NY Dolls cofounder dies

New York: Sylvain Sylvain, cofounder and rhythm guitarist of legendary early 1970s proto punk quintet the New York Dolls, has died aged 69 after a battle with cancer, according to a social media post by his wife and multiple media reports.

While often lambasted in their era — either as Rolling Stones knockoffs or for their androgynous look — the Dolls were one of the single greatest influences on punk rock, on both sides of the Atlantic.

Their vast influence can be heard in fellow New Yorkers the Ramones, who followed them by just a couple of years, as well as the Sex Pistols and the entire punk movement.

While undercut by drug addiction, infighting and unruly behaviour, the Dolls cast a long shadow in their classic lineup's four years of existence. — AAP