The Kinks’ Dave Davies Says ‘Never Say Never’ on Reunion with Brother Ray Davies Decades After Band’s Breakup

**The Kinks Brothers Explore Collaboration Amid Reunion Speculation**

The musical landscape was significantly altered when The Kinks disbanded in 1996, leaving behind a lasting legacy of British rock. Despite their split, the Davies brothers — Ray and Dave — have never quite faded from the public eye, occasionally resurfacing together on stage. The last time they performed as a duo was in December 2015, when Ray surprised Dave at a solo event in London by joining him for a rendition of their iconic track, “You Really Got Me.”

In a recent interview with The Times, Dave Davies, now 79, reflected on the uncertainty surrounding any potential future performances with his brother Ray, who is 82. “I don’t know if we’ll ever reunite, but never say never,” he noted, highlighting his ambivalence about what lies ahead. He expressed hesitation regarding future projects, stating succinctly, “I don’t like to think about that.”

Despite the questions regarding their musical reunion, the brothers are currently collaborating on an art exhibition titled “The Kinks: Brothers,” taking place in London alongside artist Christian Furr. This venture underscores their ongoing relationship, which has witnessed its share of highs and lows over the decades.

Their tumultuous relationship is marked by periods of camaraderie and conflict. Dave recently disclosed to The Times that at times he “couldn’t stand” Ray, recalling instances when he would storm out of the studio in frustration. However, he added that a near-fatal stroke in 2004 prompted a brief reconciliation, suggesting that life’s adversities played a role in mending their bond. “I have to thank him, because if he wasn’t so f—ing horrible to me, I wouldn’t have understood more about life,” he remarked in a previous interview with Rolling Stone, demonstrating a mix of humour and seriousness regarding their complex dynamic.

In a more light-hearted moment, Dave shared a fond memory of their interactions in 2022: he posted a photo of the two on Instagram, where they reminisced while looking through footage from their early ’70s tours. “He made me a cuppa tea. We had a good time,” Dave recalled, happy for the shared experience.

According to Dave’s girlfriend, Rebecca Wilson, the resurfacing of their artwork on social media played a part in rekindling the brothers’ connection. She noted that Ray noticed their posts, an event she described as “kind of bringing them together.” This recent collaboration appears to have strengthened their relationship, leading Dave to conclude, “It’s miraculous, really, how we’ve become so bonded… We enjoy each other’s company.”

Despite the positive strides in their relationship, speculation surrounding a full-scale reunion remains ambiguous. Ray previously stated that any return to the stage is “in the lap of the gods,” while Dave described their differences as a factor that contributes to their unwavering bond yet complicates the idea of a reunion.

As the brothers continue to navigate their artistic collaboration, it is clear that their shared history and mutual experiences hold significant meaning. While the Kinks’ legacy remains celebrated, the prospect of a reunion intrigues fans worldwide. For now, the ongoing exhibition appears to serve as a platform for the Davies brothers to explore their artistic expressions while also reflecting on their storied past.

In an industry where sibling dynamics can often lead to permanent estrangement, the trajectory of the Davies brothers serves as a reminder of the complexities of familial relationships, particularly within the context of creativity. As they continue to work together, many are left wondering if a musical reunion may eventually follow their artistic renaissance, with both Ray and Dave Davies expressing a blend of hopeful ambiguity regarding their future as a duo.