Ray Davies Responds to Moby’s “Lola” Criticism

Ray Davies has responded to Moby’s critique of The Kinks’ 1970 hit “Lola.” In a recent interview, the singer and songwriter reacted to the producer’s description of the song as “gross and transphobic.”

Dave Davies revealed his brother’s position, quoting him directly. “He said, ‘Who the fuck is Moby?'” Dave recounted. He added that Ray “wasn’t happy at all” about the comments.

Moby made his remarks on a podcast last month, arguing the song’s narrative was problematic by modern standards. The track, which details a romantic encounter with a transgender woman, has been subject to periodic reevaluation.

The response from the Davies camp is characteristically blunt. It highlights a recurring tension between contemporary cultural readings and the context in which classic works were created. The exchange places “Lola” back into a current conversation about legacy and interpretation in popular music.