The Kinks: Did You Know?

Fun Facts & Lesser-Known Stories About The Kinks

The Kinks are one of the most influential rock bands of all time, blending British Invasion rock, sharp social commentary, and a signature style that inspired countless musicians. Led by brothers Ray and Dave Davies, the band is known for hits like “You Really Got Me,” “Lola,” and “Waterloo Sunset.” While their most famous songs helped shape the sound of rock music in the 1960s and beyond, there are plenty of lesser-known stories and fun facts about The Kinks that even longtime fans might not be aware of. Let’s take a dive into some fascinating tidbits from the band’s storied career.

1. The Famous "You Really Got Me" Guitar Sound Was an Accident

The Kinks’ breakthrough hit “You Really Got Me” is famous for its aggressive, distorted guitar riff, which many credit as one of the first examples of hard rock or proto-heavy metal. However, that iconic sound was actually the result of an accident. Dave Davies achieved the distorted tone by slicing the speaker cone of his amp with a razor blade. The damaged speaker created the gritty, overdriven sound that became the signature riff of the song. This raw, unpolished sound was revolutionary at the time and helped set The Kinks apart from other British Invasion bands.

2. Ray Davies' Original Lyrics to "Lola" Were Much Darker

“Lola,” one of The Kinks' most beloved and enduring hits, tells the story of a man who meets a woman in a club, only to later realize she’s a man. While the song is playful and humorous, Ray Davies originally wrote much darker lyrics that had a more cynical tone. However, he decided to soften the story’s delivery, making it a quirky, light-hearted take on gender fluidity and attraction. The song’s progressive themes were bold for its time, and its catchy melody helped it become one of The Kinks’ biggest international hits.

3. They Were Banned from Touring the U.S. for Four Years

During the height of their early success, The Kinks were banned from touring the United States from 1965 to 1969. The exact reasons for the ban are still somewhat mysterious, but it stemmed from a chaotic tour in 1965 that included on-stage brawls between band members and arguments with unions and promoters. Some speculate that the American Federation of Musicians was behind the ban due to the band's erratic behavior. The ban hurt the band's momentum in the U.S., which allowed contemporaries like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who to dominate the American market. However, once the ban was lifted, The Kinks made a strong comeback with albums like Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One.

4. Dave Davies and Ray Davies' Tumultuous Relationship

The relationship between Ray and Dave Davies is legendary for its volatility. The two brothers have a history of on-stage fights, personal arguments, and creative disagreements that lasted throughout the band’s career. One infamous moment occurred in 1965 when Dave kicked Ray in the face during a concert in Cardiff, leading to a brief band split. Their sibling rivalry is often credited for adding to the band's creative tension, which helped fuel some of their greatest work, but it also made for a challenging dynamic that followed them throughout their time together.

5. "Waterloo Sunset" Was Almost About Liverpool

“Waterloo Sunset,” often considered Ray Davies' masterpiece, is a nostalgic ode to life in London and one of The Kinks’ most beautiful songs. However, the song was almost about Liverpool rather than London. Originally, Ray planned to set the song in Liverpool, inspired by the Beatles' hometown. But as he worked on it, he decided to place it in his own familiar surroundings of London, with the famous Waterloo Bridge and the River Thames as central elements. The change gave the song a more personal, intimate feel, and it has since become one of the greatest anthems of London life.

6. They Were Pioneers of Concept Albums

While concept albums became popular with bands like The Who and Pink Floyd in the late 1960s and early 1970s, The Kinks were among the first bands to experiment with storytelling through albums. Their 1968 album “The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society” was a concept album that told stories of small-town English life, nostalgia, and the tension between modernity and tradition. While the album didn’t achieve commercial success upon release, it has since been regarded as a cult classic and one of the most influential albums in British rock history.

7. The Kinks' Unexpected Influence on Punk Rock

Though The Kinks are often associated with the British Invasion and classic rock, their raw, stripped-down early sound had a profound influence on the punk rock movement of the 1970s. Songs like “You Really Got Me” and “All Day and All of the Night” with their aggressive, distorted guitar riffs and simple, rebellious lyrics served as blueprints for many punk bands. The Ramones, The Clash, and The Sex Pistols have all cited The Kinks as an influence, especially for their energy and DIY attitude.

8. They Created the First Music Video

The Kinks are credited with creating one of the very first music videos. In 1972, Ray Davies directed a short promotional film for their song “Dead End Street,” which depicted the band in a humorous, dark narrative involving gravediggers. The video’s black-and-white aesthetic and offbeat humor were groundbreaking at the time. This video format eventually evolved into what became the standard music video, long before the rise of MTV in the 1980s.

9. Ray Davies Was Nearly Shot During a Mugging in New Orleans

In 2004, Ray Davies was involved in a terrifying mugging incident while walking through the French Quarter in New Orleans. During the robbery, Davies chased after the mugger who had stolen his girlfriend's purse. The mugger turned and shot at Davies, hitting him in the leg. Although he survived the shooting, Davies required surgery and rehabilitation. He later incorporated his reflections on the event into his songwriting, particularly in his 2006 solo album Other People's Lives.

10. Ray Davies Turned Down a Knighthood

In 2004, Ray Davies was offered a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to music but declined the honor. While he has never publicly stated his reasons for turning it down, it’s believed that his anti-establishment attitude and reluctance to be associated with the British aristocracy played a role in his decision. However, in 2017, Davies accepted a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II, making him Sir Ray Davies. His acceptance of the honor surprised some fans, but it marked a significant moment in recognizing his influence on British culture and music.

From accidental guitar innovations to sibling rivalries and groundbreaking concept albums, The Kinks have a history filled with drama, creativity, and innovation. Their ability to blend witty social commentary with infectious rock melodies has made them one of the most important and influential bands of all time. Whether through their iconic hits or their deep cuts, The Kinks’ impact on music continues to be felt across generations. One of The Kinks' most meaningful lines comes from their classic song “Waterloo Sunset”:

"But I don't feel afraid, as long as I gaze on Waterloo Sunset, I am in paradise."

This lyric captures a deep sense of tranquility and escape amidst the chaos of urban life. It reflects the idea that simple moments, like watching a sunset, can bring profound peace and contentment. The line resonates with many because it suggests that happiness and solace can be found in everyday beauty, making it one of the most poignant and reflective lyrics in The Kinks’ catalog. It's a timeless reminder of finding joy in life’s quiet moments.