The Kinks: A Very English Band

The story of The Kinks is not one for the faint-hearted, and in this updated biography Neville Marten and Jeff Hudson lift the lid on one of England's most idiosyncratic and charming bands. Through all the nervous breakdowns, resignations, guitars wielded as weapons, drug abuse, glasses without lenses, food fights, alien sightings, in-yer-face spitting, and mental torture The Kinks have become a rock 'n' roll legend! The songs of Ray Davies have inspired bands and artists across the full spectrum of pop and rock music, from Blur, Pulp, and Paul Weller to Van Halen. Their capacity for anarchy, humor, and storytelling has lead to some of the most durable and widely adored songs of the English pop canon, including Lola, Waterloo Sunset, and You Really Got Me. The band's inventive productions pre-dated even The Beatles, and their musical talent eclipsed The Rolling Stones. This is their story, compiled from interviews and anecdotes, and featuring photographs spanning Ray Davies' career. Previously published by Sanctuary.