Thunders' 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.
Artist page · 04/07/2026
Johnny Thunders
About
Johnny Thunders, Pioneering New York punk with raw guitar and emotional voice.
11 vinyl releases spanning punk, rock, and blues; collectible original pressings in France and UK.
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, EPs and notable live records, from newest to oldest. Drag the timeline to browse.
Remarquable Records · 2018
Cleopatra · 2012
Cleopatra · 2009
Captain Trip Records · 2001
Receiver Records Limited · 2000
Anagram Records · 1997
Anagram Records · 1993
Fan Club · 1992
Meldac · 1991
Meldac · 1991
Meldac · 1991
J.A.P. International · 1989
Jungle Records · 1988
ROIR · 1987
Jungle Records · 1985
New Rose Records · 1984
New Rose Records · 1983
ROIR · 1983
New Rose Records · 1983
Real Records · 1978Playlist
Signature tracks
The tracks that sum up Johnny Thunders's career.






The essentials
The 3 Johnny Thunders albums you absolutely need
Our pick, validated by the editorial team.
This EP mixes studio and live recordings showcasing Thunders’ garage rock and punk styles. French original pressings from 1983 are sought after by collectors.
A posthumous limited edition LP compiling studio and live tracks from New York City sessions and peaks into Thunders' later work.
Go further
Artists similar to Johnny Thunders
Artists who share part of Johnny Thunders's musical DNA.
Collectors
For vinyl die-hards
The hidden side of the catalogue: rare pressings, sought-after matrices, Discogs values.
Market values (source: Discogs)
For each reference edition, these cards summarise the state of the global Discogs market. Market position places the average price of a copy between the observed min and max prices. Average price is the price seen for a mint-condition copy. Copies available counts listings currently for sale. Collectors who want it is the number of Discogs users who added it to their wantlist without owning it — a good signal of upcoming demand.
Notable pressings & editions
Face B
Side B: the hidden stories of Johnny Thunders
Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.
Johnny Thunders’ guitar technique drew from rock pioneers Chuck Berry and Link Wray, forming a distinct punk sound.— Johnny Thunders profile
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.
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.
Records by Johnny Thunders
See allFAQ
FAQ: Johnny Thunders on physical formats
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 page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.
Our method
- Discographic data from MusicBrainz (dates, countries, activity period).
- Tracklists, artwork and genres retrieved via Discogs Masters.
- Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
- Audience and similar artists via Last.fm.
- Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editorial team.


