The main memory that I have from The Kinks at the Paladium has nothing to do with the music but all to do with what went on outside the venue before the show.

My friend Joe was partying with some new friends outside the Paladium and I had stepped away but was nearby. He seemed to be getting along just fine with the three or four guys when something must have been said by someone and the next thing I know they had him up against the wall.

Joe was getting the worst of it and we were clearly out numbered so I charged at one if them and they all went running. As they were going full tilt toward the entrance one of them slipped, fell hard, popped back up and ran limping away. A security guard told me that he thought the guy who fell may have broken his leg; I did not feel especially bad for him as they had apparently jumped my friend unprovoked. His earring was askew and he was slightly bloodied up but none the worst for wear and we continued on to the show.

The Kinks have decades of hits and I believe Sleepwalker was big at the time. Years later I would catch Ray Davies solo at the former Westbury Music Fair with a storyteller type format. This was such an interesting and entertaining way to see Ray Davies; it was one of those unexpected great concerts that happen every so often if you attend enough shows.

There is still talk of a possible Kinks reunion for their 50th anniversary. Ray and Dave Davies with a full band for one last go around could be a lot of fun.

I’m Not Like Everybody Else

Rock on

GQ