Johnny Thunders: 'The Dolls were an attitude. If nothing else they were a great attitude.'

The Dolls were an attitude. If nothing else they were a great attitude.

Johnny Thunders, best known as the guitarist of the influential glam punk band New York Dolls, once stated, "The Dolls were an attitude. If nothing else they were a great attitude." This quote encapsulates the essence and significance of the New York Dolls' music and persona. Thunders suggests that the band's impact extended far beyond the realm of music; their attitude defined their artistry. This quote holds a straightforward meaning: the New York Dolls were not just a band with great songs but were also a representation of a specific attitude and mindset. However, digging deeper into this concept, an unexpected philosophical concept arises - the notion that attitude can extend beyond the individual to become a collective force that shapes a cultural movement.Attitude, as defined by Thunders, was a crucial element in understanding the New York Dolls. In a world dominated by conventional norms and expectations, the Dolls offered something radically different. Their fusion of rock and roll, glam, and punk, combined with their flamboyant and provocative fashion choices, challenged societal conventions and paved the way for the punk movement that would follow. But what exactly does it mean for a band to embody an attitude?To comprehend the significance of the Dolls' attitude, one must consider the power of collective consciousness. Eastern philosophy provides us with the concept of "maitri," which loosely translates to "loving-kindness" or "unconditional friendship." It suggests that individuals carrying a similar mindset can create a collective force that brings about change in society. In the case of the New York Dolls, their attitude united like-minded individuals who felt alienated and dissatisfied with the prevailing cultural norms. This unifying force allowed them to challenge the status quo and create a cultural movement that embraced raw expressiveness and authenticity.Contrasting the New York Dolls with other bands of their time highlights the uniqueness of their attitude. While many bands focused solely on writing catchy tunes or conforming to established musical styles, the Dolls sought something more profound. They understood that their artistry had to extend beyond the music itself. With their larger-than-life personas, theatrical stage presence, and gender-bending fashion choices, the Dolls embodied an attitude that refused to conform or compromise.This unconventional approach resonated with a generation of misfits and outcasts who found solace and empowerment in the Dolls' uncompromising authenticity. The band's influence extended far beyond the music industry, inspiring countless aspiring musicians and artists to embrace their true selves and challenge societal norms.In retrospect, Johnny Thunders' quote about the Dolls being "an attitude" holds tremendous weight in understanding the band's cultural impact. Their attitude was not merely an idiosyncratic trait but a force that transcended their individuality, shaping a larger cultural movement. By embracing their true selves and rejecting societal expectations, the Dolls provided a blueprint for authenticity and self-expression that continues to resonate with artists and audiences to this day.In conclusion, Johnny Thunders' quote, "The Dolls were an attitude. If nothing else they were a great attitude," summarizes the essence of the New York Dolls and their cultural impact. By embodying an attitude that challenged norms and celebrated authenticity, the band became more than just a musical entity. They created a collective force that inspired countless individuals to embrace their true selves and question societal expectations. The Dolls' attitude remains a defining characteristic of their legacy, reminding us that music has the power to transcend the conventional and shape a cultural movement that embraces individuality and raw expressiveness.