Friday 15th January 2021
Punk veteran Sylvain Sylvain
New York Dolls guitarist dies of cancer
–
With the New York Dolls, guitarist Sylvain Sylvain became the vanguard of the punk movement in the early 1970s. Now the musician dies of cancer at the age of 69. Companions praise him for “the way you struck the E chord”. And they demand: “Turn up his music.”
Sylvain Sylvain, guitarist of the US punk band New York Dolls, died on Wednesday at the age of 69. The sad news came from his wife, Wanda O’Kelley Mizrahi, a day later known on Facebook.
“As most of you know, Sylvain has been battling cancer for the past two and a half years,” Mizrahi wrote. “Although he fought valiantly against it, he died yesterday of the disease. As we mourn his loss, we know that he is finally living in peace and is no longer in pain.” Alluding to Sylvain’s band, Mizrahi added: “Please turn up your music, light a candle, say a prayer and let’s send this beautiful ‘doll’ on its way.”
She also shared a tribute to her late husband written by guitarist Lenny Kaye. In it, the musician, who is active in the Patti Smith Group, praised Sylvain as “the heart and soul of the New York Dolls”. He further wrote: “Thank you Sylvain, for your heart, your faith and the way you struck the E chord. Sleep, Baby Doll.”
Dissolution and reunion
Sylvain Sylvain was born as Sylvain Mizrahi on Valentine’s Day in 1951 in Cairo. His family moved from Egypt first to France and then to New York, where he later joined the New York Dolls. The group released their self-titled debut album in 1973, followed by their second album “Too Much Too Soon” in 1974. Sylvain was featured on both albums with guitar, piano and vocals.
In 1977 New York Dolls broke up. Sylvain then pursued several projects with other musicians and also released solo recordings. In 2004 the New York Dolls reunited, which he joined. After Sylvain’s death, singer David Johansen is the only remaining original member of the group.
– .
