Fueled by two brothers sharing a penchant for messy power chords and infectious melodies, English rockers The Kinks’ explosive, raw style and catchy tunes embody the spirit and dirty, jagged riffs that would inspire punk and heavy metal and revolutionize rock and roll.
Formed in 1964, with a foundation in late ’50s R&B, brothers Ray and Dave Davies, Pete Quaife and Mick Avory branded their own form of traditional rock by tossing out the rule books and simply having fun. In turn, they influenced generations of bands and musicians and helped spawn the raw, visceral sounds of such musical deviants as the Ramones and Clash, Van Halen, Blur, Oasis, Green Day, Nirvana, and countless others.
Their 1964 chart-topping single “You Really Got Me”—immediately recognizable by its quick succession of dissonant, choppy chords—led the charge. Described as “a love song for street kids” by the tune’s architect, The Kinks’ lead guitarist Dave Davies, the song dismantled the myth that only seasoned, well-trained musicians could achieve stardom and radio play, and went on to inspire legions throughout the decades to pick up a guitar and launch their own sonic revolutions—its simple structure and rough sound serving as the blueprint. It was aided by Davies’ slashing the amp cone with a razor blade.
The Kinks became infamous components of the late wave of the British Invasion and recorded more than two dozen albums since their formation—at the center of it all resides the imaginative guitar work and craftsmanship of Dave Davies, who will be ripping through an unforgettable set of Kinks classics as well as his own solo efforts at Suffolk Theater in Riverhead on Saturday, April 22.
Even if you don’t blatantly identify yourself as a fan, you know the songs: Besides “You Really Got Me,” the group’s ear candy arsenal includes “Tired of Waiting for You,” “All Day & All of the Night,” “Picture Book,” “Lola,” “Victoria,” and dozens of others. And don’t ever forget Dave Davies’ melancholy masterpiece, “Death of a Clown.”
In 2003, Dave Davies was ranked 91st in Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time,” and for damn good reason. Do not miss out on this phenomenal chance to experience this Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and the supreme glory that is The Kinks in this extraordinary and intimate venue!
Repeat: Don’t miss this gig!
Featured Photo: Dave Davies, legendary guitarist for The Kinks, rocks Suffolk Theater in Riverhead on April 22! (Photo: Robert Loerzel via Dave Davies official Facebook profile)
