There are good times to catch bands, bad times, and times when you are just grateful to have seen them at all. This gig falls into that latter category, thirty years after their inception, this was their last full tour, played to a quarter full sports hall. That it should have come to this…
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The always volatile dynamic between brothers Ray and Dave was never far from the surface, but Ray’s professionalism won through. On some previous dates, Dave had done an opening solo set. Fortunately we were spared that tonight, the fans had come to hear the Kinks play together, not a rotating variety bill. Acknowledging the poor turnout, around 400 in a 2000 capacity venue, Ray dedicated the show to the faithful who were there supporting them, the faithful were not disappointed with a sprawling set which took in their entire career.
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Many argue the question, who was our greatest sixties band, the Beatles, or the Stones ? I have long felt that the Kinks should be part of that equation. Their best songs are a match for either. Jagger may have had the edge in showmanship, the Beatles in range of composition, but Ray Davies ‘ quintessentially English outlook and David’s growling guitar were some combination.
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It was a night drenched in nostalgia, and Ray was happy to supply numerous illuminating supporting anecdotes. As a young child I used to love “Apeman “and “Autumn Almanac” on Radio 1’s junior choice. “You Really Got me”, “All day and all of the Night”, “Til the end of the Day” rocked, “Sunny Afternoon”, “Waterloo Sunset” and “Village Green Preservation Society” were as English as strawberries and cream or “fish and chips,” “Lola” was the inevitable singalong, but “ Come Dancing” was the surprise standout,celebrating the golden era of the Davies’ parents youth and the Dance Halls.
As the band left the stage there was a valedictory air. They seemed relieved to have got through it, the fans were pleased to have been there, and there was a distinct sense that this was to be their last time.[
I saw Ray several times later doing solo shows which were not only superb affairs allowing Ray to be Ray, and demonstrably so, musically probably better and with more heart. But I had seen the Kinks play, and that was all that mattered.
A Well Respected Man
Autumn Almanac
The Ballad of Julie Finkle
Sunny Afternoon
Dedicated Follower of Fashion
Do It Again
I go to Sleep
Till the End of the Day
Give the People What They Want
Village Green Preservation Society
Celluloid heroes
Low Budget
Scattered
Apeman
Too Much on My Mind
Death of a Clown
Missing Persons
Phobia
Come Dancing
Aggravation
All Day and All of the Night
Welcome to Sleazy Town
Waterloo Sunset
Lola
Days
Encore
You Really Got Me
Twist and Shout
Ray Davies, Symphony Hall, Birmingham , England May 28th 2007
The contrast with the AVLC gig could not have been greater. A packed out Symphony hall, acoustically superb, and from the minute that Ray bounded out it was clear that we were in for a very special night,rapturously received with no less than three encores. The opening “Im not Like Everybody else” was extraordinary played with the vigour of a teenage
Set List
I’m Not Like Everybody Else
Where Have All the Good Times Gone
Till the End of the Day
After the Fall
A Well Respected Man
Autumn Almanac
Dedicated Follower of Fashion
Celluloid Heroes
20th Century Man
No One Listen
Come Dancing
Village Green Preservation Society
Sunny Afternoon
Dead End Street
Tired of Waiting for You
Set Me Free
All Day and All of the Night
Encore:
A Long Way From Home
The Getaway (Lonesome Train)
Lola
Days
Encore 2:
Imaginary Man
Waterloo Sunset
Encore 3:
You Really Got Me
Ray Davies, Symphony Hall, Birmingham , England May 28th 2007
Set List
“Victoria” was the surprise highlight in another set of evergreen classics
You Really Got Me
I Need You
Apeman
In a Moment
Dedicated Follower of Fashion
Autumn Almanac
A Long Way From Home
Sunny Afternoon
Dead End Street
Morphine Song
Vietnam Cowboys
Till the End of the Day
All Day and All of the Night
Shangri-La
Victoria
Working Man’s Café
See My Friends
Village Green
Picture Book
Big Sky
Do You Remember Walter?
Johnny Thunder
Village Green Preservation Society
Postcard From London
Celluloid Heroes
Waterloo Sunset
Encore:
Days
All Day and All of the Night
Garyswordz 