New York Dolls frontman and legendary musician David Johansen is receiving an outpouring of support from some of the entertainment industry’s biggest names as he battles an aggressive form of cancer. A rapidly growing fundraiser, launched to help cover his medical expenses, has drawn donations from figures such as director Martin Scorsese, comedian Colin Jost, and musicians from bands like Pearl Jam and R.E.M.
Johansen, best known for fronting the proto-punk band New York Dolls and his later work as Buster Poindexter, has been fighting stage 4 cancer for nearly a decade. The diagnosis has remained largely private, only recently coming to light following his deteriorating health and a devastating accident that added to his already significant medical struggles…
The Music Industry Steps Up
As word of Johansen’s health battle spread, contributions to his Sweet Relief Musicians Fund began to rise. Notable donors include Hollywood icon Martin Scorsese—who directed Personality Crisis: One Night Only, a 2022 documentary about Johansen—alongside Sony Music executive Rob Stringer and Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready.
Even the George Lopez Foundation and Hipgnosis Song Fund’s Merck Mercuriadis have stepped in, showing just how much Johansen’s influence has extended beyond punk rock. These donations, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, signify the massive impact he has had on both the music and film industries…
But it doesn’t stop there.
Saturday Night Live’s Colin Jost made one of the heftier contributions of $5,000, while musicians such as Peter Buck of R.E.M. and Mike Doughty of Soul Coughing added to the growing fund.
A Decade-Long Battle Becomes Public
Despite quietly managing his illness for years, the Johansen family made the difficult decision to speak publicly about his condition.
In a heartfelt social media post, his daughter, Leah Hennessy, shared details of his struggle, explaining that his brain tumor was diagnosed over five years ago, leading to multiple complications. However, the tipping point came when Johansen fell down a flight of stairs in late 2024, breaking his back in two places—an accident that drastically worsened his condition.
“We’ve been living with my illness for a long time, still having fun, seeing friends and family, carrying on,” Johansen revealed in a rare statement to Rolling Stone. “But this tumble really brought us to a whole new level of debilitation. This is the worst pain I’ve ever experienced in my entire life.”
For a musician who has spent a lifetime on stage, the sudden escalation in his condition prompted the family to reach out for help like never before…
Why the Fundraiser Matters Now More Than Ever
Johansen’s Sweet Relief Musicians Fund is aiming to cover a long list of vital healthcare costs. From full-time nursing and physical therapy to everyday living expenses, the raised funds will provide essential support as Johansen navigates his most challenging chapter yet.
The financial burden of long-term cancer treatments, compounded by recent medical setbacks, has made the fundraiser a crucial lifeline for Johansen and his family.
And the momentum is growing.
A touching video released on Valentine’s Day showcased Johansen, lying in bed alongside his wife, Mara Hennessey, thanking supporters for their generosity. “I’ve never asked for help in my life,” he admitted, “but lately Mara’s been teaching me the beauty of when your chips are down, asking for help. And it seems to be working out really marvelously.”
A Legacy Worth Fighting For
Johansen’s influence on the music world cannot be overstated. As the charismatic frontman of New York Dolls, he helped pioneer punk rock, influencing legends like The Ramones and Sex Pistols. His later reinvention as Buster Poindexter—delivering the hit “Hot Hot Hot”—showed his ability to evolve, keeping audiences engaged across decades.
Even beyond music, Johansen’s collaborations with filmmakers like Scorsese and his performances on Saturday Night Live have cemented his place as a cultural fixture.
But now, it’s the community he has impacted rallying around him when he needs it most…
What Comes Next?
While the fundraiser has gained traction, it’s unclear exactly how much has been raised so far. The Sweet Relief Fund continues accepting donations, with supporters encouraged to contribute whatever they can to help Johansen access critical care.
For fans and musicians alike, this is an opportunity to give back to an artist who shaped rock history.
As Johansen himself put it, “This is an emergency.”
With support pouring in from across the music and entertainment worlds, one thing is clear—David Johansen will not be facing this battle alone.
For those looking to contribute, donations to David Johansen’s Sweet Relief Musicians Fund can be made here.