By Stig Editor
Guns N’ Roses Pay Tribute to Late David Johansen with First-Ever Live Performance of New York Dolls’ “Human Being”
Article:
In an emotionally charged moment that honored punk and glam rock history, Guns N’ Roses paid tribute to the late David Johansen, frontman of the legendary New York Dolls, by performing their cover of the Dolls’ classic track “Human Being” live for the very first time.
The tribute took place during a recent concert, leaving fans stunned and moved as Axl Rose led the band through a gritty, heartfelt rendition of the 1974 anthem. The performance marked the first time the band has ever played the song live, despite having recorded a cover of it years earlier as a nod to their punk and glam influences.
Johansen, who passed away earlier this year, was widely regarded as a trailblazer in the glam-punk movement. As the voice of the New York Dolls, he helped lay the foundation for countless rock and punk acts that followed—including Guns N’ Roses themselves.
“We wouldn’t be who we are without David and the Dolls,” Axl told the crowd before launching into the song. “This one’s for him.”
The band’s cover stayed true to the raw energy of the original while layering in their signature hard rock sound. Slash’s searing guitar solos meshed with Duff McKagan’s gritty basslines, bringing new life to the rebellious spirit of the track.
Fans flooded social media with clips of the performance, praising it as both a fitting tribute and a reminder of Johansen’s enduring legacy. “This is why GNR are legends,” one fan posted. “They never forget where rock came from.”
The moment also served as a poignant reminder of the New York Dolls’ lasting influence. Though never mainstream superstars, their impact on rock music was seismic—blending punk, glam, and sleaze in a way that would shape bands like the Sex Pistols, The Ramones, and, eventually, Guns N’ Roses.
By performing “Human Being” live for the first time, Guns N’ Roses not only honored a fallen icon—they also brought Johansen’s rebellious legacy roaring back to life on stage.
It was more than a cover.
It was a salute. A statement.
A human moment for a “Human Being.”