Kinks Guitarist Dave Davies Defends 'Lola' After Moby Labels Song Transphobic
Kinks co-founder and guitarist Dave Davies has issued a sharp rebuke to electronic musician Moby, who recently described the band's 1970 hit single Lola as "gross and transphobic". Davies took to social media to defend the song and its creators, asserting that the track is not transphobic and that Moby should be more careful with his public statements.
Moby's Criticism Sparks Controversy
In an interview with The Guardian Saturday magazine's Honest Playlist feature, Moby revealed that he was repulsed upon hearing Lola on a Spotify playlist. He stated, "I like their early music, but I was really taken aback at how unevolved the lyrics are." The song narrates a young man's encounter in a nightclub with a figure who "walked like a woman but talked like a man", concluding with the lines: "Girls will be boys and boys will be girls / It's a mixed up, muddled up, shook up world / Except for Lola."
Dave Davies' Forceful Response
Davies responded on X, expressing deep offense at Moby's accusations. He wrote, "I am highly insulted that Moby would accuse my brother" – referring to Kinks songwriter Ray Davies – "of being 'unevolved' or transphobic in any way." In a follow-up post, Davies added, "I don't wanna show the guy up, but Moby should be careful what he says." He emphasised that the band has always appreciated and supported diverse communities, citing their interactions with the 1970s San Francisco psychedelic hippy theatre group the Cockettes, which included transgender members and performers in drag.
Historical Context and Support from LGBTQ+ Icon
Davies also shared a letter from trans punk icon Jayne County, who praised Lola for its groundbreaking nature. County wrote that she was "thrilled and amazed" by the song, viewing it as a barrier-breaking anthem that brought LGBTQ+ themes into mainstream music. She described it as propelling the Kinks into "the modern world. The REAL world! A world full of all kinds of people! Bisexual, gay, trans, not just a world full of straight heterosexuals!" This aligns with the Kinks' history of exploring LGBTQ+ topics, such as their 1965 song See My Friends, which dealt with sexual orientation uncertainty.
Broader Implications and Legacy
The controversy highlights ongoing debates about artistic interpretation and social evolution in music. Davies' defence underscores the band's intent to celebrate diversity, as reflected in his personal experiences and the song's reception among LGBTQ+ communities. While Moby's comments reflect contemporary sensitivities, Davies argues that Lola was progressive for its time and remains a cherished piece of music history.
