Dave Davies of The Kinks Interview

Dave Davies of The Kinks recently spent a few days here at the NYC Gibson Brands Showroom in Hell's Kitchen. Check out this video where he not only talks about the band and his brother but why he played a Flying V on TV that famous night. Also Jimmy Vivino makes a cameo to find out if others stories are true or a myth.

[@marvinm.messier1120]

Comes across as a humble guy - had monumental influnce on so many of us. Where'd the Who or even Van Halen be without him?

[@elmorevandodewaard544]

Dave is a living legend. What a nice guy

[@durtysox]

I met him, accidentally, at the Tower records on Sunset in Hollywood, almost 20 years ago. We were both shopping, and yes, he's super cool!

[@leebowens2631]

Nice guy for sure, I sent him a e mail some years back and got a question answered and a nice reply .

[@stefanhamilton8713]

Genius guitarist, a total master of feel, power and taste.

[@felixmadison5736]

Been a Kinks fan since 1964 when I was 15, and Dave Davies was and is one of the greatest rock guitarist of all-time. The first time I heard, "You Really Got Me", it just blew me away! Yes, he really got me with those guitar licks! I liked many of the bands from "The British Invasion", but the Kinks were ahead of their time. They were BAD ASS!!!!

[@djmatthewsofficial]

I always loved the Kinks songs, not just because it's music, but because their songs are like little story books of life :)

[@ajricherson1099]

Maybe even a... Picture book ;)

[@topsyturvyy4558]

Well, both things count don't they? Story books made into music!

[@rayanthony7463]

Dave Davies is still so awesome and he always was with his genuine smile, inner youth, and his love to play the guitar makes him a Rock legend forever.

[@davidhelling5968]

I feel very fortunate to have grown up listening and to be a fan of the Kinks . God Bless You Mr. Dave Davies..

[@vangcamps]

I saw Dave last night at The Space in Westbury, NY. I was 2nd row, he let everyone approach the stage n touch his hands and strum his guitar. What a sweetheart and a gentleman.

[@jammin6816]

Glenn Van Nostrand - very cool!

[@cliffmcginnis3231]

It's surprising how a lot of youngsters (to me anyone in their 30s or younger) never heard of the Kinks. But when I mention or hum "You really got me", "All day and all of the night", and "Lola" everyone is familiar with them. Love the band and Dave is such an exceptional guitarist.

[@shayneoneill1506]

Truly good songs never die, even if people cant quite place who did them.

[@johncroasdale1992]

The Kinks arguably one of the top bands of all time

[@ArkyMalarkey]

You can safely leave out 'arguably'.

[@stevenlawrence278]

I dont think there can be any argument. Look at the genres of music they inflenced. Heavy Rock/Metal is well known to have been influenced by Dave. But you also have Psychodelic rock, then Prog rock. You have the Madchester movement, Oasis would never have existed without the Kinks. The simplicity of a lot of the Kinks tracks had an influence on Punk rock.

[@tyrssen1]

Yeah, no argument there. I was in junior HS when they came to prominence, along with the Beatles, Stones, Dave Clark 5, and Herman's Hermits.

[@theglavine]

@@stevenlawrence278 Punk and also power pop; their obscurity The World Keeps Goin' Round from their first album was possibly the first example of power pop! Who did pastoral pop like the Kinks on Village Green Preservation Society.

[@danneumann3274]

@@stevenlawrence278 When I listen to " give the people what they want album" , Its like every song is a masterpeice

[@andreaekstedt2311]

Looking and sounding great Dave God Bless!

[@SpartanOrDie]

Good interview. And it's a genuine please to see that Dave is not only surviving, but seemingly thriving as well.

[@thomaspick4123]

Interview must have been after his heart attack. He is recovering well. So humble here, compared to early days. Dave was always coming up with great new guitar tones. Whether rhythm or lead playing, wonderful. Electric and acoustic, great. I enjoyed reading his book. Being a family man, raising children has calmed Dave down. Such a wonderful body of work. I liked his songs and his backup harmony singing. So creative. All the best to Dave.

