Ray Davies

The "Beatles vs. Stones" debate has fueled many a late-night gab session between music fans. But what about the Kinks? Some would argue that, album for album, the Kinks produced as much if not more great music than either of those bands. After all, what other band wrote the template for heavy metal ("You Really Got Me") and twee pop ("Sunny Afternoon")?

At the forefront of this British institution is Ray Davies. Four decades into his career Ray is considered one of the most influential musicians on the planet. The list of artists who have covered a Davies song is too long to even begin to mention here, as is the list of timeless tunes. Although, for the sake of Ray's upcoming appearance, we'll try: "Set Me Free", "See My Friends", "Till the End of the Day", "Come Dancing", "Waterloo Sunset"... and that's barely a fraction. Then there are the extraordinary albums, like Muswell Hillbillies and, groundbreaking records regarded as classics.

To celebrate the release of his solo album Other People's Lives, his first release of new music in a decade, Ray is embarking on a solo tour that will revisit many classic hits from his catalogue as well as the new songs that demonstrate his continued vitality as a songwriter. This is a show not to be missed by anyone who loves wry wit, heavenly melodies and illuminating, heartbreakingly human lyrics.