David Johansen and his legendary US punk-glam-rock band New York Dolls are all set to play dates across the UK in December but not before Johansen plays a special solo gig in New Jersey (yeah I know it's a long way, bear with me).

The full band play a magnificent seven starting in Cambridge at the Junction on Dec 2nd (£19.50), Bristol's Ansons on Dec 3rd (£19.50), London's Kentish Town Forum on Dec 4th (£22.50), Southampton's Talking Heads on Dec 6th (£22), Leamington Spa Assembly on Dec 8th (£20), Liverpool's O2 Academy on Dec 9th (£18) and the final stop in Edinburgh's HMV Picture House on Dec 10th (£18.50).

New York Dolls formed in 1971 in, where else, New York City and 2 surviving members, Johansen and Sylvain Sylvain continue to touting their punk-rock, rhythm and blues. Their kitsch demeanour and clothing won them fans in their home country with their homage to The Stooges and T Rex and their other influences (usually a shit-load of drugs), plus their influenced (The Damned, Blondie, Kiss and Faster Pussycat being just a few). Original icon, Johnny Thunders, a key member and original guitarist passed away in 1991 (he left the band in '75 but was still a legend of course).

The Dolls have recently released a 2009 album (only their 4th!) called "Cause I Sez So", which will no doubt be featured during the live shows as well. Johansen is also playing a special solo date on November 25th at the Trenton War Memorial in New Jersey - this will feature less obvious and more soulful songs than a usual full-on NYD show.