Kinks Guitarist Defends 'Lola' After Moby Calls It 'Unevolved'

Dave Davies fires back at Moby's criticism of the Kinks' classic song about a young man falling for a drag queen.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 10:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Legendary Kinks guitarist Dave Davies has hit back at music producer Moby for criticizing the band's classic song 'Lola' as 'unevolved' and 'transphobic.' Davies defended the 1970 hit, which features lyrics about a young man's encounter with a drag queen, invoking the support of transgender punk icon Jayne County. Moby had called the song's lyrics 'gross' in a recent interview, but Davies and the Kinks maintain the track was a brave statement about gender identity at the time of its release.

Why it matters

The dispute highlights ongoing debates around the cultural impact and legacy of classic rock songs that touch on LGBTQ+ themes and identities. As attitudes have evolved, some older songs have faced renewed scrutiny, leading to discussions about artistic intent, societal context, and the need to balance criticism with appreciation for groundbreaking works.

The details

In a scathing X post, Dave Davies took exception to Moby's criticism, invoking the support of transgender punk icon Jayne County, a regular at the legendary CBGB's club in the 1970s. Davies defended the Kinks' song, which features lyrics about a young man falling for a drag queen, as a 'brave statement' about gender identity at the time of its release. The track was a major hit, reaching #1 in the UK and the top 10 in the US.

  • The Kinks released 'Lola' in 1970.
  • Moby made his critical comments about the song in a recent interview published on March 22, 2026.

The players

Dave Davies

The guitarist for the legendary British rock band the Kinks, and the brother of the band's frontman and songwriter Ray Davies.

Moby

A noted American musician, songwriter, DJ, and music producer who rose to fame in the 1990s as a major figure in the electronic and dance music scenes.

Jayne County

A transgender punk icon and regular performer at the legendary CBGB's club in New York City during the 1970s punk explosion, formerly known as Wayne County.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“To @thelittleidiot Moby's criticism of our song LOLA these are the words sent to me and Ray from our dear friend trans icon @jaynecounty27 #JayneCounty. I am highly insulted that MOBY would accuse my brother of being 'unevolved' or transphobic in any way.”

— Dave Davies, Kinks Guitarist

“I did a bit of research with drag queens. I admire anyone who can get up and be what they want to be.”

— Ray Davies, Kinks Frontman and Songwriter

What’s next

It remains to be seen if Moby will respond further to the Kinks' defense of their iconic song 'Lola' and its cultural significance.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the ongoing need to thoughtfully re-examine the legacy of classic rock songs that touch on LGBTQ+ themes, balancing criticism with an appreciation for their groundbreaking artistic merit and societal impact at the time of their release.