Guitarist Sylvain Sylvain, best known as a member of the New York Dolls, succumbed to cancer aged 69. The news was confirmed on his official Facebook page:
As most of you know, Sylvain battled cancer for the past two and 1/2 years. Though he fought it valiantly, yesterday he passed away from this disease. While we grieve his loss, we know that he is finally at peace and out of pain. Please crank up his music, light a candle, say a prayer and let’s send this beautiful doll on his way.
After the Dolls broke up in 1977 he was in various other bands, before reuniting with his former band mates in 2004. He got rave reviews with Batusis, a band with fellow veterans Cheetah Chrome (Rocket From The Tombs/Dead Boys), bassist Enzo Penizzotto and drummer Thommy Price. They released an EP in 2010. His latest release was Leaving New York, a solo single, with Cheetah Chrome as a special guest on guitar.
