New York Dolls Guitarist in Batman-Inspired Supergroup

Sylvain Sylvain, guitarist for '70s rock icons New York Dolls, has formed a side project with fellow proto-punk Cheetah Chrome.

Batusis are named after a scene in the kitsch 1960s 'Batman' TV series, where Adam West dances a version of the watusi -- moves similar to those of John Travolta in 'Pulp Fiction.'

Their debut performance takes place at SXSW on March 18, with a UK tour set for May. Sylvain and Chrome, who made his name in the '70s with Rocket From the Tombs and Dead Boys, have recorded a self-titled, four-track EP due for release May 4 on Smog Veil records.

Batusis's first release will be available as a digital download and on 7" multi-coloured vinyl. Their songs, including 'Big Cat Stomp' and 'Bury You Alive,' were recorded in Nashville with producer Ken Croomer, former drummer for Wilco and Uncle Tupelo.

This is the first collaboration between the pair, despite a long friendship, Chrome explained. "I've known Sylvain since 1975," he said, "The Dolls were a huge influence on me." Sylvain added, "We're just nuts about rock 'n' roll. We knew that's what we'd come up with, no matter what!" Their UK tour starts out at Glasgow ABC2 on May 3.