Now we can’t get too far into this day without posting a video of one of the greatest TV performances by any band ever. News of Sylvain Sylvain’s passing away reached us today. This video of the New York Dolls says everything you need to know. The sad news will nodoubt be everywhere, had to be marked here though, rest in peace Sylvain Sylvain.

Sylvain Sylvain, guitarist with trailblazing 1970s rock band New York Dolls, has died at the age of 69. – One of the group’s founding members, his visceral riffs bridged the divide between punk and glam, and helped kick-start the punk and new wave movements (reports the BBC)

“As most of you know, Sylvain battled cancer for the past two and 1/2 years,” his wife, Wanda O’Kelley Mizrahi, wrote in a statement on his Facebook page.

“Though he fought it valiantly, yesterday he passed away.”

She added: “While we grieve his loss, we know that he is finally at peace and out of pain. Please crank up his music, light a candle, say a prayer and let’s send this beautiful doll on his way.”

Sylvain’s death leaves only one surviving member of the New York Dolls’ original line-up from their 1973 debut album, frontman David Johansen. The singer posted his own tribute on Instagram.

“My best friend for so many years, I can still remember the first time I saw him bop into the rehearsal space/bicycle shop with his carpetbag and guitar straight from the plane after having been deported from Amsterdam, I instantly loved him,” he wrote.

“I’m gonna miss you old pal. I’ll keep the home fires burning.”