I am in Europe doing some dates with my group the Harry Smiths and have just learned from my manager Darren Hill of the passing this morning in LA of my good friend, brother, & comrade Arthur Kane - one of the founders of our musical group the New York Dolls. Arthur apparently died of leukemia, which I was unaware he had, as was Sylvain, whom I just spoke to in London. I believe Arthur didn't know either. About 2 weeks ago he came down with what seemed to be a lingering flu for which he was under doctors' care. Last night he went to the hospital where he died. This is a time of great sadness for Sylvain and myself, and I'm sure for the many friends and fans Arthur acquired over the years, as well as his fellow church members.

Having had an abusive childhood in an alcoholic home, Arthur, one of the sweetest men with one of the most brilliant minds I have ever encountered, went through a long period of recreating his childhood family dynamic through unwise relationships with women and alcohol. Practically every trauma that could befall a person happened to Arthur, but finally 12 years ago, through spiritual studies, he was able to overcome that vicious cycle and put his life back together into what he wittily called "pre-crash conditions."

The Dolls recently performed for 2 nights at London's Meltdown Festival at the behest of our former UK Fan Club President Morrissey. During rehearsal and the shows I was blessed to work with the Arthur I first met and loved 30 years ago. The reunion was a source of great happiness for him, and the dynamic between Sylvain, Arthur, and myself was brimming with unimaginable love.

It's good to know that he went out on a high point in his musical life, but he will be sorely missed. His bass playing and presence were the heart & soul of the NY Dolls and the secret ingredient of our sound. Every word uttered by him a guileless gem of wit, wisdom, humor, and a glimpse into a realm of perception few people ever experience.

Arthur's' love of humanity was boundless, and his life's work was to bring joy to people through music and his many unsung tireless charitable gifts he gave so freely to so many. Sylvain and I have lost a one in a million friend and the memory of the joy of making music with him is something we will cherish for the rest of our lives.

David Johansen from somewhere in Europe

Obituary: Arthur "Killer" Kane died Tuesday in Los Angeles of complications related to Leukemia. He was the bass guitarist for the legendary rock band The New York Dolls which achieved great success in the early 1970's. He was born in New York February 3, 1949. In 1972 he helped form The Dolls and revolutionized rock and roll in the United States, in England and around the world. After a 27-year break-up the Dolls reunited for two sold-out shows in London last month. The ability to perform again with his band mates and to bring joy to fans for a last time pleased Arthur tremendously. In recent years he worked faithfully at the Family History Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 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 of enduring to the end. A memorial service will be held at the Westwood chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 10740 Ohio Avenue on Saturday, July 17th at 10:00 in the morning.