Artist profile · 04/07/2026
Johnny Thunders
- 11
- Albums on Vinyles.com
- 228k
- Last.fm listeners
- 3M
- Last.fm plays
About
Johnny Thunders, Pioneering New York punk with raw guitar and emotional voice.
Johnny Thunders was a guitarist and singer originating from East Elmhurst, New York, known for his role in pioneering punk rock and rock & roll from the 1970s. He was the lead guitarist for The New York Dolls from 1972 to 1975 before founding The Heartbreakers. His solo works blend punk, rockabilly, and blues with a distinctive guitar sound influenced by Chuck Berry and Link Wray.
His catalog includes 11 vinyl records with genres crossing punk, alternative, and rock indie, released on labels such as New Rose Records and Cleopatra Records. Notable pressings include French releases of "In Cold Blood" and "So Alone," with prices ranging from €11 to €49 for original editions. Thunders' emotional vocal style and raw guitar work remain influential in punk and rock circles.
Discography
Johnny Thunders discography
Studio albums, live records, compilations and radio recordings. Each album groups all its editions.
Hurt Me
Johnny Thunders
- Vinyl 4
- CD 2
- Cassette 1
Que Será, Será
Johnny Thunders
- Vinyl 4
- CD 2
- Cassette 1
Hurt Me
Johnny Thunders
- Vinyl 4
- CD 2
- Cassette 1
Stations of the Cross
Johnny Thunders
- Vinyl 1
- CD 1
- Cassette 2
Bootlegging the Bootleggers
Johnny Thunders
- Vinyl 2
- CD 1
- Cassette 1
The New Too Much Junkie Business
Johnny Thunders
- Vinyl 1
- CD 1
- Cassette 1
Chinese Rocks: The Ultimate Thunders Live Collection
Johnny Thunders
- Vinyl 1
- CD 1
- Cassette
Add Water and Stir: Live in Japan 1991
Johnny Thunders
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Have Faith
Johnny Thunders
- Vinyl
- CD 1
- Cassette 1
Belfast Rocks
Johnny Thunders
- Vinyl 1
- CD 1
- Cassette
Live & Wasted: Unplugged 1990
Johnny Thunders
- Vinyl 1
- CD 1
- Cassette
Play With Fire: Live
Johnny Thunders
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Live in Los Angeles 1987
Johnny Thunders
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Live In Osaka 1991 And Detroit 1980
Johnny Thunders
- Vinyl 1
- CD
- Cassette
Data provided by Discogs
Listen
Signature songs
- 01
You Can't Put Your Arms Around a MemorySticks & Stones: The Lost Album · 2009 - 02
You Can't Put Your Arms Round a MemorySo Alone · 1978 - 03PipelineSo Alone · 1978
- 04Chinese Rocks
- 05Born to Lose
- 06Great Big KissSo Alone · 1978
- 07Ask Me No QuestionsSo Alone · 1978
- 08Leave Me AloneSo Alone · 1978
Essentials
3 Johnny Thunders albums you need to own
Our picks, approved by the editors.
#1 · 1978Thunders' 1978 solo debut features ten tracks that blend raw punk energy with early rock and roll influences. The album has multiple original and reissue pressings, commanding collector interest.
10 tracksOriginal LP pressing1978Rock & Roll / Punk
#2 · 1983This EP mixes studio and live recordings showcasing Thunders’ garage rock and punk styles. French original pressings from 1983 are sought after by collectors.
5 tracks1983Mini-AlbumNew Rose Records- #3 · 2009
A posthumous limited edition LP compiling studio and live tracks from New York City sessions and peaks into Thunders' later work.
30 tracksLimited Edition2009Rock & Roll
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B-side
B-side: the hidden stories of Johnny Thunders
Studio secrets, tour stories and B-sides worth the whole album.
Live From Zurich ’85 captures Thunders’ punk energy
This 2021 vinyl release documents a live performance from 1985 in Zurich, Switzerland, preserving the raw intensity of Johnny Thunders’ stage presence during his punk phase.
French original pressings of In Cold Blood
French vinyl for "In Cold Blood" was released by New Rose Records in 1983 and 1984, with original copies priced between €11.30 and €30, making them key items for collectors of French punk vinyl.
Johnny Thunders’ guitar technique drew from rock pioneers Chuck Berry and Link Wray, forming a distinct punk sound.— Johnny Thunders profile
Dawn of the Dead: Live at Max's Kansas City
This 2012 picture disc LP captures a 1970s New York City live show, highlighting Thunders’ blending of rock & roll and punk styles in a historic venue.
So Alone original LP pressing rare in France
The 1978 LP "So Alone" has French original pressings on Real Records that are collectible, with current prices approaching €49 due to limited stocks.
Johnny Thunders vinyl discography
See allNew I ONLY WROTE THIS SONG FOR YOU-A TRIBUTE TO JOHNNY THUNDERS
Johnny Thunders
BluesJazz/Blues
2026-05-08CADIZ MUSICFrom$44.99
1 offerSO ALONE (45TH ANNIV) (SYEOR)
Johnny Thunders
Punk / HardcoreAlternatif
2023-01-27RHINOFrom$26.11
1 offerLIVE IN LOS ANGELES 1987/INCLUS BONUS LIVE IN OSAKA
Johnny Thunders
Punk / HardcoreAlternatif
2021-10-01DREAM CATCHERFrom$38.92
1 offerLive From Zurich ‘85
Johnny Thunders
Punk / HardcoreAlternatif
2021-04-23Johnny Thunders ArchiveFrom$20.98
1 offerLIVE IN OSAKA 1991 AND DETROIT 1980/ACOUSTIC AND ELECTRIC
Johnny Thunders
Punk / HardcoreAlternatif
2021-02-26DREAM CATCHERI THINK I GOT THIS COVERED
Johnny Thunders
Punk / HardcoreAlternatif
2016-09-08DREAM CATCHERFrom$11.00
1 offer
Johnny Thunders CDs
See all
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FAQ
FAQ
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
Who was Johnny Thunders?
Johnny Thunders was an American punk guitarist and singer, known as lead guitarist of The New York Dolls and founder of The Heartbreakers, active mainly in the 1970s and 1980s.
What genres did Johnny Thunders play?
He played punk rock, rock & roll, rock indie, alternative, and blues-influenced styles, combining raw guitar with emotional vocals.
What are some essential Johnny Thunders vinyl records?
Essential vinyl albums include "So Alone" (1978), "In Cold Blood" (1983), and "Sticks & Stones: The Lost Album" (2009).
Are there rare Johnny Thunders vinyl pressings in France?
Yes, French original pressings of "In Cold Blood" and "So Alone" from the early 1980s and late 1970s are rare and sought after.
Where was Johnny Thunders from?
He was born in East Elmhurst, New York, United States, in 1952.
Did Johnny Thunders perform live recordings available on vinyl?
Yes, vinyl releases include live recordings from Zurich (1985), Los Angeles (1987), Osaka (1991), and Detroit (1980).
What label released Johnny Thunders’ album "In Cold Blood"?
"In Cold Blood" was released on New Rose Records, with multiple editions and pressings on vinyl.
How popular is Johnny Thunders among vinyl collectors?
Johnny Thunders has over 11 vinyl releases with tracked prices and multiple collectible pressings, reflecting ongoing interest from punk and rock collectors.
Transparency
Sources & method
This profile is compiled by the vinyles.com editors from public sources and our marketplace.
Our method
- Discography data from MusicBrainz (dates, country, active years).
- Tracklists, covers and genres from Discogs Masters.
- Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
- Audience and similar artists from Last.fm.
- Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editors.