New York Dolls join Morrissey bill in Park Hayarkon

The flamboyant garage rock that the Dolls created in the mid-'70s is credited with being a prime inspiration for the punk-rock explosion.

By DAVID BRINN
New York Dolls 88 (photo credit: Courtesy)
New York Dolls 88
(photo credit: Courtesy)
In undoubtedly the most potent summer lineup in a season of high-profile musical visitors, seminal rockers The New York Dolls have signed up to support the outdoor show by Morrissey in Park Hayarkon on July 29. The loose, flamboyant garage rock that the Dolls created in the mid-'70s is credited with being a prime inspiration for the punk-rock explosion and its later slide into indie rock. The band broke up after releasing only two albums, but their influence has reverberated ever since. Original members, vocalist David Johansen and guitarist Sylvain Sylvain, reformed the band in 2006 with replacements for deceased bandmates Johnny Thunders, Jerry Nolan and Arthur Kane, and they released the acclaimed One Day It Will Please Us to Remember Even This. Morrissey, the former front man of The Smiths, has often credited the music of the Dolls for inspiring him to perform, to the point that he once headed the British Dolls fan club. He recently told a reporter that "Mick Jagger stole everything from David Johansen." In addition to the Dolls, a third act has been added to the bill - punk veteran Siouxsie, of Siouxsie and the Banshees. It promises to be one of the most impressive bills to have hit these shores in a long time.