Sylvain, real name Sylvain Mizrahi, died Wednesday after two and a half years of battling the disease, the post said, which was shared Thursday night.
“As most of you know, Sylvain fought cancer for the past two and a half years. Although he fought bravely, he died of this disease yesterday,” the post said.
As we mourn his loss, we know that he is finally resting and out of pain. Please turn up his music, light a candle, say a prayer and let’s send this beautiful doll on its way. ‘
Sylvain was born in Cairo, Egypt, before emigrating to New York with his family as a child.
He was a founding member of the New York Dolls, which was formed in 1971 and achieved cult status, with band members famous for their androgynous clothing, makeup and high heels.
A band that ‘announced the future’
The band has been credited with heavily influencing rock and New Wave music. They split in 1977, but reformed in 2004 and split again in 2011.
Music journalist Lenny Kaye – best known as the guitarist for the Patti Smith Group – wrote on the Facebook post, leading a tribute to Sylvain. He said that Sylvain was the “linchpin” of the band.
“The New York Dolls ushered in the future, made it easy to dance to,” he wrote.
“From the moment I saw their poster first appear on the Village Oldies wall in 1972, promoting a residence at the Mercer Hotel down the street, during their rapid ascent and shooting stars, the New York Dolls the heated core of we greet this music, the band that makes you want to form a band, ‘Kaye said in the post.
Thank you Sylvain x 2 for your heart, faith and the way you struck that E-chord. Sleep Baby Doll. ‘
Tributes have poured in from the music industry.
“My best friend for so many years, I can still remember seeing him walk into the rehearsal room / bike shop for the first time with his laptop bag and guitar straight off the plane after I was deported from Amsterdam. I loved him right away.
“I’m going to miss you old friend. I’ll keep the house fires burning. Au revoir Syl mon vieux copain. ‘