Ray Davies Tickets

The concert was a blast. Davies put a new, yet traditional spin on all of his old hits. Loved it.

As well as being one of rock's true geniuses, Ray is so professional, and develops a wonderful rapport with the audience. The first part of the gig was an acoustic set during which he did new arrangements of several of the greatest songs, including Waterloo Sunset and Ape Man. This was my favorite part. The second part added the rhythm section and keyboards, and really rocked. Ray showed no signs of the damaged leg, but the sound was not great - the sound guys had it too loud, and there was too much distortion. If they wanted it that loud, they needed bigger amps and speakers. And the mix was too heavy on the bass and drums. Sound quality was the only drawback to this part. After the interval, he brought on a large choir (and named them incorrectly as "Vox Choir"), and this basically did not work. Not that they detracted from the performance; they were just unnecessary. I know he is trying to push the artistic envelop, and kudos to him for that, but if he wants to use a choir, he should use them for a much smaller number of songs - only for those songs where they really added something. The rhythm section was competent, but the drummer should tone it down a bit, have more finesse and less crashing. Ray is a true living legend and a treasure - I look forward to next time.

The well-respected man had only to walk onto the stage for his dedicated followers to give him a standing ovation. With only his acoustic guitar joined by Bill Shanley also on guitar, Ray Davies brought us all into his living room inviting us to sing along on “I Need You.” The Warfield crowd of Ray Davies aficionados did not Forget the Lyrics as Davies encouraged--enthusiastically demanded--all of us to belt it out. The acoustic set, which included such classics as “(I’m not like) Everybody Else,” “Dedicated Follower of Fashion” and “Sunny Afternoon” were interspersed with soulful and rocking ballads of more recent Davies compositions. Davies brought out the rest of the band and went electric with “After the Fall” from his album, Other Peoples’ Lives, a song he wrote about his recovery from a personal breakdown. Davies, at 65, exhibited the energy and persona of a 30 year old as he animated his way around his powerful story-telling lyrics and melodies. The familiar 80s song, “Come Dancing” ended the first set. After the break, nearly 30 choral singers (the Vox Society Choir) directed by David Temple filled the back of the stage and began a harmonic second set of familiar Kinks songs. Davies exclaimed, “You’ll never hear this next song quite like this again—unless you buy the CD, of course” (referring to The Kinks Choral Collection) and it was no surprise to hear them ornament "You Really Got Me" enjoyable like you’ve never heard it! For my own personal enjoyment, Davies and the Choir served up a rousing “Victoria” and an ethereal “Celluloid Heroes,” followed by “Waterloo Sunset” and “Days.” The man can write! What great songs. And they’re still coming. His latest solo albums have produced soon to be classic songs. The show was one of the best I’ve ever seen, second only to the Kinks “Schoolboys in Disgrace” tour I caught in February 1975 in Sacramento. I loved all those Dead shows I went to, but Ray Davies was and always will be on the top of my chart. Thank you for the Days…Ray.

This was the best show I've seen in a long time. Ray was really masterful at getting the crowd involved. He was very witty and for the most part the show had a conversational feel to it. The crowd was expectedly older so for me as someone still in my twenties who goes to shows to dance and let out energy, I felt a little constricted at times because I didn't want to irritate the other concert-goers. The choral interpretations of his songs were not too far removed from the original versions. I didn't think it was possible to improve on the harmony of Waterloo Sunset, the choir did a fantastic job on that one.

He plays lots of new and old. he songs are short so you get to here lots of them. he is funny and entertaining during the songs and between them. His fans are with him all the way. heis honest about his ups and downs and why he wrote most his songs. The inclusion of achois in te second half of the show was brilliant. Definitely a show for anyone who was listening to the Kinks in their earlier years. Not sure why he did not play LOLA.

My friends and I have been fortunate enough to have seen and witnessed many of the "Originals!" Ray and Dave Davies are amongst the BEST! We have seen him here at the Warfield the last three times he's been in town, and he never ceases to entertain, amuse, and captivate us all. . . it's great to know he's still out there pumping out his fantastic, unique brand of MUSIC!

The Warfield is not the best venue for a concert. The seats are cramped, the sound upstairs deplorable especially with the band. But having not really paid much attention to Ray Davies for almost 3 decades, it is clear that his ebullient and joyful spirit and compositional and performing genius has not diminished one iota. It was a really great show, just as every show I have ever had the pleasure to attend. One caveat - Why six songs from Village Green Preservation Society ?- a wonderful album indeed but there were many other songs from a multitude of albums which would have benefited from the choral framework. Personally I would enjoy a more diverse retrospective. And Ray, who gives a damn about those pathetic record business people who didn't appreciate your true and lasting genius. Suggestion: As one who has an amazing relationship with his fans - get some input from them on the songs they would like you to perform. I am pleased that many people will now get to know your music for the first time in the movie Pirate Radio. God Bless Ray Davies!

