Full Breakdown
Ray Davies Responds to Moby's Criticism of 'Lola'
3/27/2026, 7:47:58 PM
Background on the Controversy
The recent conflict between The Kinks’ Ray Davies and electronic musician Moby centers around Moby's characterization of The Kinks' 1970 hit song "Lola" as “gross and transphobic.” This dispute emerged following an interview in which Moby was asked to identify a song he could no longer listen to. He cited "Lola," claiming that the lyrics, which depict a man's encounter with a trans woman, felt outdated and problematic.
Key Figures Involved
- Ray Davies: Lead singer and songwriter of The Kinks, who wrote "Lola."
- Moby: Electronic music artist who criticized "Lola" in a recent interview.
- Dave Davies: Guitarist for The Kinks and Ray's brother, who defended the song and criticized Moby's remarks.
- Jayne County: Transgender punk singer who supported "Lola," describing it as a groundbreaking song.
Official Statements & Responses
In response to Moby's comments, Ray Davies expressed surprise and disappointment, questioning Moby's authority to label the song as transphobic. Dave Davies echoed this sentiment, stating, “I am highly insulted that Moby would accuse my brother of being ‘unevolved’ or transphobic in any way.” He emphasized that The Kinks have historically been supportive of the transgender community and that "Lola" was inspired by real-life interactions with drag queens. Dave also expressed concern that Moby's remarks could alienate fans, stating, “It can be dangerous to smear people.”
Criticism & Opposition
Moby's critique has sparked backlash from The Kinks' members, who argue that the song reflects a different cultural context and was not intended to be harmful. Dave Davies noted that the song was celebrated at the time of its release and that the term "transphobia" was not commonly used then. He described Moby's comments as a “clumsy mistake” and urged for a more nuanced understanding of artistic expression.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I like their early music, but I was really taken aback at how unevolved the lyrics are,” — Moby
- “can be dangerous to smear people” — Dave Davies
- “No one mentioned the word transphobia then.” — Dave Davies
What's Next
As of now, Moby has not publicly responded to the criticisms from Ray and Dave Davies. He is scheduled to perform a limited number of shows, including a headline gig at Brighton Beach, and has announced his upcoming album, "Future Quiet." The ongoing dialogue surrounding "Lola" and its implications in contemporary discussions about gender and representation continues to unfold.
