When they formed in the early 1970s, glam-punk band New York Dolls quickly became known for their raucous and extravagant performances. Now the recently reformed Dolls lineup will rock the concert circuit again with an upcoming tour of the U.S.
The rock veterans’ itinerary currently sets them on the road with a May 20 show at Belly Up Tavern and keeps them on the West and Gulf Coasts through a June 5 performance at Emo’s in Austin, TX. Though only one dozen concerts have been booked, including one show in Canada, more dates are expected to come.
Highlights of the current itinerary are a May 21 concert at the Music Box at Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles, CA, a May 27 performance at El Corazon in Seattle, WA, and a June 3 show at the House of Blues in Dallas, TX. The Dolls will strike north of the border for a single May 28 gig at Richard’s on Richards Cabaret in Vancouver, BC.
The Dolls are touring in support of “Cause I Sez So,” scheduled to hit stores on May 5. Produced by Todd Rundgren, the effort is the band’s second record since reforming in 2004 and only the fourth studio record of their entire career.
The over-the-top rockers released an eponymous debut in 1973, followed within a year by “Too Much Too Soon.” However, as the second album’s title suggested, The Dolls couldn’t maintain their drug-fueled momentum, and the group self-destructed before the end of the decade.
Though they were only active a few years, The Dolls influenced the punk sound and glam style of bands for years to come. They are also credited with launching the New York music scene that bred iconic bands such as the Ramones, Television and Talking Heads.
The current Dolls lineup consists of vocalist David Johansen, guitarist Sylvain Sylvain, bassist Sami Yaffa, guitarist Steve Conte and drummer Brian Delaney.
New York Dolls itinerary:
(Dates are subject to change.)
| May 20 | Solana Beach, CA | Belly Up Tavern |
| May 21 | Los Angeles, CA | Music Box @ Fonda |
| May 22 | Anaheim, CA | House of Blues |
| May 24 | San Francisco, CA | Grand Ballroom at Regency Center |
| May 26 | Portland, OR | Berbati’s Pan |
| May 27 | Seattle, WA | El Corazon |
| May 28 | Vancouver, BC | Richard’s On Richards Cabaret |
| May 31 | Denver, CO | Bluebird Theater |
| June 2 | Oklahoma City, OK | Diamond Ballroom |
| June 3 | Dallas, TX | House of Blues |
| June 4 | Houston, TX | House of Blues |
| June 5 | Austin, TX | Emo’s |
