Ray Davies delays sale of Konk studio

Former Kinks frontman Ray Davies is delaying the sale of the legendary Konk studios in London, he has told the BBC.

Konk was set up in the early 1970s by The Kinks as their private studio, but also played hosts to the likes of Thin Lizzy, Blur and The Kooks.

Last year, the property was offered for £2m as a "development opportunity".

But Davies said: "It was up for sale but I've got another record I've got to do so we're debating what to do now. It's open for discussion."

The Kinks, one of the UK's most influential bands with hits like You Really Got Me and Lola, purchased Konk in 1971 and began recording there two years later.

It remained their main studio until they disbanded in 1996.

In 2008, Brighton band The Kooks recorded their second album at the studio, naming the LP Konk. It topped the UK album chart.

"There's a lot of history with The Kinks, we bought it as a hangout really, somewhere we could rehearse and record and it mushroomed into a studio," said Davies.

"We've had some really good acts over the years come here. We're doing the best we can."

Schoolboys film plans

Davies has also confirmed that White Stripes singer Jack White is in talks to record the music for a film version of The Kinks' 1975 concept album Schoolboys In Disgrace.

The project is being developed by former Police Academy actor and film director Bobcat Goldthwait.

"He's written a great script, we've got the money to do it but he's got another movie to do and then he's thinking about doing Schoolboys later this year or early next year," said Davies.

He added: "Bobcat's got a really good vision of what he wants. Once the script's been approved, I never interfere with a director and what they want."

Praising White, Davies said the singer and musician would bring a "great anarchic sound".

"He's a great technical player and would bring some great anarchy to it, which is in keeping with the script."

Davies is also the curator of this year's Meltdown arts and music festival on London's South Bank and will close the event on 19 June with a joint performance with the London Philharmonic Orchestra.