Advertisement

An 'Open Road' Lies Ahead For Kinks Co-Founder Dave Davies

09:53
Download Audio
Resume
Musician Dave Davies of the Kinks as seen on Aug. 8, 2015 in Los Angeles. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Sundance)
Musician Dave Davies of the Kinks as seen on Aug. 8, 2015 in Los Angeles. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Sundance)

The Kinks were one of the greatest bands in rock 'n' roll history. Brothers Ray and Dave Davies have since gone on to successful solo careers, and Dave has just released a new album, "Open Road."

Dave Davies (@davedavieskinks) joins Here & Now's Robin Young to talk about it and the history of The Kinks.

Interview Highlights

On working with his son, Russ, on music

"Me and Russ have been working together on and off for quite a few years. Our last project we did was kind of science fiction, spiritual, fantasy, and that was called 'Two Worlds.' It's funny that we called that album 'Two Worlds,' cause this album is really where two worlds collide, in a way."

The line "The road is long, just look what we have become" was "kind of like the agenda for the album — it got me focused. It was great working with him because I knew I could trust his art, his temperament, his talent."

On his rocky relationship with his brother, Ray

"We've become warmer to each other. We talk now and again. I don't know if there will be a reunion. We've written some songs together, and maybe we'll finish them someday."

"We are close. The bond is very, very strong. But he's happy writing his own stuff. He likes me being around, but he don't like me around. There were some great joyous times in The Kinks, maybe there's still more to come, but we'll see."

On his spirituality

"I think that we're all spiritual beings, but it's not always easy to recognize it. It's always been a big thing with me — the search for truth and love and happiness and all those things that we all want. 'Forgiveness,' this track is about all of us. About all the mistakes that we make and we try to right things, and sometimes we go about it in very clumsy, awkward ways but we should never give up."

"It's always been a big thing with me — the search for truth and love and happiness and all those things that we all want."

Dave Davies

On recovery from his stroke

"When I was ill, I suddenly realized: We like to think we have control over our lives, but actually none of us are in control at all. When you're laying on your back in a hospital bed, that fear of being totally isolated and alone, it's kind of a liberating feeling. I know it sounds a bit scary, but it became more of a liberating thing than a frightening thing."

This segment aired on April 13, 2017.

Advertisement

More from Here & Now

Listen Live
Close