Documentary Focuses on Punk Rocker Who Joined LDS Church

Documentary Focuses on Punk Rocker Who Joined LDS Church


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Carole Mikita reporting From punk rocker to family history library volunteer.

The compelling story of one man's journey from drugs and alcohol to the LDS Church is in the documentary category at this year's Sundance Film Festival

Arthur Kane, recovering alcoholic and drug addict, a far cry from his former life.

Legendary guitarist 'Killer" of the notorious New York Dolls. The man who put his story on film, a BYU grad, met him at church and became his home teacher.

Greg Whitely/ Director, "New York Doll": "Was one of those people that didn't mind telling you, 'Yeah, things are tough. I'm living on social security, disability here.' But he also wasn't looking for charity. Those were just the natural facts of his life and he didn't run from them. I thought, this would make a great interview."

The transformation from notorious rocker to church volunteer was startling.

Greg: "A guy in fishnet stockings, bass guitar, huge platform boots. And then you look at him working at the Family History Center."

Greg: "He attended church because he'd had this spiritual experience.. with the Book of Mormon, and he likened it to an LSD trip from the Lord."

Kane used that faith to make amends with his former band members. His fellow church members helped him get his guitar out of a pawn shop.

The reunion concert in London was a sell-out.

Greg: "The friendships that were renewed and how they all felt about each other, I cried then, I cry now when I see it. It still now seems way too good to be true."

Whiteley is grateful to have captured it, because that concert was Arthur Kane's last. Kane died of leukemia last summer.

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