During the iconic British invasion of America in the 1960s, bands like The Rolling Stones and The Beatles made their mark, but The Kinks, despite their initial success, faced a different fate. The story of The Kinks is one of missed opportunities, bad decisions, unfortunate circumstances, and a ban that nearly shattered their American dreams. In this article, we’ll delve into the series of events that led to The Kinks being banned in America for nearly half a decade, effectively ruining their career momentum.
The Rise and Cracks in the Band
The Kinks, comprising brothers Ray and Dave Davies, bassist Peter Quaife, and drummer Mick Avory, made their debut in 1964 with a self-titled album featuring the hit single ‘You Really Got Me.’ As their popularity grew, plans were set for a 1965 tour of America. However, signs of trouble within the band were emerging. Drummer Mick Avory would later recount that “The band was in disarray… everything was going pear-shaped.” The band’s notorious offstage behavior soon seeped into their live performances.
In May 1965, during a warm-up gig in Wales, a scuffle broke out on stage between Dave Davies and Mick Avory, resulting in Davies being hospitalized and Avory being jailed. The tension between the Davies brothers grew, leading Dave to admit, “About a year ago we hated the sight of each other… it was only natural when we spent so much time together.” Despite these tensions, the band embarked on a planned 17-date tour of America later that year, aiming to make their mark in the U.S.
A Troubled Tour and the Ban
The 1965 American tour did not unfold as expected. Partnering with Moody Blues for the tour, The Kinks faced poor ticket sales, causing the cancellation of five out of the 17 scheduled dates. To add insult to injury, the tour promoter struggled to pay the band, which sparked frustration within the group. In retaliation, the band played shorter sets and even extended versions of their hit ‘You Really Got Me’ during concerts. The tipping point came when the band skipped a San Francisco show due to unfulfilled payment demands.
The final straw that led to The Kinks’ ban came during an appearance on an NBC Dick Clark special. Ray Davies punched a show runner after being subjected to anti-British comments. Additionally, rumors circulated that the band had not paid the required fees to the American Federation of Television and Recording Artists. This led to a ban that lasted from 1965 to 1969. Ray Davies later reflected on the ban’s impact, acknowledging that it stole away the band’s prime years, causing them to be forgotten by the time they were allowed to return.
The Fallout and Redemption
The ban had a profound impact on The Kinks’ career trajectory. By the time they were allowed back into the U.S. in 1969, the music landscape had shifted significantly with the arrival of the Woodstock generation. The Kinks had missed out on the opportunity to capitalize on their peak years. Ray Davies admitted that the ban was the result of a combination of bad agency, management, luck, and behavior. He acknowledged, “We deserved everything we got.” The ban was eventually lifted after four years, but the damage was already done.
Conclusion: A Bittersweet Legacy
The Kinks’ story serves as a cautionary tale of how a combination of internal conflicts, poor decisions, and external circumstances can derail a promising career. Despite their enduring impact on rock music, the band’s ban in America cast a shadow over their legacy. The Kinks’ journey reminds us that success is fragile, and the path to greatness is paved with challenges that can sometimes prove insurmountable.
