New York Dolls bass player dies

The New York Dolls influenced a generation of musicians

The bass player for the New York Dolls has died in Los Angeles aged 55 as a result of complications from leukaemia.

Arthur "Killer" Kane - known for his swaggering style on stage - was one of three surviving members of a band credited with pioneering punk rock.

The Dolls, who made their name in the 1970s, last month played two reunion gigs at London's Royal Festival Hall.

Morrissey, a diehard Dolls fan who organised the shows, said: "He has left us with some great musical memories."

I will always remember the look of bashful happiness on Arthur's face as people in the audience constantly called out his name Morrissey

The band agreed to re-form for their first gig in 27 years after Morrissey, who was curating the alternative arts festival Meltdown, made a personal approach.

The singer, a former president of the UK New York Dolls fan club, paid tribute to Kane on Wednesday.

He said: "I am personally very grateful to Arthur for his essential contribution to the Dolls and their music.

"He was a very gentle soul and I know he lived for many years in the hope of a Dolls reunion."

'Thrilled'

Morrissey said Kane had been "thrilled" to be back on stage in June.

"I will always remember the look of bashful happiness on Arthur's face as people in the audience constantly called out his name.

"He was finally back where he belonged."

Their set featured songs including Personality Crisis, Jet Boy and Trash.

Singer David Johansen, original rhythm guitarist Sylvain Sylvain and Kane were joined on stage by guitarist Steve Conte and Libertines drummer Gary Powell.

He was a beloved friend, church member and rock star and his gentle and sweet influence will be missed Ten Pin Management statement

Their original guitarist, Johnny Thunders, died of a heroin overdose in 1991 and drummer Jerry Nolan died after having a stroke four months later.

The band's managers, Ten Pin Management, said Kane had died of "complications related to leukaemia" on Tuesday.

A statement said: "He was a beloved friend, church member and rock star and his gentle and sweet influence will be missed.

"He was a great example of meekness, kindness and enduring to the end."

A memorial service will be held in Los Angeles on Saturday.

Anarchic noise

It is not yet known whether the band will play a scheduled gig in Belfast in August or the Reading and Leeds music festivals.

A spokesman for the festivals said: "Our sympathies go out to the New York Dolls and friends and relatives of the band - and to the bass player himself.

"At this time we don't know if or whether it will affect their planned appearance."

The band are due to release an album in September on Morrissey's Attack imprint.

Formed in 1972, the New York Dolls created a new type of hard rock that predated both punk and heavy metal.

By mixing rock and roll with David Bowie's androgynous glam and the anarchic noise of Iggy Pop's band The Stooges, they influenced a generation of musicians.

The band's two albums, The New York Dolls and Too Much Too Soon, remain two of the most popular cult records in rock history.

Despite their US popularity, the band had little chart success in the UK.