Legendary New York Dolls singer David Johansen has revealed that he’s been privately battling stage 4 cancer and a brain tumor since 2020. A fall at home in November 2024 broke his back in two places, leading him to reveal his diagnosis and seek financial help.
In addition to fronting the proto-punk icons New York Dolls, Johansen carved out a successful career under the pseudonym Buster Poindexter in th 1980s. According to a press release, the veteran rocker is “bedridden and incapacitated” and “requires around-the-clock care.”
“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,” stated Johansen. “This 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.”
Sweet Relief Musicians Fund has set up the David Johansen Fund, where people can donate money to aid the singer with “full time nursing, physical therapy, and funding for day to day vital living expenses.” In addition to a straight-up financial donation, fans can purchase a special fund-raising T-shirt.
Sweet Relief executive director Aric Steinberg added, “Sweet Relief is honored to help David and his family during this difficult time in their lives. Our Directed Artist Funds can provide a meaningful solution when the community rallies around the recipient, and we anticipate that David’s community will be eager to help here. His influence on the musical landscape with the New York Dolls is indelible, and his career as an actor and an artist has touched many people around the world. He’s been knocked down but we’re here to help him back up with the help of his family, friends and wider community of supporters.”
Johansen was the subject of a recent Martin Scorsese documentary titled Personality Crisis: One Night Only, currently streaming on Paramount+.
Our thoughts go out to David Johansen during this difficult battle. See him performing “Personality Crisis” with the New York Dolls, as well as “Hot Hot Hot” as Buster Poindexter, in the videos below.