Since the Covid era hit, I have seen many artists pass on to their spot in Rock 'n Roll heaven. You almost begin to become numb to the news. On January 13th, the world lost Sylvain Mizrahi. known to the music world as Sylvain Sylvain, to cancer. The fucking C-word strikes again! Born in Cairo, Egypt, Sylvain was most noted for his rhythm guitar playing in the New York Dolls. Like many great bands, the complimentary adjectives weren't thrown at them from the beginning. They were definitely trend setters! I kind of recall some critics and fans referring to them as "awful." I believe that people were just becoming used to a more progressive sound, so their rawness threw people off. In my opinion, you couldn't get any better than the way Sylvain and Johnny Thunders strangled their guitars on "There's Gonna Be A Showdown."
Then, there was their fashion sense! Sylvain and Billy Murcia actually operated their own clothing company before the Dolls were even a thought in their minds. Their use of spandex, platform footwear and makeup influenced many glam rock and metal bands that followed. Their attitude and sound helped to usher in the New York punk movement. You could almost hear the makings of Buster Poindexter when David Johansen belted out "Stranded In The Jungle." They also gave a nod to good old-fashioned rock 'n roll with "Bad Detective." The New York Dolls lasted from 1971 until 1977.
Before the New York Dolls, Sylvain was in a band called Actress with Arthur Kane, Billy Murcia and Johnny Thunders. After the Dolls called it quits in 1977, he played on some of David Johansen's solo recordings. He formed a band called The Criminals with Tony Machine. Sylvain ended up being signed by RCA Records as a solo act. He was able to mix his pop -punk style with a roots rock sound in songs like "Teenage News" and "14th Street Beat." The album that Syl Sylvain and the Teardrops put out in 1981 for RCA had a certain polished pop charm to it. This album featured Danny (Tubby) Reid on bass and backing vocals, Rosie Rex on drums and backing vocals, and Tommy Mandel on keyboards. As with my New York Doll albums, I believe I wore out my diamond needle on this one.
A founding member of the New York Dolls, they reunited in 2004. Arthur Kane was supposed to be a part of this reunion with David Johansen, however Kane died from leukemia shortly after they reunited. The rest of the lineup was filled out by Steve Conte, Brian Koonin and Brian Delaney. Sami Yaffa, of Hanoi Rocks fame, took over for Arthur Kane on bass. Many other musicians have contributed to being a New York Doll over time, as well. This included a stint by Blackie Lawless of W.A.S.P., during their first time around. This later version of the New York Dolls came with a much more polished sound, as well as some kick-ass rock 'n roll.
He fronted the She Wolves for a single version of "Sheena is a Punk Rocker," who were normally fronted by Dava She Wolf, formerly of the Cycle Sluts From Hell. He also formed The Batusis with Cheetah Chrome, of Dead Boys fame. In 2018, Sylvain performed a couple of dates in Tokyo as The Dolls with Steve Conte, Sami Yaffa and Robert Eriksson. He also produced the 2004 release by the River City Rebels, which reminded me more of a Clash or Rancid sounding record. I could go on and on about Mr. Mizrahi but one thing is clear, he was very well-respected and loved among the punk and rock 'n roll community. RIP brother!!!