Idle Edsel’s New York Dolls Tribute Vol. 1

Description

The New York Dolls were a key influence on the sound, culture, and fashion in both the Punk and Glam Metal scenes. After Punk broke out of the underground in the mid-90s, there was a resurgence of interest in the band.

Brian Idle Edsel Diederich, frontman of punk band The Strap-Ons, began this project in the late 90s while living in Norfolk, VA. Through early social media, zines, and touring, he connected with like-minded fans of The New York Dolls and assembled a group of bands to contribute to this album. One of The Strap-Ons’ labels, Chainsaw Massacre Records in Switzerland, also found some acts to contribute to the album. Sal Canzoneri also headed a chat group that helped Diederich connect with some like-minded fans of The New York Dolls.  

When The New York Dolls re-grouped and began touring in 2004, Diederich put the project on hold. In 2021, after living in Brooklyn for a decade, he returned to Norfolk and started to dust off the old physical and mental intent. He decided the tracks on his tribute would mirror the first New York Dolls album’s song order, but there were two songs left that he didn’t have, so Diederich pulled some old friends together to record Trash and Jet Boy.  Participants of this endeavor are in the credits.

Artist Darryl Xavier Lewis painted the cover, including wings for all band members except Johansen, the last living member at that time. With the news of Johansen’s recent death, we want to get the record out even more. The digital release has been available since last year; however, despite the official release date of this vinyl being July 27, 2025, the record can already be purchased. 

The New York Dolls are a timeless piece of rock ‘n’ roll history whose contributions have never been fully acknowledged. We are honored to release this record in memory of these made-up, teased-haired, platform-shod musical giants.