The Kinks' Dave Davies says reunion project is still in the works, although it's "not a done deal"

Posted By: Staff
July 18, 2019 @ 6:00 am
Music News

Ray and Dave Davies (David M. Benett/ Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Earlier this year, Kinks guitarist Dave Davies revealed to ABC Radio that he’d spent about a month working with his brother and longtime band mate Ray on material for a Kinks project that may include both archival and new songs. Now Dave has shared an update on the project’s status, saying it’s moving forward but it’s “not a done deal.”

“This has really been going on for a couple of years,” the 72-year-old Rock & Roll Hall of Famer tells Rolling Stone. “We keep going backwards and listening to a lot of old stuff. Some of that is very good, and some of it needs a bit of work.”

Dave says the process has involved completing unfinished archival tracks and sometimes re-recording parts. He reports that some tracks feature original Kinks drummer Mick Avory, while others feature Bob Henrit, who replaced Avory in 1984 and remained with the band until its 1996 split.

“The songs are really just in demo form now,” Dave reveals. “But good demos. Ray is still dissecting various other material we might use. The intention is to get the work out, but it’s not a done deal.”

Dave also says he isn’t sure who might handle bass duties if or when the tracks are formally recorded.

Meanwhile, Dave reports that an expanded 50th anniversary reissue of The Kinks’ 1969 concept album Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire) is “virtually done,” and will be released in October.

As for whether he thinks a Kinks reunion tour is possible, Dave said with a laugh, “I really don’t know. I think it’s possible. It’s not out of the question. But at this stage, it’s far too early to say. It would be fun though, wouldn’t it?”