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 Preservation Society, as well as the Kinks Petition House 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 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 write
the AFM a letter. God Save the Kinks!
To listen to Metapop play music by the Kinks, press below:
