bands from that era. They were active until 1976, reuniting from 2004 to 2011. Some of their most famous songs are “Personality Crisis”, “Trash” and “Looking for a Kiss”. Johansen is the only original member of the band who is still alive.