Moby calls the Kinks’ “Lola” transphobic – Dave Davies responds with a statement from trans icon Jane County and defends his brother Ray’s musical legacy.
Moby recently drew attention with a controversial statement. He talked about a song that he could no longer listen to these days – and blamed The Kinks for one of their best-known titles. Dave Davies didn’t let that go. What is the dispute between the two musicians about?
Is the song “Lola” transphobic?
On Sunday, March 22, 2026, an interview with Moby with the Guardian was published. He talked about a particular song that he can no longer listen to these days: “Lola” by the band The Kinks. Moby accused them of being transphobic in the song. In the interview he said: “The Kinks’ ‘Lola’ popped up on a Spotify playlist and I thought the lyrics were disgusting and transphobic.” He continued: “I like their early songs, but I was really surprised at how immature the lyrics are.”
He did not specify which song lines he meant exactly. In the 1970 song, Ray Davies sings, among other things, translated into German: “Girls become boys and boys become girls / It’s a messed up, confused, topsy-turvy world – except for Lola.” At the time, the song was celebrated as an anthem for the LGBTQ scene. That was exactly the singer’s intention – as he once said about his song: “I’ve read up a little bit about drag queens. I admire everyone who pulls themselves together and becomes what they want to be.”
Dave Davies responds to the criticism
Dave Davies, brother and band member of Ray Davies, didn’t let the criticism sit. On the X platform he shared a statement that the band had received from trans icon and punk singer Jane County.
Dave Davies wrote: “I feel deeply offended that Moby would accuse my brother of being ‘undeveloped’ or transphobic in any way.”
Jane County’s statement said: “When I heard the song, I was both thrilled and amazed that the Kinks would sing a song about a trans person and wondered if anyone else had noticed! Who was cool or hip enough to realize what the Kinks were singing about! “Lola” will always be one of those songs that “broke the ice” so to speak! A song that breaks down barriers and brings a topic that was once taboo to the forefront and makes it sound natural to sing a song about a “girl” named Lola! I don’t think the radio stations picked up on the issue, but a lot of fans did, and that’s what really matters… Being trans myself, this will always be a very special song to me.”