[@Polygor2]

My understanding is that he suffered a stroke.

[@c.j.rogers2422]

Mr. Davies was one of my first guitar heroes in my very early teens! I remember renting the One From the Road video over & over, having all my neighborhood buddies over, and wearing that sucker out! Then I bought the vinyl and did the same thing. The Kinks are so unfairly forgotten or unappreciated, one of the most influential R&R bands of all time. I suppose they were somewhat lost in the shuffle of the Who, RS, Beatles, but should be considered to be of the same class, or nearly so.

[@davidhunter548]

Without Dave's kick-ass guitar riffs, the Kinks would not have been the Kinks.

[@davidwatkins204]

I did some recording sessions at KONK studio's totenham lane London, Dave would drop in from time to time, he was a hell of a laugh lovely bloke no pretence, a real Londoner mis you man, Guitar Dave.

[@kaivrock]

As far as old music that's aged well, the Kinks always sound brand new. They were amazing.

[@jmgmarcus808]

Mickey Vidakovich Agreed, I've been listening to them since I was crawling around. Still enjoy the heck out of em,

[@banjopete]

Distinctive, unmistakable.

[@shayneoneill1506]

Yep, I'd wager a lot of those songs you could give to a Gen Z and chances are it'd still put a smile on their dial (and chances are they'd already know at the very least "You really got me").

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

He stumbled onto that Gibson totally per chance when his Gretsch disappeared in flight. A deep irony behind the story is how much of an impact the Kinks had on hard rock and how instruments like the Flying V have since been embraced by hard rockers and metalheads.

[@AnthonyMonaghan]

I'm going to dive in headfirst and suggest that the reason Hendrix owned a Flying V is because Dave played one. Hendrix was enamoured of Davies guitar sound and playing on the early Kinks singles. Dave's dandyish image is also very similar to Hendrix's 'English look' with the military jackets and the ruffled shirts. Just a theory. Dave was a a force of nature in the early to mid sixties, impossible to ignore with a completely unique sound and style. A proper icon.

[@leahflower9924]

Dave had that bad boy rock hair before almost anyone he was like psychedelic before that was a thing

[@donrutter6550]

Not many of these great cats left, One of my first real guitar inspirations from way back-when artists used to think "outside the box". Bless you Dave.

[@epiphonium]

16 again,t hat's how I feel when I pick up a guitar too! Bless you Dave !

[@charlesandrews2360]

Dave The Rave Saw him twice with the Kinks and once solo. Some of the better moments of my life

[@Keninoz1]

It's great hearing people like Dave talking about their songs & the instruments they've used & still use :)

[@snuffygrunt2842]

I saw them at the Stanley Theatre a long time ago. They looked like they were just having the best time they had ever had as they performed. The crowd picked up on the vibe and they brought the house down.

[@Augmuse]

Fiftieth Anniversary of the Kinks is now. I hoping Ray and Dave will reform the Kinks for an album of new material to celebrate the 50th Anniversary. Both brothers are still playing, writing, and recording to this day. Long Live the Kinks!

[@makissoflife]

Such an inspiration. Keep on keepin' on Dave and thanks for the music. Kudos to you!

[@wendy-leemorrissirrom8636]

In 67’ I was 12. Got my first transistor wow how lucky was I best next 3 years best music love The Kinks. 🇳🇿💖🌈

[@jonn.6325]

ahh yes our transistors, I too was 12 in '67, a year earlier in '66 i purchased the 45 "sunny afternoon", and as i was playing it (and singing along with it) I remember my Mother making some comment about the lyrics to which i was singing "I got a big fat mama trying to break me", she was not very pleased. Perhaps she thought i was directing that towards her. She was rather rotund at the time (respectfully speaking). I suppose that's what memories are made of. Happy Heavenly Mother's Day Mom! Love and miss you.

