Guitarist Sylvain Sylvain of punk rock pioneers the New York Dolls has revealed that he has been battling cancer for the last year.
Back in the early ’70s, a group of New York musicians burst onto the scene, bringing with them an abrasive, loud sound that would later see them considered the spiritual creators of the punk scene.
After two albums, the group broke up in 1976, only to reform in 2004, and releasing a handful of records before a final split in 2011.
Despite a revolving-door lineup over the years, the two constants in the New York Dolls’ lineup was vocalist David Johansen, and Sylvain Sylvain, who served as a guitarist, bassist, and pianist throughout his time in the group.
Now, Sylvain Sylvain has revealed that he has been spending most of the last year fighting a battle against cancer.
The news was broken to his supporters by way of a crowdfunding campaign, asking for assistance in helping him get back on his feet.
“I know there has been some curiosity, speculation and, yes, rumor about why I haven’t been Rampaging songs on FB or, more importantly, out on tour promoting my book There’s No Bones in Ice Cream and playing in a town near YOU,” Sylvain wrote on the GoFundMe page.
“First the BAD news: For about a year now, I have been battling cancer.”
“Then the GOOD news: I have an upcoming surgery with a great doctor that may do the TRICK,” he continued. “There will, however, be a somewhat long recovery period (at least a year).”
“I have not been able to work since last year and have more surgery scheduled. I love life! As hard as life has been to me these past 2 years I want to live and I know with your love & support I’ll have the best chance that I could ever have.”
If you wish to support Sylvain Sylvain’s GoFundMe campaign, you do so by visiting his official page. The campaign is hoping to raise $80,000, and at the time of writing, has attracted over $32,000 in donations.
Apart from is time in the New York Dolls, Sylvain Sylvain has had a rather prolific solo career, performing as a solo artist, and with bands such as The Teardrops, Roman Sandals, The Criminal$, She Wolves, and Batusis.
Check out the New York Dolls’ ‘Personality Crisis’:
