The Cave from Middelburg kicked off the meeting musically. A bad choice, because not only did the band play boring covers of the really well-known 60s tunes of The Kinks, but they were too loud and badly mixed. Pete Quaife, for example, made a quick exit! Even if it sounds harsh to say, a cover band like this really only suits an oldies festival -- for a Kinks Fan Meeting, one ought to expect to hear maybe some nice and "obscure" Kinks songs, other than 'I'm on an Island,' and not just the well known hits.
In complete contrast were the Flamin' Stars from Harderwijk. They sounded professional, well rehearsed, and gave their own twist to Kinks' songs. In addition, they played not only the hits of the 60s -- even less so -- but also choose songs from the later periods. For example, they played beautiful versions of 'Don't Forget to Dance' and 'Art Lover' -- the best one. They not only play cover versions, but also their own songs. So they have a different feel for the music, which rushes over the listeners. Also, Dalton, Avory, and Gosling obviously enjoyed the Dutchmen's playing.
Pete Quaife, however, seemed distracted from the whole scene. The music was too loud for him, and autograph signing was obviously not his favourite occupation. But when he stood on the stage, he was ok, as if he had never done anything else. He joked (typically English) about his thoughts on a reunion of the original band: He's a dialysis patient, Dave Davies has had a stroke, and Ray Davies was shot in the leg. So Mick Avory ought to be careful, because he's probably next! However, the Kinks are indeed the only band of the 60s which could reform completely with its original members. That they haven't depends on outside factors. Quaife read a few lines from his unpublished book titled "Veritas" about a rock band in the 60s. In the passage, Marcus, the keyboard player in the band, is sitting at the breakfast table, and tells his mum that they ought to have a number one on the hit parade by now. Mum would rather have an aspirin (and another one).
Shortly after Quaife's appearance, came on the Kast Off Kinks, and they rocked with much joy and leapt all over the place. They played 34 entire songs, and you can tell they've really improved -- even though they hardly ever rehearse. That became obvious with a few arrangements, and Clarke also sometimes forgets the words, but that's going to happen with such a large number of songs. Additionally, the sum of the whole was greater than its parts, the more the band played. It's was brilliant that they played songs from each album from 1964 to 1976. The surprise this time was 'Berkeley Mews', which Dalton introduced with a quiz question, what was the B-side of 'Lola.' For those who got the correct answer was a Kast Off Kinks t-shirt, and this was the first question Dalton asked, as if he didn't expect this answer. Nevertheless, Gosling played the intro. There were further lovely versions from 'Supersonic Rocket Ship,' 'Money Talks,' and 'God's Children' -- the best song from 'Percy' -- it still sounds good.
It was not just a musical night, but also there was an historical Kinks highlight: Pete Quaife came on in the centre of the set including Dalton, Avory, Gosling, and Clarke, and played two pieces on the bass. This was a first, because he has never played before with the Kast Off Kinks, nor has Quaife ever stood on stage with his successor Dalton. One noticed that it's been a long time since he's played live music, but in the end, he seemed to have fun with it -- and perhaps, in addition, he was glad all that's in the past! Quaife played on 'Dedicated Follower of Fashion' and 'Louie Louie'; Dalton sang lead on the second song, and accompanied both pieces on acoustic guitar. Unfortunately, this wasn't heard, because the sound tech hadn't got the mix right. Dalton's singing, however, was quite good as usual, and it's unfortunate he doesn't sing more often. Clarke is quite good, too; in the long run, though, his voice is a little monotonous and not much variable. The acoustic guitar would be an option for Clarke in some of the pieces, because he his playing of the electric isn't good for every song.
By the way -- Mick Avory took a shot as 'Storyteller.' He developed a theory on the origin of 'Lola.' That was somewhat confusing, as it was harder and harder to follow his very thick accent. However, he filled up the time whilst Gosling nipped off to the loo. Otherwise, Avory seemed very pleased this time, and played some terrific drum parts, and he drank less beer than last time. All in all it was a very successful meeting, and no less did it leave organiser Rob Kopp with good memories. He sang his own version of 'Dandy' with the Kast Off Kinks with the title 'Peggy' -- turning it into a marriage proposal -- and Peggy said, 'Yes.'
Links
setlist
photos of the meeting and video clips
photos at Dave Emlen's website
Fotos auf der Website of The Flamin' Stars
photos and text: Helge Buttkereit
translation: Carey Fleiner with the help of Thomas Bartoldus
(updated: 18-Sep-2004)