Happy Birthday today (Feb. 14) to guitarist Sylvain Sylvain of the New York Dolls. He’s 66. Also celebrating is founding member of Heart, guitarist Roger Fisher (67).

Roger Fisher
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Sylvain Sylvain and the New York Dolls formed out of New York City in 1971 and were one of the first bands on the early punk scene along with the Velvet Underground and the Stooges. The classic lineup consisted of Sylvain on guitar and piano with David Johansen on vocals, guitarist Johnny Thunders, bassist Arthur Kane, and drummer Jerry Nolan. They released the popular albums New York Dolls in 1973 and Too Much Too Soon in 1974. In 1995, the Encyclopedia of Popular Music called the New York Dolls “One of the most influential rock bands of the last 20 years.” The band influenced groups like the Sex Pistols, Kiss, the Ramones, The Damned, The Smiths, and Guns N’ Roses.

The band split up in 1977 and surviving members reunited years later in 2004. They have continued to record and tour with various lineup changes in recent years. I got to see the New York Dolls at a small club show years back and also opening for Motley Crue and Poison at SPAC in 2011. The legendary band puts on a great live show. Just straight ahead, kick ass rock n roll! Gotta love it.

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