Johnny Thunders was an American musician known for his role as the lead guitarist for the New York Dolls. He played a significant part in shaping the Punk music scene in the 1970s and was involved with bands like The Heartbreakers and also had a solo career.
Personal and Family Life
Born John Anthony Genzale Jr. on July 15, 1952, in Queens, New York, Johnny Thunders had a tumultuous personal life marked by his struggles with drug addiction. He was married to Julie Jordan from 1979 to 1981, and they had three children together. Despite his fame, his relationships were often impacted by his lifestyle choices and battles with substance abuse.
Death and Legacy
Johnny Thunders passed away on April 23, 1991, at the age of 38 in a hotel room in New Orleans, Louisiana, due to a drug overdose under suspicious circumstances. His legacy endures through his influential music in the punk genre and his distinctive guitar style, which continues to inspire musicians today.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Punk Rock Movie | 1978-06-09 | Self |
| New York Dolls: All Dolled Up | 2005-12-06 | Himself |
| New York Dolls: TV Treasures | 2000-01-01 | Himself |
| Mona et moi | 1990-04-04 | Johnny |
| Looking for Johnny | 2014-06-01 | Himself (archive footage) |
| What About Me | 1993-01-10 | Vito Napolitano |
| Johnny Thunders Live: In Cold Blood | 2002-03-25 | |
| End of the Century: The Story of the Ramones | 2003-01-19 | Self (archive footage) (uncredited) |
| Night Lunch | 1975-12-09 | Self |
| Personality Crisis: One Night Only | 2022-10-12 | Self (archive footage) |