Kinks reunion exclusive

Ray Davies tells 6 of plans to record with brother

04 Oct 06 - Ray Davies renewed rumours of a Kinks reunion, as he picked up a music Icon award last night.

The former Kinks frontman was being honoured by American performing rights organisation Broadcast Music Inc (BMI) at a swish bash at London's Dorchester Hotel.

The accolade was for his "enduring influence on generations of music makers" - names which have included Blur, Oasis, Morrissey and Pete Townshend.

"I'm trying to track down my brother... maybe he could guest on a few tracks."
Ray Davies

As The Kinks' chief songwriter, Davies penned the band's classics such as You Really Got Me, Waterloo Sunset, Sunny Afternoon and Lola.

Earlier this year the music veteran revealed he'd like to work with his Kinks bandmates again - despite releasing his first ever solo album, Other People's Lives, in February.

His brother and former Kink David Davies suffered a stroke in 2004.

But talking candidly to 6 Music on the red carpet last night, Ray Davies was hopeful that they can start working together soon, for his next solo record:

"I'm trying to track down my brother, see how he's doing. Maybe he could guest on a few tracks. But we'll see."

He added: "I spoke to him before I went on my last tour in America, and he's really on the mend. He's playing again, so it's a good sign."

And Davies also gave us the lowdown on how the new album was shaping up. He's planning to start it next month, with a view to releasing it next year.

"It's a bit of a quick turnaround, but I've got tunes, so that's the first thing. The working title for my album is Music From The Big Weird. It's a play on the expression the 'big easy'."
 

Kellie Redmond