The New York Dolls created punk rock before there was a term for it. Building on the Rolling Stones' dirty rock & roll, Mick Jagger's androgyny, girl group pop, the glam rock of David Bowie and T. Rex, and the Stooges' anarchic noise, the New York Dolls created a new form of hard rock that presaged both punk rock and heavy metal.

Their drug-fueled, shambolic performances influenced a generation of musicians in New York and London, who all went on to form punk bands. And although they self-destructed quickly, the band's two albums remained two of the most popular cult records in rock & roll history.

In the immediate aftermath of the Doll's demise, Sylvain declined Malcolm McLaren's invitation to become a Sex Pistol and teamed up with Dolls singer David Johansen instead. Sylvain remained with Johansen for the next two years while also forming a band called The Criminals, featuring keyboardist Bobby Blain, bassist Michael Page, and drummer Tony Machine.

Sylvain landed a solo recording contract with RCA, and in 1979 released his self-titled debut album featuring drummer Lee Crystal, guitarist Johnny Rao, and bassist Buz Verno as his backing band. A follow-up was released on RCA in 1981 titled Syl Sylvain and the Teardrops.

Syl moved to Los Angeles in the early ‘90s and recorded a new album, Sleep Baby Doll for Fishead Records. His band mates on that album were drummer Brian Keats (Dave Vanian's Phantom Chords), bassist John Carlucci (Fuzztones/Speedies), and guitarist Olivier LeBaron. The album also featured guest appearances by Frank Infante of Blondie & Derwood Andrews of Generation X.

In 2004, former Smiths vocalist Morrissey--who was once the president of a British New York Dolls fan club--invited the surviving members of the New York Dolls to perform at the 2004 Meltown Festival, a music and cultural festival that was being curated that year by the singer. To the surprise of many, Sylvain, David Johansen and Arthur Kane agreed to the gig, with Steve Conte standing in for Johnny Thunders and Gary Powell from the Libertines on drums. The group's set was well received by critics and fans (and was recorded for release on DVD and CD), which led to offers for other festival appearances.

The reunited Dolls returned to their hometown to play at Little Steven's Underground Garage Festival in New York City on August 14, 2004. And they returned to the studio in 2006 to record their first new album in over 30 years, One Day It Will Please Us to Remember Even This. And they continue to tour and record to this day, with their latest album, ‘Cause I Sez So, produced by Todd Rundgren, due for release on May 5th.

It's hard to deny the influence the New York Dolls have had on modern day rock, glam rock and punk rock. And on his own, Sylvain Sylvain still continues to carry on the tradition that he started with the New York Dolls over three decades ago.