Sylvain, whose real name is Sylvain Mizrahi, died on Wednesday after fighting the disease for two and a half years, according to the post, which was shared on Thursday night.
“As most of you know, Sylvain has been battling cancer for the past two and a half years. Although he fought bravely, yesterday he died of this disease ”, said the post.
“While we mourn his loss, we know that he is finally at peace and without pain. Please turn up the music, light a candle, say a prayer and let’s send this beautiful doll away.”
Sylvain was born in Cairo, Egypt, before emigrating to New York with his family as a child.
He was one of the founding members of the New York Dolls, which graduated in 1971 and has amassed a cult following, with members of the band famous for their androgynous clothing, makeup and high heels.
A band that ‘announced the future’
The band was credited with a strong influence on rock and New Wave music. They split in 1977, but retired in 2004, breaking up again in 2011.
Writing in the Facebook post, music journalist Lenny Kaye – best known as the guitarist for the Patti Smith Group – paid tribute to Sylvain. He said that Sylvain was the “axis” of the band.
“The New York Dolls heralded the future, made it easier to dance,” he wrote.
“From the moment I saw your poster first appear on the wall of the Village Oldies in 1972, announcing a residence at the Mercer Hotel on the same street, during its meteoric rise and shooting stars on fire, the New York Dolls were the heated center of this song that we salute, the band that makes you want to form a band “, said Kaye in the post.
“Thank you Sylvain x 2, for your heart, faith and the way you got that E. Sleep Baby Doll chord right.”
Tributes come from the music industry.
“My best friend so many years ago, I still remember the first time I saw him bop in the rehearsal space / bike shop with his travel bag and guitar straight from the plane after he was deported from Amsterdam, I immediately loved him.
“I will miss you, old man. I will keep the fires burning. Au revoir Syl mon vieux copain.”