[@judyjudy51]

On a superfcial note - one of THE cutest men in the 60s music scene :))

[@banjopete]

Oh you’re SO superficial,!,!

[@kathleenrojas5240]

Yes he was

[@madeleinehague648]

God Save The Kinks! God Save Dave Davies!

[@evyc3978]

I love Dave Davies!!

[@seanobrien7811]

The Kinks are the only band ever , to pay tribute to the end of Steam on British Railways in August 1968 ................... ' Last of the Steam Powered Trains ' from the ' Village Green Preservation Society ' album , released in the summer of 1968.................

[@rickoliver2059]

Aaaahh the Kinks , I remember them so well , was a huge fan of them along with the Stones of course . But to me the Kinks were THE English or even THE London Rock and Roll band of the decades of the sixties and seventies ! Their songs still have meaning to them even now ! Lola is still my fav though.

[@dukemantee2978]

If Dave brings his touring show anywhere within 500 miles of me, I'm going.

[@agall1013]

Duke Mantee saw him in NJ and loved him.

[@rayanthony7463]

@@agall1013 - where in NJ?

[@rayanthony7463]

Yes thank you but where did you see Dave Davies in NJ? By any chance was it the Stone Poney in Asbury Park?...or elsewhere?

[@wayneingram3138]

Me too Pal

[@samhunt9380]

Loved these guys back then and still love their music today. March 2021.

[@talesfromtinpanalley-thedo6198]

Great interview. Dave Davies has been a true supporter of The Save Denmark St aka Save Tin Pan Alley Campaign and he of course recorded the demo of You Really Got Me with The Kinks at Regent Sounds Studios at 4 Denmark St London

[@thomaspick4123]

Dave has mellowed out. Like most men, his wiener got him into a lot of challenging circumstances. Dave is a great guitarist. Wether playing electric, or acoustic, he was always giving us new tones and his rhythm playing is superb also. Ray wrote great songs with interesting words. I wish Dave had gotten along better with drummer Mick Avory, a loyal bandmate and good friend of Ray. I appreciate the Kastoff Kinks, love their playing the old tunes still. Ray vocals, Dave guitar and high harmony, Mick quirky drumming, a number of solid bass players, together made that unique Kinky sound. What a productive, wonderful catalogue they have given us to enjoy!

[@moondancer9066]

Love you Dave Davies 💖💖

[@cbernar699]

Saw him at Hampton beach doing a show. Got to strum his guitar during 'You really got me'. After the show got to give him a hug. Super down to earth

[@bagpuss998]

Genius legend and so down to earth 👍

[@vmat1000]

This is GREAT!!! I saw that vid from Shindig or what have you back in the mid '60s. I was about 8 then but Surf was hot as well as garage bands, usually FMIC types. This was different. Yes, Andy Powell then Michael then 2 Vs here (rrsr and arrow). Crazy think this all started with that one clip. bought the Gibson Flying V book a few years ago. Dave's story is there.

[@edfulginiti8798]

Kinks rocked...!!!

[@mickcorbett6724]

The Kinks. Brother Davies brothers are amazing. Love them so much❤️

[@henryhawk2904]

Best band on the planet for mine.

[@lamper2]

At 2:00 the "George is sold women's glasses" episode of Seinfeld came to mind!

[@Johnny-lr5jt]

This man pretty much invented hard-rock/metal guitar, or at least got the ball rolling. A true pioneer.

[@benpotaka5893]

One of the most underrated, influential guitarists ever🎸

[@WS-1]

Dave Davies - Legend !

[@Kidraver555]

I am such a lucky guy, I can trip down musical memory lane all the way to the sixties, such memories.

[@3ld919]

Both Dave and Ray seem so cool and genuine, I find it so strange that their relationship is so strained, it's sad.

[@Bastinda.]

Ничего странного ) они братья, к тому же одинаково одаренные. А мужчинам свойственно соперничество.

