Morrissey persuades punk pioneers to re-form for festival

Morrissey has persuaded the 1970s punk pioneers, the New York Dolls, to reunite for a special gig in London as part of the annual Meltdown festival.

Morrissey has persuaded the 1970s punk pioneers, the New York Dolls, to reunite for a special gig in London as part of the annual Meltdown festival.

The New York Dolls influenced punk bands with their self-destructive behaviour. The band's original guitarist, Johnny Thunders, who died in 1991, will be replaced by the former Guns N' Roses guitarist Izzy Stradlin, and Gary Powell, the Libertines' drummer, will replace another New York Dolls member, the late Jerry Nolan.

Morrissey, former lead singer of the Smiths, who is curating the festival, has signed the three surviving members to play at Meltdown. He has also persuaded Nancy Sinatra to appear, and has written a song, "Let Me Kiss You", for her. The festival runs from 11 to 27 June.