Sylvain, real name Sylvain Mizrahi, died Wednesday after battling the disease for two-and-a-half years, according to the post, which was shared Thursday night.
“As most of you know, Sylvain has been battling cancer for the past two and a half years. Although he fought it bravely, he died of this disease yesterday,” the message read.
“While we mourn his loss, we know he is finally at peace and painless. Please pull out his music, light a candle, say a prayer, and 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, who formed in 1971 and achieved a cult following, with band members famous for their androgynous clothing, makeup, and high heels.
A band that “announced the future”
The band has been credited with a major influence on rock and New Wave music. They broke up in 1977, but were renovated in 2004 and separated again in 2011.
Writing on the Facebook post, music journalist Lenny Kaye, better known as the band’s guitarist Patti Smith, led a tribute to Sylvain. He said Sylvain was the “key point” of the band.
“The New York Dolls heralded the future and facilitated dance,” he wrote.
“From the first time I saw his poster appear on the wall of Village Oldies in 1972, announcing a residency at the Mercer Hotel on the street, throughout its meteoric rise and the flame of shooting stars, the New York Dolls they were the heated core of this music we have, the band that makes you want to form a band, “Kaye told the post.
“Thank you Sylvain x 2, for your heart, for your beliefs, and for the way you struck that E. Sleep Baby Doll deal.”
Tributes have come from the music industry.
“My best friend for so many years, I still remember the first time I saw him throw himself into the bike shop and rehearse with his carpet bag and guitar straight from the plane after he was deported from Amsterdam, I loved him immediately.
“I will miss your old friend. I will keep the fires of the home burning. Revoure Syl mon vieux copain.”