Featured Article Summary #23

The Kinks embarked on their first US concert tour in 1965 as part of a larger world tour. However, the tour was met with numerous issues between the band, their management, and local promoters. Complaints were filed over the band's conduct and the American musicians' union withheld work permits from them, effectively banning them from performing in the US for four years. The concerts themselves featured screaming fans and weak sound systems, and some shows were poorly attended due to lack of promotion and advertising. Disagreements over payment and union contracts also added to the tour's problems. The band's personal manager, Larry Page, left during the tour, causing further tension. As a result of the ban, the Kinks saw a decline in record sales in the US and focused their songwriting on more English influences. The ban was eventually lifted in 1969 and the band made a successful comeback tour. The Kinks' personal manager, Larry Page, planned a US tour for the band in 1965 following their earlier success in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the UK. Page hoped to break them into the American market before the Rolling Stones, who he felt were underpromoted. The Kinks had experienced some success in the US with their singles and album, and a US tour was seen as a crucial step in their career. However, the band faced issues with trade unions and also had a reputation for violence and aggression, causing tension within the group. Despite this, they regrouped and performed a concert and made television appearances before heading on their US tour. The Kinks and the Moody Blues were meant to be joint headliners for their 1965 US tour, but the Moody Blues couldn't enter the country, so they were replaced by other acts including the Supremes and the Dave Clark Five. The Kinks' set was around 40 minutes long and they played their hit single "You Really Got Me" at the start and in the middle of their shows. They wore matching red jackets and frilly shirts, which was part of their image rework. The sound quality at their shows was poor and Dave had to replace his guitar after his main one was lost by an airline. They were accompanied on tour by their manager and a road manager. After some changes to the tour dates, including cancellations and additions, The Kinks signed contracts for their US tour. They also had to fill out forms to join the American Federation of Musicians (AFM), which was required to work in the country. Lead singer Ray Davies had reservations about signing the paperwork, but ultimately agreed to go after receiving support from his father to help care for his newborn child. The Kinks arrived in New York City and immediately appeared on a TV show to promote their latest single. Their first show of the tour was filled with issues, such as a dispute over billing and the arrest of a band member. They also faced fanatical behavior from teenage girls and tensions within the band. The tour received little coverage in local newspapers and the band struggled with financial issues and poor organization from promoters.