Without a doubt, the crowning moment in the musical career of Arthur Killer Kane was the opening bass riff in the New York Dolls' "Private World" off their 1973 debut record. Dug-dug-dun. Da da. Dug-dug-dun. Breakdown.
Kane was a small flicker in the brief flame-out success of a great band, which collapsed just after its aptly-named Too Much Too Soon came out in 1975. The Dolls - such as they were - were mounting a comeback this year, led by the always-willing Staten Island punk crooner David Johansen. Sadly, Killer Kane only caught a fleeting glimpse of that comeback; the bassist died yesterday of leukemia at age 55. He joins deceased Dolls Billy Murcia, Johnny Thunders, and Jerry Nolan in rock and roll heaven. Only Johansen and Syl Sylvain remain for an earthly reunion, and really, what's the point? Just as John Entwistle kicked just as The Who were rolling out another comeback, Kane left just before a payday. Apparently, there was even a planned record ("Too Little, Too Late"?) and touring plans. But the Dolls without Thunders, Nolan, and Kane just ain't the Dolls.
Fly like the wind to your rest Brother Kane. Better keep it confidential.
