Behind The Song: The Kinks! A Conversation with the Cast of the Sunny Afternoon Musical

Host: Janda Lane
Guests:

• Danny Horne as Ray Davies
• Oliver Hoare as Dave Davies
  Release Date: April 16, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Behind The Song, hosted by Janda Lane from The Drive | Hubbard Radio, listeners are treated to an engaging conversation with Danny Horne and Oliver Hoare. The duo stars in the North American premiere of Sunny Afternoon, a musical that chronicles the rise of the iconic British band, The Kinks. The discussion delves into the challenges and triumphs of bringing The Kinks' tumultuous history and timeless music to the stage.

Casting and Roles

Janda opens the discussion by addressing the casting of Danny and Oliver in the roles of Ray and Dave Davies, respectively.

• Danny Horne: “I'm Janda. And joined today by Danny Horne and Oliver Hoare, who are starring in the North American premiere of Sunny Afternoon, the story about the rise of the Kinks as told through their own music. Hi, Danny. Hi, Oliver.” [00:16]

• Oliver Hoare: Shares initial skepticism about adapting The Kinks into a musical but expresses admiration for the script by Joe Penhall and the involvement of Ray Davies himself, which ensured an authentic portrayal. [01:16]

The Kinks' Influence and Legacy

Danny and Oliver discuss The Kinks' profound impact on various music genres and their innovative sound.

• Danny Horne highlights The Kinks' influence on punk rock and heavy metal, emphasizing their unique melodies and Dave Davies' pioneering guitar riffs. He references their chaotic nature and the infamous ban from touring in the US by the Federation of Music. [02:01]

• Oliver Hoare concurs, noting that despite the ban being a setback, it inadvertently pushed Ray Davies to explore and write about Britishness, leading to more authentic and versatile music. [04:47]

The Challenge of Adapting The Kinks into a Musical

The guests reflect on the inherent chaos of The Kinks and the difficulty of translating that energy into a structured musical format.

• Oliver Hoare admits initial doubts about the feasibility of the project but praises the script's fidelity to The Kinks' essence. [01:16]

• Janda adds that while the ban limited their ability to tour the US, it ultimately allowed The Kinks to develop a more distinctly British identity, which is a central theme in the musical. [03:49]

Musical Authenticity and Production Details

A significant portion of the conversation centers on the meticulous efforts to ensure musical authenticity in the production.

• Oliver Hoare explains the dedication to using period-specific guitars and amplification to recreate The Kinks' original sound. [07:34]

• Danny Horne references Dave Davies' experimentation with amplifiers to achieve the gritty sound synonymous with The Kinks, mentioning the anecdote of Dave almost having an accident while modifying his amp. [08:21]

• Janda corroborates the story, emphasizing Dave's role as a “little scientist” in sound experimentation. [08:33]

Favorite Songs and Performances

The discussion shifts to favorite moments and songs within the musical.

• Danny Horne expresses a special affinity for "You Really Got Me," describing its pivotal role in the musical and its representation of The Kinks' breakthrough. [12:22]

• Oliver Hoare hints at the significance of this song in the production, likening its moment to “kicking down the doors of the theater,” signaling a major turning point in the narrative. [13:34]

Personal Reflections: Performing as Ray and Dave

Danny and Oliver share their personal experiences of embodying the Davies brothers and the lasting impact of the roles.

• Janda notes the challenge of stepping out of the characters after performing, while Oliver Hoare reflects on how the characters remain a part of their psyche due to their long-term commitment to the roles. [10:30 - 11:35]

• Janda adds, “There's no end to, like, you know, filling your brain with Kink songs, you know, and it being a good thing.” [11:01]

Love and Conflict in The Kinks' Story

The hosts touch upon the intricate relationship between Ray and Dave Davies, highlighting the themes of love amidst conflict.

• Oliver Hoare describes the musical as not just about conflict but also about various forms of love—family, music, England, and personal relationships. [15:27]

• Danny Horne connects this dynamic to common sibling relationships, adding depth to the portrayal of the Davies brothers. [15:55]

Fun Segment: Chicago's Culinary Treats

Adding a lighthearted twist, the conversation shifts to Chicago's famous deep-dish pizza and the local spirit liqueur, Malort.

• Danny Horne humorously suggests trying Lou Malnati's for deep-dish pizza, while Oliver Hoare shares his experience with Malort, describing its intense flavor. [17:48 - 18:39]

• The guests end this segment with playful banter about bringing back Malort as a souvenir. [18:37]

Conclusion and Promotion

Janda wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to attend the Sunny Afternoon production in Chicago, highlighting its rave reviews.

• Danny Horne assures that the performance will be loud and faithful to The Kinks' legendary sound, advising listeners to bring earplugs if needed. [14:15 - 14:31]

• The episode concludes with expressions of gratitude and an invitation to support the show. [18:46 - 19:14]

Notable Quotes

• Oliver Hoare on adapting The Kinks:
  “I thought, you can't do that. That won't be good. You can't turn a band that kind of wild and unpredictable and rough around the edges into a West End musical.” [01:16]

• Janda Lane on the musical's authenticity:
  “That moment of slicing the amplifier is part of our story, how they created that incredible sound.” [08:53]

• Danny Horne on "You Really Got Me":
  “It's loud and it's like. It's like the band that we're playing with... they're just so good and like, they just pump it.” [13:34]

• Oliver Hoare on The Kinks' enduring music:
  “It's like PTSD. You can't tell which way to go with it. It's so far has not got old.” [11:49]

Behind The Song offers an insightful exploration into The Kinks' legacy and the intricate process of bringing their story to life on stage. Through honest reflections and detailed discussions, Danny Horne and Oliver Hoare provide listeners with a deeper appreciation for both the music and the personalities that made The Kinks a lasting influence in rock history.