Dave Davies has softened earlier remarks about The Beatles, saying anyone would be “a fool” not to like them while still describing John Lennon as “difficult”. The Kinks guitarist praised George Harrison’s thoughtfulness and acknowledged Paul McCartney’s kind comments about his band, framing the long-running rivalry as largely personal between Lennon and his brother Ray Davies.

Davies said Lennon was protective of The Beatles’ equipment when the bands performed together and expressed anger at Lennon’s 1980 murder, calling it a waste. The groups’ rivalry dates back to a 1964 Bournemouth show, shortly before The Kinks’ ‘You Really Got Me’ became their first UK number one; Davies’ comments came while he and Ray promoted their London art exhibition, which runs until 6 September.