Dave Davies Revisits a Turbulent Brotherhood at “The Kinks: Brothers” Exhibition

“The Kinks: Brothers,” a mixed-media collaboration with portrait painter Christian Furr, reimagines a 1968 passport-photo booth picture of brothers Ray and Dave Davies. The series debuted at Gibson Garage in London and will remain on view until 6 September. The works contrast Ray’s contemplative pose with Dave’s half-smile, underscoring the long-standing sibling rivalry that fueled the Kinks’ creative output.

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Ray Davies, the band’s chief songwriter and lead vocalist, and Dave Davies, the lead guitarist, formed one of the “big four” British Invasion acts alongside the Who, the Stones and the Beatles. Their rivalry extended beyond music; early professional competition with the Beatles added tension, as Dave recalled disliking John Lennon while admiring George Harrison. The brothers’ dynamic has been likened to that of the Gallagher siblings, a comparison Dave himself embraces.

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During the exhibition launch, Dave, who suffered a stroke in 2004 at age 57, recounted how the song “I’m Not Like Everybody Else” finally captured his feelings toward Ray. He also reflected on formative events: the death of his eldest sister when he was ten and a teenage pregnancy that left him estranged from his daughter for three decades. Dave described his early guitar experimentation—slashing the speaker cone of an Elpico amp and wiring it to a Vox amp—as “accidental magic” that helped create the distorted riff on “You Really Got Me” (August 1964).

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Dave emphasized his admiration for George Harrison, saying, “I loved George Harrison – he was the only Beatle that I liked.” He also noted that while the brothers still argue, they now converse regularly about mundane topics such as Arsenal football, suggesting a mellowed relationship.

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• “I loved George Harrison – he was the only Beatle that I liked,” — Save Dave Davies

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