David Johansen Revealed A Stage 4 Cancer Battle

The New York Dolls’ frontman, David Johansen, has disclosed that he had a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis five years ago. The renowned musician had previously kept his health issues quiet, but he has finally opened up about them.

A Tough Battle with Health Complications

Johansen’s malignant cancer advanced in 2020, in the early stages of the pandemic, according to a statement. Doctors also found a brain tumor at that time, which resulted in persistent issues.

Things then took a turn for the worse the day after Thanksgiving when Johansen broke his back twice in a severe fall. Despite a successful surgery, the 75-year-old rocker is now totally bedridden and needs round-the-clock care.

“To continue his treatment and give him the best chance of recovery, [Johansen] will need full-time assistance,” the statement explains.

To help ease the financial burden on Johansen and his family, the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, a nonprofit that provides support to musicians in need, has launched the David Johansen Fund. The money raised will go toward his full-time nursing care, physical therapy, and other essential living expenses.

Despite everything, Johansen remains hopeful. He shared:

“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.
“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 Steps In to Help

Sweet Relief Musicians Fund is rallying support from the music community to help Johansen through this difficult time.

“Sweet Relief is honored to help David and his family during this difficult time in their lives,” said executive director Aric Steinberg. “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.”

Steinberg also emphasized Johansen’s lasting impact on music.

“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.”

A Look at Johansen’s Musical Legacy

Johansen helped shape rock music in the early ‘70s when he co-founded the New York Dolls, a band that mixed glam rock with a raw, rebellious attitude that would later inspire punk rock. Their 1973 self-titled debut, produced by Todd Rundgren, became a landmark album. The band broke up after their second album, Too Much Too Soon, was released in 1974.

After releasing four albums as a solo artist, Johansen changed his name to Buster Poindexter in 1987, a captivating lounge singer who performed swing, blues, and novelty songs. Along with acting parts in movies like Scrooged and Car 54, Where Are You?, this new image helped him achieve widespread success.

Before the band broke up in 2011, Johansen brought the New York Dolls back together with guitarist Sylvain Sylvain in 2006, and they put out three more albums. The Martin Scorsese documentary Personality Crisis: One Night Only paid tribute to his legacy more recently.

Fans and fellow musicians now have the opportunity to help Johansen in his time of need, continuing his illustrious career.

Visit the official website to learn more or to donate to the David Johansen Fund.