Kinks frontman shot

The Kinks frontman Ray Davies was recovering yesterday after being shot in the leg by a mugger.

Davies, 58, who penned Waterloo Sunset, was fired on as he chased two men who had snatched a bag belonging to a woman he was with.

He was in New Orleans, Louisiana, at the time of the attack, city police said.

"He was walking east of the French Quarter with a female friend. Two men walked up. They apparently took the female friend's purse. He chased them," said Captain Marlon Defillo.

"One of those persons turned and shot him in the leg and we have arrested one person."

Captain Defillo said Davies was taken to a local hospital and was treated before being released. His injuries were not serious, the officer said.

The woman was not injured.

Davies was awarded a CBE last week in the New Year honours list for services to music.

The Kinks were one of the most influential bands of the 1960s. The group's influence on acts like Oasis and Blur earned Davies the accolade Godfather of Britpop.

He continues to write and perform four decades later.

Just days ago in Boston, he leapt up from the audience to join a 70s cover band called Soft Rock Bottom in a rendition of his hit You Really Got Me.

Born in Muswell Hill, north London, Davies studied at art college and formed his first band, The Ray Davies Quartet, with his brother Dave.

In 1963 he changed the name to The Kinks and the band Ray, Dave, Pete Quaife and Mick Avory had their first number one a year later with You Really Got Me.

A string of hits followed, with Tired Of Waiting For You and Sunny Afternoon both reaching the top of the charts.