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Arthur KaneAmerican musician, bassist for the New York Dolls
Date of Birth: 03.02.1949
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Early Life and Musical Origins
- The New York Dolls and Punk Pioneer
- Post-Dolls Struggles
- Tragedy and Redemption
- Documentary Legacy and Lasting Impact
Early Life and Musical Origins
Arthur Harold Kane Jr. was born in 1949 in the Bronx, New York City, to Erna and Harold Kane. His mother passed away before he was raised, and his relationship with his father was strained. From a young age, Arthur developed a passion for rock music, becoming a member of a band while attending Martin Van Buren High School. He continued to pursue his interest in bass guitar as a student at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn.
The New York Dolls and Punk Pioneer
Soon, Arthur Kane became known as "Killer" Kane, a member of the highly influential and scandalous rock band New York Dolls. With their elevated platform shoes and androgynous attire, the Dolls did not revolutionize rock 'n' roll per se, but they left an undeniable mark on its trajectory. They emerged as a precursor to the punk rock movement, performing with a unique style characterized by three guitars, two drums, and one amplifier. The original lineup included guitarist Johnny Thunders, guitarist Rick Rivets, drummer Billy Murcia, and vocalist David Johansen.
The Dolls' unconventional performances caught the attention of gay audiences at first, but they eventually gained a significant following within New York City's young and creative scene. Their concerts became immersive experiences where the audience and musicians engaged in a shared spectacle. Arthur Kane's signature move was his stoicism, earning him the nickname "the Statue" as he stood motionless with his bass guitar while his bandmates performed energetic escapades.
Post-Dolls Struggles
After the New York Dolls disbanded in the early 1970s, having failed to withstand the rising tide of punk rock, Kane embarked on a difficult journey. He worked odd jobs, struggled with alcoholism, and endured tumultuous relationships. Attempts to launch a solo music career proved unsuccessful, leading Kane into a period of depression.
Tragedy and Redemption
In a moment of despair, Kane assaulted his wife and jumped out of a window. Miraculously, he survived the fall. In 2004, he made a triumphant return to the stage at the Meltdown Festival's New York Dolls reunion concert. He displayed a marked change in demeanor, appearing introspective and subdued compared to his former rebellious persona. However, his story was cut short by leukemia, which claimed his life on July 13, 2004, at the age of 55.
Documentary Legacy and Lasting Impact
Arthur Kane's legacy lived on in the 2006 documentary "New York Doll." The film, directed by Greg Whiteley, chronicled Kane's struggles and his chance to reunite with his former bandmates three decades later. Whiteley, a Mormon, became acquainted with Kane at their local church and was initially unaware of the New York Dolls. Kane's portrayal in the film mirrored his own experiences, as he attempted to overcome addiction and find redemption.
British musician Morrissey, a former president of the UK New York Dolls fan club, paid tribute to Kane, saying, "I'll never forget the shy, happy look on his face as the audience endlessly chanted his name."
