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Mary Lucia: He ain't heavy ...

The Kinks, (L-R) Dave Davies, Ray Davies, Peter Quaife, and Mick Avory, wait on the set of a television show, ready to perform, 1968.
The Kinks, (L-R) Dave Davies, Ray Davies, Peter Quaife, and Mick Avory, wait on the set of a television show, ready to perform, 1968.Hulton Archive/Getty Images

by Mary Lucia

April 11, 2017

Long before Noel and Liam Gallagher were slinging insults and calling one another potatoes and students (and many other savory un-pleasantries I can't print), Ray and Dave Davies beefed as only British brothers can. Following a successful four-decade partnership in The Kinks, Ray and Dave spent the last two decades trading barbs through the press. Dave called Ray a narcissist vampire who "sucks me dry of ideas, emotions and — creativity. It's toxic for me to be with him." Ray stomped on Dave's 50th birthday cake.

However, in the last year, both Davies have spoken of the possibility of a reunion. Great! What could possibly go RIGHT?

Problem there is, while they created classic music that has withstood generations, alongside the band's creative output, the brothers' personal jabs and general intolerance for one another has become as much a part of their legend as their songs. Are people interested in a reunion to hear the majesty of "Waterloo Sunset" live? Or maybe to witness a familial meltdown complete with ruffled shirts and punches thrown? Or both?

I know past the age of 18, we're all supposed to behave as adults (whatever that means), but when you can't stand to look at your brother's stupid face on stage — let alone at a family reunion, funeral or holiday — what then?

Is the inevitable payday that awaits these reunions worth enough to suck it up and make nice for two hours a night? What about the other 22 hours of the day when you want to snap a wet towel soaked in cat pee in their face?

I know deep in my guts the Gallagher Brothers will reunite, and I'd be willing to bet it's sooner than later. Will it be cash motivated? Probably. I don't care.

And this discussion is certainly not limited to Bands of Brothers. For example, should Stevie Nicks be forced to sing at the same microphone as Lindsay Buckingham, a man who she perhaps witnessed eating a booger in 1977? There are some things you can't un-see when in an intimate relationship.

And will Morrissey ever be willing to share a backstage green room with Johnny Marr, who could potentially be scarfing down a ham sandwich in front of the Moz? Just because we the people want to hear "Panic" live?

Does knowing that a band's motivation to reunite purely for the scratch diminish the experience of hearing some of your favorite songs live? Let me know what you think.

Resources

Oasis - official site

The Kinks - official site