Kinks fans on last concert quest
A group of Norwegians on a quest have started to make annual pilgrimages to a Muswell Hill pub in an attempt to answer a riddle that has puzzled them for more than a decade.
The question might not be at the top of everyone's list, but for this group of die-hard fans there is nothing more pressing.
Kai Arne Armann co-edits The Kinks fan website WhyKinks, and helps organise the trip from Oslo to The Clissold Arms, the fabled site of the band's first-ever performance, and other Kinks-related sites each December.
He said: "The Kinks' last public concert ever took place in Oslo on June 15, 1996. We were there, and our friends and family too.
"Since Oslo is our home town we felt we had to understand the mystery - why was The Kinks' last concert held in Oslo?"
In an effort to solve the conundrum - and enjoy a holiday abroad - the mission was set.
Kai said: "When Ray Davies visits Oslo with his Storyteller show, we understand that we have to look for the answers in the society where the founding members of the world's greatest rock and roll band ever grew up.
"We found our way in the songs of The Kinks and those made by Dave and Ray Davies after their sad visit to Oslo."
He added: "This pilgrimage tour is a small homage to the band, a way of getting even more out of their music, and meeting other fans.
"We also hope we can bring some inspiration and joy to our readers."
Kai has already racked up over 7,000 miles making the journeys, and was joined last year by the frontman of Norway's Kinks covers band.
"The Kinks have a timeless appeal," said Kai. "The only way to understand our dedication is to listen to their music and their lyrics - and let the Sunny Afternoon glide into a Waterloo Sunset, wondering Where Have All The Good Times Gone, then they Really Got you All Day And All Of The Night.
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Muswell Hill
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