Dave Davies (born 3 February 1947) is an English guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He was the lead guitarist and backing vocalist for the English rock band the Kinks, which was led by his older brother, Ray Davies. While Ray served as the primary writer and singer, Dave occasionally contributed as a songwriter and lead vocalist on tracks such as “Death of a Clown,” “Party Line,” “Strangers,” and “Rats.” Beyond his work with the Kinks, he has pursued a solo career, releasing several singles in the late 1960s and, over time, eight solo albums.
Musical Innovations and Influence
Dave Davies is recognized for his pioneering approach to the electric guitar, particularly his early use of distortion. His innovative, distorted power chord riffs became a defining feature of the Kinks’ sound and played a significant role in shaping heavy metal and punk rock. His contributions to music were formally acknowledged when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 as a member of the Kinks. Additionally, in 2003, Rolling Stone ranked him 91st on its list of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.”
Early Life
Born at 6 Denmark Terrace in Muswell Hill, North London, Dave Davies was the youngest of eight children, with six older sisters and one older brother, Ray. The Davies household was steeped in various musical influences, ranging from music hall tunes of their parents’ era to the jazz and early rock and roll their sisters enjoyed. The rivalry between Dave and Ray began in childhood as they competed for attention within the family.
Their father, Frederick George Davies, originally Frederick George Kelly, worked in a slaughterhouse and was known for his lively social habits. Dave’s mother, Annie Florence Willmore, came from a large family and was known for her sharp wit and strong personality.
Music played a crucial role in the Davies family home. One of Dave’s older sisters was a dance hall star and had a child with an undocumented African immigrant. This child was later raised by Ray and Dave’s mother. Another sister, Rene, tragically passed away at age 31 from a heart attack while dancing at the Lyceum Ballroom, just a day before Ray’s 13th birthday.
As a teenager, Dave initially played skiffle before transitioning to rock music upon acquiring an electric guitar. He, Ray, and their friend Pete Quaife often jammed in their home’s front room, which became a central space for family musical gatherings. The iconic two-chord riff of “You Really Got Me” was originally worked out on the family piano.
The Kinks and Career Beginnings
In 1963, Dave Davies co-founded the Kinks with Pete Quaife. Ray Davies soon joined, followed by drummer Mick Avory. However, Dave had a turbulent relationship with Avory, leading to the drummer’s eventual departure from the band in the mid-1980s. Despite changing lineups, the Davies brothers remained the core members of the band.
Initially, Dave played a supporting role to Ray but occasionally contributed lead vocals and songwriting to the band’s catalog. His most notable contributions include “Party Line,” “Death of a Clown,” and “Strangers.”
Early Years with the Kinks (1963–1966)
The Kinks signed with Pye Records in 1963. Just days after Dave’s 17th birthday, their first single, a cover of “Long Tall Sally,” was released. The band struggled initially, but in 1964, Dave’s groundbreaking distorted power chord sound propelled their third single, “You Really Got Me,” to number one in the UK and number seven in the US. The song’s aggressive guitar tone was achieved by slashing the speaker cone of his Elpico amplifier with a razor blade and then running it through a Vox amp as a pre-amp. This technique became an early precursor to heavy metal and punk rock.
During this period, the band released three albums and several EPs while touring extensively. However, tensions within the band led to frequent on-stage altercations. One infamous incident occurred in 1965 at the Capitol Theatre in Cardiff, where Dave insulted Avory and kicked over his drum set. Avory retaliated by striking Dave with a hi-hat stand, knocking him unconscious and requiring 16 stitches to his head.
Shift in Musical Style (Late 1960s)
As the 1960s progressed, the Kinks evolved beyond their R&B/blues roots toward a more nostalgic and introspective style, reflected in songs like “Autumn Almanac” and “Waterloo Sunset.” Their albums Something Else by the Kinks and The Village Green Preservation Society demonstrated this shift.
Solo Career
In July 1967, Dave Davies released his first solo single, “Death of a Clown,” co-written by Ray. Though backed by the Kinks, it was credited solely to Dave. The song became a UK hit, peaking at number three on the charts. Encouraged by this success, Pye Records planned a full solo album. However, subsequent singles, including “Susannah’s Still Alive,” “Lincoln County,” and “Hold My Hand,” failed to achieve similar success. Eventually, the solo album was scrapped.
Although his early solo career did not materialize as planned, tracks intended for his first album were later compiled into the 2011 Hidden Treasures collection.
Despite critical praise, the Kinks’ late 1960s albums, including The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society and Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire), struggled commercially. Nevertheless, they remain highly regarded today.
Legacy
Dave Davies’ pioneering use of guitar distortion left a lasting impact on rock music. His work with the Kinks helped shape multiple genres, and his influence continues to be recognized by fans and musicians alike. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, his legacy remains significant within the history of rock music.
