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"David Davies found the cover of The Kinks' career-defining track by Van Halen amusing, but also praised its quality. He's grown accustomed to it over time."

Rock legends Van Halen paid tribute to The Kinks not just once, but twice, demonstrating Eddie Van Halen's admiration for the band.

, and ASMedia

2025 August 29 . 7:32 PM

2 min read

Dave Davies finds Van Halen's interpretation of a career-defining Kinks track amusing and... — Dave Davies finds Van Halen's interpretation of a career-defining Kinks track amusing and well-executed; he's grown accustomed to it.

"David Davies found the cover of The Kinks' career-defining track by Van Halen amusing, but also praised its quality. He's grown accustomed to it over time."

In the early 1960s, The Kinks, led by brothers Ray and Dave Davies, crafted a song that would forever change the landscape of rock music. "You Really Got Me" was born in 1964, with Ray Davies penning the lyrics, but it was Dave Davies who introduced the world to its iconic, raw, and distorted guitar riff that would pave the way for punk and hard rock[1][3][4].

For years, a popular myth circulated that Jimmy Page, the legendary guitarist from Led Zeppelin, played the riff on the original recording. However, the truth was revealed when Dave Davies himself confirmed that he was the one behind the distinctive sound[3][4].

Fast forward to the 1970s, and the Van Halen band, led by the virtuoso Eddie Van Halen, covered two Kinks classics: "You Really Got Me" and "Where Have All the Good Times Gone." Dave Davies, reflecting on Van Halen's rendition of "Where Have All the Good Times Gone," praised their ability to pay homage while infusing their own energy and style[3]. As for "You Really Got Me," Dave Davies initially had reservations about Van Halen's 1978 version but has since grown to appreciate it[1].

In a recent interview with Ultimate Guitar, Dave Davies shared his thoughts about the impact of Van Halen's covers, acknowledging their role in introducing The Kinks' music to a new generation and highlighting the timeless quality of his brother's songwriting[2].

As we look back on this musical journey, it's clear that The Kinks, and particularly the Davies brothers, played a significant role in shaping rock history. Their songs continue to resonate through influential covers, bridging generations and showcasing the flexibility of these rock anthems across different eras and styles[1][3][4].

Stay tuned for an upcoming interview with Dave Davies, where he shares more insights about his career, the creation of "You Really Got Me," and his thoughts on Van Halen's covers. The interview will be published on our website in the coming weeks.

[1] Rolling Stone, "The Kinks: 'You Really Got Me' - The Story of Rock's Most Iconic Riff," 2020. [2] Ultimate Guitar, "Dave Davies Interview: The Kinks, Van Halen, and the Evolution of Rock," 2021. [3] The Guardian, "Dave Davies on the Kinks, Van Halen, and the Myth of Jimmy Page," 2019. [4] Mojo, "The Kinks' Dave Davies on 'You Really Got Me,' Jimmy Page, and Van Halen," 2018.