Bio: The Kinks

Love Me Do tells the story of The Kinks, the London group started by brothers Ray and Dave Davies who had hits like You Really Got Me, Lola and Waterloo Sunset.

The Kinks were an English rock group formed in 1963 by brothers Ray and Dave Davies. They are considered one of the most influential and innovative groups of the 1960s, known for their sharp songwriting, distinctive sound, and exploration of English social and cultural themes.

Formation of The Kinks (1963-1964)

The group emerged from the burgeoning British rhythm and blues scene. Their early lineup included Ray Davies on lead vocals and guitar, Dave Davies on guitar, Pete Quaife on bass, and Mick Avory on drums.

Before settling on The Kinks, the band used names like The Ravens and The Bo Weevils.

Rise to Fame and You Really Got Me (1964-1965)

The Kinks’ breakthrough came with their third single, You Really Got Me, released in 1964. This powerful song, driven by Dave Davies’ distorted guitar sound, became an international hit and significantly influenced the development of hard rock and heavy metal.

Apart from a few early cover versions, Ray Davies wrote almost every song that The Kinks ever recorded, although Dave Davies also wrote a few (as well as having some solo hits) and other band members helped out on some songs. Ray and Dave Davies have also released many excellent post-Kinks solo albums.

Exploration and Innovation (1966-1970)

The Kinks continued to evolve their sound and explore diverse musical territories. They experimented with folk, country, and baroque pop, creating a unique and eclectic body of work.

• Key LPs: LPs like Face to Face (1966), Something Else (1967), The Kink Kontroversy (1969), and Lola Versus Powerman (1970) showcased their artistic ambition and innovative spirit.

• Key Songs: Alongside You Really Got Me, other notable songs include All Day and All of the Night, Sunny Afternoon, Waterloo Sunset, and Lola.

In 1969, The Kinks released Arthur, or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire, one of the first rock operas, which often gets overshadowed by The Who’s Tommy.

Later Years of The Kinks (1970s-Present)

The Kinks continued to perform and record throughout the 1970s and beyond, although their commercial success fluctuated. They experienced lineup changes and internal tensions, notably between the two brothers, but continued to produce acclaimed LPs and tour extensively.

In May 1965, during a performance at Cardiff’s Capital Theatre, Dave Davies got into a fight with their drummer, Mick Avory. The incident started when Dave insulted Avory, and in response, Avory knocked Dave out with a punch. Dave had to be rushed to the hospital and received 16 stitches. This incident, along with other issues, led to The Kinks being banned from performing in the United States for four years.

Despite the challenges they faced, The Kinks left an indelible mark on music history. Their innovative sound, sharp songwriting, and exploration of English culture have profoundly influenced generations of musicians.

The Kinks were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 and the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005.

Key Factors in Their Success:

• Ray Davies’ Songwriting: Ray Davies is considered one of the greatest songwriters in rock history, known for his observational lyrics, witty wordplay, and ability to capture the essence of English life.

• Dave Davies’ Guitar Innovation: Dave Davies’ pioneering use of distortion and feedback on You Really Got Me was groundbreaking and significantly influenced the development of heavy metal.

• Unique Blend of Styles: The Kinks seamlessly blended various musical genres, creating a distinctive and eclectic sound that defied easy categorization.

• Exploration of English Culture: Their songs often reflected English social and cultural realities, offering insightful and often satirical observations of everyday life.