The Kinks, one of the most indisputably innovative rock bands of all time, were banned by the American Federation of Musicians back in 1965. The ban lasted until 1969, and caused much hardship for the Kinks. Although the AFM arguably displayed due diligence and the best interests of their membership, it is obvious it was mostly based on an inability to see and accept the Kinks on their own grounds, and instead was based on a rigid outlook on what constituted the behaviour of a 'professional musician'. Despite the fact that the Kinks were inaugurated into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame almost 20 years ago, the AFM has never publically and officially apologized to the Kinks for the extreme inconvenience it caused the band. To honour Ray Davies' 65th birthday, as well as the 45th anniversary of their ground-breaking single, You Really Got My, and their equally-ground-breaking album, Arthur, or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire, the Kinks Apology Committee Preservation Society, as well as the Kinks Petition Sub-Committee on Un-American Federation Activities, comprised of a few members of the AFM (but not officially sanctioned), feel a public statement, including an official apology, from the AFM International Executive would be a positive step in improving the AFM's image and credibility with today's rock musicians. If you would like to support our endeavors, please follow the links and sign the petition and write the AFM a letter. God Save the Kinks!
