Moby’s Criticism of “Lola” Sparks Controversy
Moby has stirred up some tension with his remarks on the Kinks, specifically targeting their classic track “Lola.” He referred to the song as “unevolved” and expressed shock at its lyrics during a recent show.
“I was listening to ‘Lola’ on my Spotify and honestly, I found the lyrics quite offensive and transphobic,” Moby stated. He added that while he appreciates their early works, he was taken aback by how the lyrics hadn’t changed much over time.
This comment did not sit well with Dave Davies, the brother of Kinks’ frontman Ray Davies. He took to social media to express his displeasure, even referencing transgender punk rocker Jayne County in his response.
In his post, Davies conveyed his hurt over Moby’s comments, saying, “I am extremely insulted that MOBY has accused my brother of being ‘unevolved’ or transphobic in any way,” quoting County’s words in the process.
County is well-known for her presence in the punk scene during the 1970s and made waves as a pioneering transgender figure in music.
Moby, whose real name is Richard Hall, hasn’t been active on social media recently. However, he has a history of sharing insightful, albeit sometimes controversial, takes.
Released in 1970, “Lola” tells the story of a young man falling for a drag queen in a Soho nightclub—a bold narrative for its time amid societal challenges regarding gender identity.
The song famously explores themes of gender fluidity with lines like, “Girls become boys, boys become girls. It’s a jumbled, confused world, except for Lola.” It achieved major commercial success, hitting number one in the UK and entering the top ten in the US, cementing its status as a timeless classic.
Ray Davies reflected on the song in a 2020 interview, stating that he researched drag culture, expressing admiration for those who live authentically. Despite Moby’s comments, he hasn’t elaborated on what he found objectionable about “Lola.”
At 60, Moby remains a significant figure in the music world, known for his successful career in the ’90s and his activism in animal rights and veganism.
