Dedicated followers of The Kinks have something to celebrate

12 April 2007

DEDICATED followers of the Kinks will be able to pay homage to their heroes after a Fortis Green pub bowed to public pressure.

Band memorabilia has been on display at the Clissold Arms since the Kinks played their first gig there in 1963.

But rumours were rife that new developer Jobo, which took over the pub last year, was planning to sell the whole lot off at auction, sparking a storm of protest from Kinks fans around the world.

This week, Jobo director Caroline Jones said there would be no Waterloo Sunset over the band's shrine.

"In respect to the Kinks memorabilia and subsequent historical connection to the Clissold Arms, I would like to confirm we have no intention of removing it from the building. At no point did I use the word 'auction' or state that the Kinks' historical connection to the Clissold was not in keeping with the way we wish to run the pub," she said.

"Our only aim is to enhance both the natural features and atmosphere of the Clissold Arms and to provide a quality food offering."

Kinks frontman Dave Davies said: "I'm delighted with this news. If they do it in a respectful way and don't leave it near the toilet or anything, it's great. It's an important part of the pub's history.

"I've been getting emails from Japanese people every day saying they visit the Clissold Arms. They come over and visit the Tower of London and Big Ben then go to Fortis Green. It's bizarre, but it's sweet."

Both Dave and his brother Ray lived opposite the pub and were regulars after playing their first ever concert in a backroom there.

Since then fans from across the globe have made pilgrimages to the pub to pay their respects.

Items on display include signed copies of albums and photos of the band but an original guitar hung on the wall was stolen earlier this year whilst the pub was closed.

The Clissold Arms is being refurbished and will reopen as a gastro-pub this summer.