Dave Davies reflects on music and brotherhood in new exhibition
Dave Davies, co-founder of The Kinks, has reminisced about his complex relationship with his brother Ray while discussing their latest artistic project, a mixed-media exhibition titled The Kinks: Brothers. The exhibition reimagines a 1968 passport photobooth image of the two siblings, encapsulating their enduring rivalry and collaboration, reports BritPanorama.
Davies struggled to recall a particular song that symbolises their relationship but eventually remembered “I’m Not Like Everybody Else.” This recognition followed a brief session where his assistant and longtime partner, Rebecca Wilson, suggested several Kinks classics. Despite a stroke in 2004, which impacted his speech and memory, Davies expressed satisfaction upon reconnecting with a song recorded over six decades ago.
The exhibition features works by portrait painter Christian Furr and highlights the contrasting personalities of the brothers, with Ray appearing contemplative while Dave adopts a more whimsical pose. At the launch, Davies acknowledged the competition between The Kinks and The Beatles, reflecting on the personal connections he formed with members of the iconic band, particularly George Harrison.
When discussing their sibling dynamic, Davies described the experience of working together as both challenging and fruitful. “It’s been a pain in the arse to be honest, but it’s been very beneficial in many ways – we’ve helped each other without realising it,” he stated. The emotional complexities have often coloured their public personas, with Davies acknowledging moments of historic fallout, similar to the rivalries seen in other famous musical siblings.
Davies also addressed criticisms of his personal life from past reviews, particularly concerning his relationships and decisions as a young man. Together with Wilson, he clarified the factual inaccuracies in those critiques, underscoring the need for context when discussing his youth and relationships in the music industry.
The youngest of eight siblings, Davies’ formative years in a musical household have shaped his artistic journey. He recalled key moments that contributed to his dynamic personality and creativity, including his first serious relationship, which significantly influenced his outlook on life and music.
Reflecting on the enduring connections between brothers, Davies compared his relationship with Ray to that of other famous siblings, including the Gallagher brothers. He expressed optimism about the potential for a future performance with Ray, stating, “Never say never,” while acknowledging their regular, mundane conversations about football and life.
The Kinks: Brothers is on display at Gibson Garage London until 6 September.
