Dave Davies

I had not seen Dave Davies perform since a show at Slim's in SF a year or two before his stroke, and so - like many of the fans gathered at the Uptown Theater in Napa last Friday night - I was concerned that the lasting effects of that health emergency, and needing to re-learn the guitar, would diminish the power of this show. First the bad news. Yes, for those who know his material and shows well, there were some small signs of the stroke. His speech is just a bit slower. He does keep a music stand in front of him, turning pages with each song (whether it's chords, lyrics, or both there, I don't know), and there were a few forgotten lyrics. But if you weren't looking for these signs, you would have missed them. Now the good news. Whatever health issues this 68-year old gentleman has had, when he straps on his Les Paul there is no question that he is still in full control and a master showman who can rock circles around just about anybody in the business. I don't care who your guitar hero is, but if it's anybody post-Eddie Cochran, your hero owes everything they know to Dave Davies. And Mr Davies is not resting on his You-Really-Got-Me-laurels; he's still innovating and creating. The new songs presented Friday night (Ripping Up Time, In the Old Days) fit right in with Dave's solo material from the early 80s (In You I Believe) and the non-stop parade of Kinks Klassics written by brother Ray (She's Got Everything, Dead End Street), and Dave's own Kinks Kontributions (Living on a Thin Line, Strangers). The show was designed around an opening rock set, then a mellower middle set where Dave swapped the Les Paul for an acoustic, then back to the rock and roll to finish the show and go into encores of I'm Not Like Everybody Else and (of course) You Really Got Me. Dave's back-up band (guitar, bass, & drums) were all powerful musicians in their own right, masterfully playing and supporting and letting Dave shine. It should also be noted that the love in that theater was going both ways. Yes, the audience adored him, but Dave's appreciation for the crowd, and his humor and good spirits, were as enjoyable as the music. This life-long fan was not disappointed.

The concert was great. Dave's rhythm guitarist was in the ER the night before & could not play (he's alright) & Dave played with only his drummer & bass player. They were great!

Dave gave 150% last night, but it was evident that the effects of the stroke/heart attack have taken Some of the physical displays out of him. He tried to do his leg splits, many times (Which I give him credit for) But\u2026.. The voice at the beginning was very rough (1st song) and once they got the sound down and his voice came in (and kept going in & out) all night he and the Band (3 Others) played well together. But his fans were out (NONE from Brighton except me, very angry at that) He seemed happy and played very good (but NOT Living on a thin line) which most people wanted to hear. But that s OK I got to see & Hear A Rock n Roll Hero of (Ours) and he played well. I can see him going out on stage where he belongs !! Thanks Dave D and God save the Kinks

Dave Davies' performance at Bergen PAC was heart-breaking. Because of a recent stroke, he can no longer remember the words to many Kinks tunes. But, he sure remembers how to play. He played and sang with heart and enthusiasm, much like Roger Hodgson - grateful to be doing the thing he loves the best. One great song after another! And a very friednly crowd, to boot!

The venue was empty and they had closed off balcony. Sound system was awful . I am a huge kinks can but this was painful. Dave's is shot and I couldn't understand most of what he said when he spoke to audience . His Guitar playing is still too notch so he should have just plAyed music and let audience sing. I was one if many who left early. Ps I go to a LOT of concerts and garage never left one before end..... Until now

You would think after doing something for 50 years Dave would loose some passion but not at all! Daves new album "I Will Be Me" Is seriously his best album ! His can see his passion when he plays and sings and its amazing what hes been through and where has gotten since ! God Save Dave Davies !

Love the intimacy of the Canyon Club. Davies rocked!

Dave Davies, rock the house. In fine form and played many of his best song. Singalong and all. Still a monster guitar player. God save Dave Davies.

I loved Dave Davies Live Concert. He Rocked the early tunes very well. He had a Kick Ass Band. Played new music that was so different in style yet enchanting!! The set was about an hour and a half. I'm so impressed. He had no break. It could have been longer but at least an hour and a half. Much interaction with audience. Very Fan Friendly !

Ive seen Dave Davies several times over the years. He always delivers a great show. He also finds a way to connect with the fans. You get the feeling he's a really nice guy and would be a nice guy to hang with. His band is very good featuring Jonathan Lea on guitar & bass, Tom Currier on bass & keyboards, and Teddy Freese on drums. I will see them again when they come back into NY.

The Concert was amazing. Genesee theatre was beautiful!

dave was ok but ray is the one!! band just not the same

Over halfway through the Dave Davies shows a fan from the audience started yelling from the upper deck Dave do you really think this is why we came here even though I felt his comment was unappropriate to yell out I felt the same way as Dave s choice of material bordered on the obscure to me

For the opening act, the Smithereens were the highlight. They wee tight and played the songs people wanted to hear. This is where Dave Davies failed. I do not know why he picked the set list he did, but it was awful. I heard two recognizable songs before I left, after an hour of crap. Someone needs to tell him, "Play the hits". It was what people wanted and expected.

At some times a bit boring. Some music early in the program guitar playing and singing etc were enjoyable..Only the last few songs that were the Kinks songs we wanted to hear 'got me- us" going !

Though I probably won't be totally satisfied until it's the Kinks touring ( and that's apparently out of the question), it was good to see one of the originators behind that music do a lot of the Kinks' repertoire as well as a few of his solo things. This was just a trio except for a background vocalist on a couple things. I thought the first third of the show came off kind of blustery and kind of like a Kinks cover band rocking things up a bit too much. The middle of the show where Dave switched to an amplified acoustic gave a much more organic, real feel to the material. And then when he switched back to electric and stretched out a bit more on guitar, that worked as well. Of course the song quality probably rose as the set went on! Was a little concerned when they came back, did an encore and looked to be leaving the stage without doing "You Really Got Me". But of course, then he called the band back and did it.

