Sylvain, real name Sylvain Mizrahi, died on Wednesday after battling the disease for two and a half years, according to the report shared Thursday night.
“As most of you know, Sylvain has been battling cancer for the past two and a half years. Although he fought bravely against it, he died of this disease yesterday,” the report reads.
“As we mourn his loss, we know he is finally calm and in pain. Please turn on his music, light a candle, pray a prayer and let us send this beautiful doll on its way.”
Sylvain was born in Cairo, Egypt, before emigrating to New York with his family as a child.
He was a founding member of the New York Dolls, which was formed in 1971 and spawned a cult following, with orchestra members known for their androgynous clothing, makeup and high heels.
A band that announced ‘the future’
The group strongly influenced rock and New Wave music. They were separated in 1977, but reformed in 2004 and separated again in 2011.
On the Facebook post, music journalist Lenny Kaye – best known as the guitarist of the Patti Smith Group – writes a tribute to Sylvain. He said Sylvain is the “lynchpin” of the group.
“The New York Dolls announced the future and made it easy to dance on,” he wrote.
“From the time I first saw their poster appear on the wall of Village Oldies in 1972, advertising a residence in the Mercer Hotel on the street, throughout their meteoric climb and shooting star, was the New York “Dolls the heated core this music that greets us, the band that makes you want to start a band,” Kaye said in the post.
“Thank you Sylvain x 2, for your heart, faith and the way you slapped the E-chord. Sleep baby doll.”
Tributes poured in from the music industry.
“My best friend for so many years, I can still remember the first time I saw him crash his mat bag and guitar straight from the plane into the practice room / bike shop, and I immediately fell in love with him.
“I’m going to miss your old friend. I’ll keep the home fires burning. Au revoir Syl mon vieux copain.”