Kinks Members Reunite for ‘Village Green’ Exhibit

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The Kinks in the ’60s

The three surviving original members of The Kinks—singer-songwriter brothers Ray and Dave Davies and drummer Mick Avory—reunited for the first time in years on Oct. 3, 2018 in London. The meeting took place at a celebration held at the Proud Galleries in London, where a photo exhibit celebrating the band’s 1968 album The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society is set to open. The exhibit coincides with the release later this month of a new deluxe reissue of the album.

Asked by Best Classic Bands how it felt to be in the same room as Ray and Avory, lead guitarist Dave Davies—who is also celebrating the imminent release of a collection of “lost” ’70s solo recordings titled Decade—said, “There were a lot of good emotions. I see Ray when I’m here [in England] but it’s been some years since I’ve seen Mick.”

Rumors have been swirling in recent months regarding a possible reunion of the Kinks in the studio and/or the tour circuit. Although the gathering of the three band members is certain to fuel those rumors even more, as of yet no official plans have been revealed. Both Ray and Dave Davies have discussed the idea of finishing some old never-released recordings, but no firm plans have been announced to date.

The fourth original member, bassist Pete Quaife, passed away in 2010.

Describing the gallery exhibit, the Kinks’ website says, “On display is a selection of rare collector’s items including specially commissioned artworks by members of the band and vintage memorabilia, together with a collection of photographs documenting this remarkable period in the band’s history. Each work is hand-signed by surviving band members Ray Davies, Dave Davies and Mick Avory. The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society explores the album’s defiantly British sensibilities and commemorates what is now considered to be the high point of The Kinks’ outstanding career.”

Nice to see Mick last night at @proudgalleries opening for @TheKinks VGPS art show – art and photos are on exhibit open to the public now pic.twitter.com/rz7drpLAmI

— Dave Davies (@davedavieskinks) October 4, 2018

The website further states, “The exhibition features photography from the album artwork photo shoot in Hampstead Heath, captured by established music photojournalist Barrie Wentzell. The original quartet lounge on the grass against the historic backdrop of Kenwood House, which, according to Wentzell, was ‘Ray’s favorite location to film.’ Presented alongside prints and memorabilia is a special edition, supersized artwork produced by Morgan Howell to commemorate the album’s box set release. The artist reinterprets the bonus track ‘Wonderboy’ as a three-dimensional sculpture in his trademark style, using paint and canvas to mimic the creases and wear of a 50-year-old vinyl sleeve. Admirers of the band will be given the unique opportunity to view and acquire a variety of these rare pieces, each hand-signed by The Kinks.”

The exhibit will remain open until Nov. 18 Go here for further information.

Listen to the title track from Village Green Preservation Society