The bassist from the New York Dolls, one of the most influential punk bands of the 1970s, died Tuesday night from complications of leukemia. Arthur “Killer” Kane was 55 years old.

His bandmates didn’t even know he was suffering from the diease.

“Arthur apparently died of leukemia, which I was unaware he had, as was [Dolls guitarist] Sylvain [Sylvain], whom I just spoke to in London,” vocalist David Johansen. “I believe Arthur didn’t know either. About two 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.”

The Dolls broke up in 1977 but reunited in June at the request of Morrissey, who was actually the President of their UK fan club.

They had several August dates scheduled and there is no word on whether or not the remaining band members will continue with them.

drummer Billy Murcia and guitarist Johnny Thunders of the band died in 1972 and 1991 respectively.






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