All Day and All of the Night (Live 1980)

The Zoo Crew is spinning a classic tonight with The Kinks' "All Day and All of the Night (Live 1980)" from their live album One For The Road, a track that’s got the Zoo Freaks buzzing! This high-energy performance, recorded at The Barn, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, on March 3, 1979, captures the band’s raw power during their arena rock phase. Fun fact: the drums on the original 1964 studio version weren’t played by The Kinks’ drummer Mick Avory but by session drummers Clem Cattini or Bobby Graham, as producer Shel Talmy wanted seasoned pros for the early hits. Avory took over for live performances and later recordings, including this 1980 live cut, where his punchy drumming shines. There’s also been speculation about whether Jimmy Page played guitar on the original track, but both Ray Davies and Page have denied he played the lead, with Page possibly contributing rhythm on some early Kinks sessions. The song’s iconic riff was so influential that it inspired tracks like The Who’s “I Can’t Explain” and The Doors’ “Hello, I Love You,” though The Doors admitted to borrowing it!

Another tidbit comes from social media, where @TheKinks celebrated the song’s legacy, noting on October 23, 2019, that it hit number 2 in the UK and number 7 in the US charts in 1964. Fans on Songfacts have called it one of The Kinks’ most raucous performances, with some claiming it outshines even “You Really Got Me.” The live version on One For The Road showcases Dave Davies’ blistering guitar work, which one reviewer on Brutally Honest Rock Album Reviews praised as rivaling top guitarists of 1980. The song’s enduring appeal is evident in covers by bands like The Stranglers, who gave it a sleeker spin, and its quirky use in a mid-1990s Pepto-Bismol commercial featuring a classic car and Randy’s Donuts in Los Angeles.

The Kinks began in London in 1963, formed by brothers Ray and Dave Davies alongside Pete Quaife and Mick Avory. Emerging during the British rhythm and blues and Merseybeat craze, they quickly stood out with their gritty, R&B-infused sound. Their breakthrough came with “You Really Got Me,” written by Ray in their parents’ front room and powered by Dave’s aggressive guitar riffs, which hit number 1 in the UK and cracked the US Top 10. This success paved the way for “All Day and All of the Night,” cementing their influence on garage rock, punk, and heavy metal. Despite a 1965 US touring ban that limited their early American reach, The Kinks evolved, with Ray’s witty, satirical songwriting reflecting English culture in songs like “Waterloo Sunset.” By the late 1970s, albums like Low Budget and the live One For The Road marked a commercial resurgence, making them arena rock stars in the US.

Fans can dive deeper into The Kinks’ world through their official channels: visit thekinks.info for news and history, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates and nostalgic posts. For community vibes, check out fan-driven spaces like the Kinks Fan Club on Facebook or explore KindaKinks.net, a fan site packed with discographies and trivia. These platforms keep the spirit of The Kinks alive for longtime Zoo Freaks and new listeners alike!