New York Dolls
Academy, Liverpool
09/12/2009
 
If the music over the PA or the audience members with Mohicans so tall there’s mountain goats living on them didn’t tell you; this is a punk gig. The majority of this audience looks like they haven’t seen daylight since the Dolls’ second album ‘Too Much Too Soon’ came out in 1974; most of them look like they don’t know where they are. Someone should put up a sign. And put it in a big font, in case someone forgets.
 
Anyway. For a band pushing 40, their live act is still pretty plausible, although we are seeing a band way beyond their peak. They don’t even wear platforms these days. As the Dolls come on stage, it’s clear the tunes and the showmanship have not been lost. ‘Looking For A Kiss’ and ‘Trash’ are true classics; it’s easy to see how they were a precursor to bands like The Clash and The Ramones. Their musical influence is seen even today in the call-and-response chants in Glasvegas’ choruses and it’s well documented that a teenage Morrissey was the president of their UK fan club. Even when the distant beats from Goldie Lookin’ Chain (who are playing downstairs) merge with ‘Subway Train’ it sort of works. Sort of.

Their mix of heavy metal, glam and rock is what has made their influence so lasting, so vital. They were ready to break new ground in the 1971 so we could enjoy such future-classics as GLC’s ‘Your Mother’s Got A Penis’, and for this we thank them.

Mike Doherty