[@ge2623]

"They didn't call it "Heavy Metal" when I invented it"- Dave.

[@tyrssen1]

Hats off to an all-time great.

[@archiguitarchi]

I'm 70. The first Flying V I ever saw on TV was the one Ray played. That's back when Gibson was doing real design, not just re-heating everything.

[@startervisions]

the original punk rock sound! y'allllll stuuuuupid

[@wayneingram3138]

Thank You Dave for all The Great Music.

[@stevegordon8474]

Dave Davies...legendary, one of the greats!

[@bioux101]

Our hero. Dave Davies. Super man

[@db5166]

a hero of mine,,.. thanx u

[@mellotronage7073]

Dave The Rave !

[@xxiamfreexx]

Legend

[@3ld919]

Oasis was so influenced by the Kinks that they went so far as having two brothers always at war with one another.

[@brianforgie7724]

The greatest band in the world. Man they have like 30 songs i can name off the top of my head and none of them are just o k. I am a die hard Who fan but The Kinks are king. They wrote some great songs. They talk about John and Paul all the time but for me Ray Davies is the top song writer of them all lucky enough too see them back in the 70s.

[@peterb1543]

And Dave, one of the great guitarists.

[@franktheo2055]

I saw the Kinks 11/1977 @ the Brooklyn College Theater NYC, yes they played Farther Christmas. Dave looks great since the stroke ! Now all we aske for is to have Ray & Dave to get the Kinks back together And Do It Again. Wishful Thinking.

[@tashmina4412]

I was there as well!!! Glad to see someone else who remembered that show!

[@franktheo2055]

@@tashmina4412 Very cool ! The Kinks were one of the greatest bands to come out of Britain during the1960's along with the Beatles and The Stones. Someone else who was at this concert responded me saying how the Hell did a big time band like The Kinks wind up playing of all places in the Brooklyn College Theater in November of 1977, and to this day I feel the same way - by the way I still have the ticket stub somewhere, LOL ! The Kinks put on one hell of a performance that night.. I'm glade you where there and you're still around to share this great memory from sooooo long ago !! Be well Peace.

[@tashmina4412]

@@franktheo2055 I know, the Kinks at Brooklyn College? Too crazy, but true. I’m so glad I was able to see them there. I’m sure I don’t have the ticket stub any longer, but after a search, I found that the date of the concert was November 23d, 1977. And here’s where you can find the set list : www.setlist.fm/setlist/the-kinks/1977/brooklyn-college-brooklyn-ny-13c90969.html The encore was Father Christmas and You Really Got Me. Peace!!

[@franktheo2055]

​@@tashmina4412Sleepwalker was The Kinks new album and the show was few days before Thanksgiving, it was amazing ! During the early 1980's I also saw the The Ramones @ Brooklyn College as well.. Those were some good times and made for some great memories for sure.. Thanks for sharing - Be Well !

[@TheJukeboxhero15]

DAVE AND RAY WERE IN MY LIFE FOR MANY YEARS. I FIND IT HARD TO STOMACH THIS

[@markgardner1020]

Survived the stroke pretty well

[@ohrofax]

I saw Dave Davies from 1966 within many Beat Club TV Radio Bremen and he played always the now rarest E guitars for example the 1959 Flying V

[@StratBurst92]

Waterloo Sunset is a beautiful song. One of my favorites. Also, love my 2013 Les Paul Studio in tobacco burst.

[@windymiller6908]

Always loved The Kinks. What a decent bloke Dave is.

[@banjopete]

The first record I ever bought....you really got me, brilliant.

[@reeltv6900]

Happy Rocking Birthday Sir!! Cheers!!

[@margaretwilson1539]

Love the info.. Love Dave.. XX 💙 🤗 🎼 🎸🎙😘

[@shayneoneill1506]

Such a soft spoken humble guy.

