Singer-songwriter Sir Ray Davies has reiterated his desire for the original members of his old band The Kinks to get back together and make new music.
The 74-year-old said trying to persuade his brother Dave, the band’s lead guitarist, and drummer Mick Avory to speak to each other again was like “negotiations between the United Nations”.
It came as the band announced a 50th anniversary edition of their acclaimed album The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society. The re-issue contains previously unreleased material including the track Time Song.
Asked if he was in favour of a reunion, Sir Ray told BBC Radio 2 presenter Chris Evans: “It’s always been a yes from me because they are great players. Anyone listening to Village Green gets confirmation that it’s a special band and they should make more music.”
He confirmed that his brother and Avory had not been in the same room together since 2005, but revealed that, when he has spoken to them separately, both have been up for getting back together.
“If I can get them to talk, that would be great,” he said. “The most important thing is if we can make new music.
“The Kinks have a great legacy and everything, but to me it’s always about making new music. If the music is good, anything can happen.”
Time Song was first played by The Kinks in a show at London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane in January 1973, which was held to celebrate the UK joining the Common Market.
The 50th Anniversary Edition of ‘The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society’, including a previously unreleased track ‘Time Song’ available to pre-order now: https://t.co/0jAGUozLRI #TheKinks #TimeSong #VG50 pic.twitter.com/LlgpI1P0kD
— TheKinksOfficial (@TheKinks) August 15, 2018
Sir Ray revealed: “I decided to use the song as a warning that time was running out for the old British Empire.
“Oddly enough, the song seems quite poignant and appropriate to release at this time in British history, and, like Europe itself, the track is a rough mix which still has to be finessed.”
The 50th Anniversary Edition of The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society will be released on October 26.
A selection of rare artworks commissioned by the band, vintage memorabilia and photographs will be exhibited at London’s Proud Central Gallery from October 4 to November 18.