The Kinks' Dave Davies describes 'toxic' relationship with brother Ray

The Kink's Dave Davies has opened up about the rivalry between himself and brother Ray, describing the relationship as "toxic" and comparing it to the parable of Cain and Abel.

The pair haven't graced the stage or the studio together since 1996, due to a breakdown of communications between the pair. It followed on from years and years of in-fighting within the band. However now the 50th anniversary is fast approaching there are discussions of whether or not the band could reform to celebrate it. 

"The thing is, there's healthy relationships, and toxic ones. And the older I get, the more difficult I find it being around Ray, because – I don't want to use the word abuse, but I feel my energy seeping away from me sometimes if I'm with him," Ray told The Independent.

"What's that fable about Cain and Abel?" he continued. "I can't quite remember the details of the dysfunction. But I don't want to be stuck in there, having jealousy and hatred and envy and being unhappy. And being with Ray for too long gets me back in that cycle. But then, families are difficult, and you can learn from discomfort. Ray and I have been each other's most important teachers. Maybe that's the clue to the whole relationship."

However he did state that despite the stress of their relationship they do still love each other. "It's like some people prefer me and Ray to be at each other's throats than to be brothers," he said. "In my thirties and forties, I resented the fact that Ray gave me so little credit for my input and creativity. But my love has always been relentlessly directed towards him."