One would need to write two separate reviews for this show. My biggest gripe about Ray for many years now is his tendency to yell, rather than sing as well as his tendency to play with a band that is too loud, not doing justice to his amazing ballads. The five stars in my review apply to the second set. He started the evening sitting on a stool with an acoustic guitar, the way it should be with him in my opinion. He played a few oddities including I Need You and Ape-man, but then quickly moved into a greatest hit, electric set that was too loud and is virtually unchanged over the last 30 years. His best sounding material from this set was the newer songs, like Vietnam Cowboy. Thankfully that was just the first set. The focus on this tour is Ray's effort in bringing to life some of the Kink's music with the help and backing of a full choir. The second set is when the magic began to unfold and what we heard were songs that long-time, die-hard Kinks fans have waited all their lives to hear. He started the set by saying that he was going to play a couple of tunes from Arthur. When he said this, my mind ran with possibilities. I was disappointed to hear that Victoria was one of them, we've heard that a million times. But he did play Shangrila, and that was a treat. He explained his inspiration for the next song coming from a trip to India before launching into See My Friends, the droning sitar being replaced by the choir's droning, another treat. He went on to mention an album that, in terms of popular opinion and record sales, he says was a complete failure. To us Kinks fans, however, it contains quintessential songs that were part of the foundation of our love affair with this band. The album was The Village Green Preservation Society, and the treats started pouring from the stage. The most magical part of the evening was when Rav sang the melodic Village Green. It was soft and beautiful and Ray hit high notes that were buttery as he remembered an innocent place that he longed to return to. Picture Book, with it's fast paced look at why we take pictures.....scooby-dooby-do, was fantastic. He made his way through obscure classics like Johnny Thunder, Village Green Preservation Society, with it's tongue twisting list of things worth preserving from another, more idyllic time. Heck, just the closing line of that song made the evening worth while, "God Save the Village Green". He sang of similar sentimental feelings in Do you Remember Walter? The big surprise of the evening for me, however, was Big Sky. I couldn't have imagined hearing Ray sing that before last night. It was perfect. He rounded out the evening with a few other nice things to hear, but only one other gem, which was Days. There were several songs done that we've heard over and over for many years and I question his need to include You Really Got Me and All Day and All the Night in a set like this. It's as if he can't leave a single venue without playing those. And, while it's a great song, at least he didn't play Lola. It, like so many others is over played. Celluloid Heroes was beautiful and very well sung as were a couple of newer tunes. I don't have the full set list and I may be forgetting some classics. But it's the ones we're not used to hearing that stand out here. So, you see one really does need two separate reviews for this show. It was like two separate shows. But all in all, Ray delivered songs that hit the sweet spot of any long-standing Kinks fan or anyone who finds his older ballads and song writing abilities to be the gift to the world that is truly is. In my mind, in my dreams, I will always hold a special place for the Kinks and the bothers Davies and always........ I will return there and I'll see "Davies" and we'll sip tea, laugh, and sing about the Village Green. Thank you Ray, I bless the light the shines on you believe me.

After 40 plus years, the master commentator of English life and the human condition still presents a captivating aural and visual treat. The depth and expansiveness of the Davies' catalog was superbly showcased in the solo selections, those with his superb band and the incredible accompaniment of the 28 voice Chorale. The audience was treated to a terrifically satisfying 2 1/2 hour excursion into the magical storytelling, poetic vignettes and musicianship that made Davies an incomporable star. He remains at a level unmatched by any one individual. No artist draws an audience into the performance-and becoming part of the performance- like the erstwhile Kink. This visit to The Bay Area was a show to be savored and remembered.

Ray ROCKS! and the choir is awesome! Best Ray show I've seen, we had so much fun dancing around and the crowd around us were a total BLAST! Great setup at theWarfield, btw. I want to do it again!!!

Ray Davies is the best songwriter, ever. His shows are giant music hall singalongs; songs better than Cole Porter's, set to remarkable rock and roll, and, in this case, a lovely chorus. Who else's music could have stood up to this? Even those who do not know this huge catalog well will find scores of familiar lovelies. And there are hundreds more where those came from.

There's nothing like experience and Ray has it. I think Ray Davies puts on the best shows and I never miss one. It's also a pleasure to go to a concert and feel like the artist is glad to be there. Plus, Ray Davies is genuinely witty.

What can I say, this show exceeded all my expectations! Ray was great, he's still got it. He covered a wide selection of Kinks songs and a few of his own. The first half of the show is him and another guitarist doing acoustic set then the band comes on including Ian his original keyboardist. They rock and it was great to hear. The 2nd act he includes the choral arrangements and it was fantastically fun to hear. My only recommendation would have been to have the choir's sound mixed up a bit more to hear them a little better. But other than that it was great. He only is playing about 10 dates in the states so if you have a chance GO!

As usual Ray Davies was the ultimate entertainer using humor, satire and crowd involvement sing alongs to put on a great show!!!

Amazing concert...better than the real Kinks concerts I've seen in the past. Choir was an astounding addition to already great music. Ray Davies deserves accolades for his career and continuing innovation.

Show was great. The blend of acoustic, rock and the chorus was amazing. Ray still has it all; poetry, musicality, and showmanship. Only issue was the distorted sound when they were really rocking. Don't know if it was the acoustics of the Warfield or what. Who are the Vox Society Chorus ? Can't find them anywhere on the net. Now a dig on the theater. What's up with theatre policy where they continue seating people 30 minutes into the show? Come on people, get your act together.

Wow, what a night. Quiet, poetic, acoustic; a delightfully chanted 'See My Friend' and ROCK. Geez that was some show. Many of his classics included and they have lost none of their raw power. And best of all Ray was clearly having a ball. And so were we all - up and dancing in the aisles.