[@jonwilliams5780]

the kinks to me are the best ban of all time

[@alann5003]

When I was 14 it took me a year or 2 to realize Van Halen didn't write You really got me. lol

[@book3100]

Dave. That sound. 🔥🔥🔥

[@qualaup]

Such a nice guy!

[@mikeh5168]

Legend!

[@michaeldollinter8413]

Wow ! One of my 1st albums, The Kinks

[@sgreiver]

great songwriters

[@evyc3978]

Yeah, definetly!

[@edwardsblahblah]

id love to meet him

[@robertvanhoy1642]

Dave Davies i love you ! you are why i wanted to play guitar ...oh yeah there was was that other guy Pete , Jimi ect.

[@GoodMrDawes]

Legends

[@SuperAmin1950]

I always loved when the Kinks would show up on Shindig or Hullabaloo, with one their great tunes, and their signature looks, but that Gibson Flying 'V' really caught my attention¡☆! 🤔

[@bryannelson6139]

What a cool guy and a rock guitar pioneer founding father !

[@tosinoparinde9563]

I love Dave

[@annelivett7161]

How I love you dave since 1964 anne Darlington ❤❤❤

[@7colliemac]

Dave & Ray did not get on, they often came to blows.. sibling rivalry.. but Dave’s guitar work essential for Rays great song writing.

[@o.r.grinter7763]

Best band of all time

[@tosinmcboy]

Dave is my favourite person

[@robertjohnson5795]

Legendary

[@jamesmack3314]

Kinks don't get the love of some of the other British invasion bands but there is no doubt they were near the top for talent and songwriting...and just plain catchy songs.too bad a reunion is most likely not going to happen.

[@rodthacker7458]

Those guys treated my friend Peter like shite....after all he did with and for them...tried to screw him out of his royalties...Pete and I spent many night bitching about greed and corruption in the industry....Pete was the best bassist they ever had...RIP PQ

[@thomaspick4123]

A guitarist, transitioned to bass. Pete was an old friend. I did not know about him being screwed out of royalties. In Dave’s book, he speaks of most of the money going to Ray, due to the song writing credits. But, those ‘60s bands all had terrible contracts and did not hold their publishing rights. Dave did much in shaping the sound and some writing he did not get credit for. Dave had Mick set aside for the new drummer, who Dave said was a hard rocker. Still a devoted friend, Mick continues to work for them in the studio they own. Dave and Ray always spoke of Pete with affection. Pete probably was a steady peace maker within the group.

[@richardbullwood5941]

The Beatles and The Rolling Stones were the top of the heap of English rock and roll bands in the 60s. But I would argue that The Kinks and The Who were far more influential long-term. Dave Davies brought us a hard rock, grungy guitar tone that was brand new and some killer bar chords behind them. A biting, nasty tone that introduced itself to all the bands that came after. The Who taught us how to rock stadiums and festivals. Screaming fans drown out 15-watt stage amps, but they don't drown out stacks of Marshalls. Although the Beatles and the Stones had more hits, The Kinks and The Who taught future bands how to rock hard. With a fair number of hits themselves!

[@jamesfarrington9030]

The Kinks made their own mark. Love Sleepwalker.

[@AmishWebmaster]

Wish I was there.

[@stephenkane2464]

Jimmy!!

[@markcollins9957]

I dig u man

[@kcuhc84]

He mentions he bought a used Flying v in 1964 for $200. Anyone know how much it would have cost new? Just curious.

[@Neal_Schier]

"Why are you doing a Van Halen cover?" 😂🤣😂 Oh the naivete of youth. Glad Dave, the legend, was able to set him straight.

[@mikegike7273]

We (fans) have our favorites and opinions on who is great. I think, when I hear some of my favorites pay respect and were influinced to other favorites of mine.... well, they must be great....

[@geoffreybenger546]

Kinks. London. Geoffrey benger,,a band that comes along. ,,once only , amen

[@johnwright291]

That's hilarious. You had to steal it back from van Halen who aren't worthy to shine your shoes.