Dave Davies of The Kinks has spoken again about the band’s long-running rivalry with The Beatles, saying George Harrison was the only member he “really liked,” according to NME.
The comments were made at the launch of The Kinks: Brothers, the band’s new art exhibition at Gibson Garage London. Davies said John Lennon “didn’t like The Kinks,” while adding that Harrison was “the nicest guy” and that Paul McCartney had written “a few decent songs.”
Davies also recalled an earlier run-in with Lennon, saying he was protective of The Beatles’ equipment when the two groups played together and would not let The Kinks touch it. He described Lennon as paranoid but funny.
After the remarks were reported, Davies clarified on X that he still likes The Beatles and appreciates the kind words McCartney has shared about The Kinks. The rivalry between the groups dates back to an early 1964 show in Bournemouth, when The Kinks performed below The Beatles just before the release of “You Really Got Me.”
Dave and Ray Davies opened The Kinks: Brothers with British portrait painter Christian Furr. The exhibition reworks a 1968 passport photo of the brothers and runs at Gibson Garage London until September 6.