I was disappointed in the concert. Could not understand the vocals. Reminded me of Dylan, more mumbling than clear vocals. Was disappointed he did not play more kinks songs although that's me and I understand. For the 30 bucks it was still a good night

It was good to see Dave again. It has been a long time since I last saw Dave live. I had seen Ray a few years back play at Summer fest. I thought Dave played good for going through all his health issues. There were a lot of very early Kink's songs which I enjoyed ( for example, "Wicked Annabella" from the "Great Lost" album). Although, I don't think we will be seeing Ray and Dave together anytime soon. Dave still seems to have some animosity towards Ray. In the concert he dedicated a song to Ray and in the same breath called him a dirty bugger, but still loved him. At times Dave did appear to be holding out an olive branch to Ray by doing the song "Strangers on this road we are on, we are not two we are one ". All in all a very good concert. I am glad I went.

to say it was un listenable would be kind. if you are going to promote your self as part of the kinks the you play kinks hits.acted and sounded like a rehersal. davies has lost his voice and should give up the horse. new material was sad.i want my money and 2 hours of my life back

it was horrible. left after 4 songs. complete waste of money

For his age Dave Davies put on a good show! Unfortunately the venue he played at was horrendous in the fact that at 10pm they made him quite playing because that was their cutoff time. He only had the one song to go... Lola! The biggest hit everyone wanted that hear! Total let down by the venue!

Great to see Dave back in action. Still got his chops, but wish we didn't see him at the end of the tour.

I have been a fan of the Kinks and never having seen them, seeing Dave Davies up close was great. It was a small up front area, no more than 12 feet from the stage. He sounded great and had a peculiar choice of songs.

The Kink's music has always excited me. Dave is older - but the music is forever. Have heard Dave - and brother Ray - many times but never together, before they separated.

a REASONABLY PRICED!! ($50, 'word' to ticketmaster!!) show with only about half the venue sold out! those who were there were worshipful and reverent. (i.e. NO CONSTANT TALKING DURING A PERFORMANCE!, 'word' to warner theater!!) dave put on a great show, obviously enjoying himself and the crowd. playing stuff from throughout his career, it was GREAT to see a legendary performer in an intimite (yet flawed) venue! (i DO NOT spend $50+ for "arena" shows!!) a highlight was the drumming of dennis diken, legendary drummer of the smithereens!

Saw Dave in Nov. of '14 and he was physically weak. Had to leave the stage at one point and his guitar playing and singing were forced. Now, almost a year later, it was great to see how his health has improved as he had stamina, very good playing and singing, and a nice frontman persona with the audience. I now think Dave could handle a Kinks reunion. Could not have said that last year. It was a fine concert!

All I heard was loud base. Could not hear the words to the songs. Dave's voice was drowned out most of the time Terrible. We left after six or seven songs. Big diappointment.

Dave is not a front man and never will be.....Bottom line.....He needs to reunight with his brother Ray and get the Kinks together again

I have never walked out of a concert before. The sound system was awful. I have attended better high school performances. We tried to hang on until the end but finally left. The opening band was great.

I made it through six tunes. Then I fled. This show was not ready for the road. Davies in particular was off key and out of tune. They sounded like a third rate high school garage band. I have never witnessed such an unprofessional performance in fifty years of concert attendance.

Only played 3 or 4 songs that I knew. Show was only 90 minutes so he didn't give us anything extra

Dave Davies made an incredible comeback after a long absence from the stage. He proved to be still the world class guitar player he was known for throughout his career with the Kinks and during his solo touring. He brought the house down at the Bears Den At Seneca Niagara Casino and brought the audience to their feet. He gave an unforgettable performance with his fabulous band who complement him perfectly. They played a perfect mix from his new album to classic Dave Davies compositions and Kinks songs.

Dave Davies solo is Great, but US audience sucks!!!

Dave Davies, proved to be every bit as awesome as the 7 times I previously saw him play with the Kinks. His band was well rehearsed and smooth with a solid back beat behind Dave's searing lead guitar playing. The show moved nicely during most parts, with only a slight bit of hesitation about in the middle of the set... The overall sound mix was very good, and well balanced. Dave's vocals were strong, with well placed and full backing vocals provided by the drummer and bass guitarist. Not sure who was playing rhythm guitar but he was excellent and flawless over the entire night. There were some touching moments in the show "Death of a Clown' Of the new material "Walker through the worlds" was haunting. The show was overall excellent! I recommend you catch him if he does play any additional shows on the east coast. Keep on Rockin' Dave!

I wish Dave would stay young forever. I'm a lifelong fan. God save the Kinks. Wish they would reunite for the fans.

I haven't walked out of a concert in 35 years. Davies was loud and the sound was distorted He appeared drunk or suffering from dementia and if he is I am sorry. He was so bad he was reading his lyrics went off stage for a couple of minutes and when he came back ha band member had to turn his acoustic on for him. Absolutely the worst concert in ages

Only sang 3 Kinks songs. Dave's hatred of his brother prevents him from singing more Kink classics. Too Bad !...He is quirky as hell and a good entertainer. Reminded me of the aged rock Singer in LOVE ACTUALLY with a little Ossie Osborn on the side. Dan is Likable and the Band was good, just way to Loud. You could not understand any lyrics whatsoever !

This concert was truly shocking because of the impressive sounds and tunes played that I never expected to be performed so well and sung so well! The band, composed of Dave, Jonathan, Tom and Freddy were really good, tight and loud, but not too loud. The set opens with a band jam without Dave which I didn't recognize until Dave comes out and here comes "I'm Not Like Everybody Else" and then the songs kept a coming! I thoroughly enjoyed myself and can't wait to see/hear them again!! Thanks! Michael