Peter Quaife Blue Plaque

About This Blue Plaque

Peter Quaife, born in 1943, was a co-founder and the original bassist of the influential British rock band, The Kinks. Along with his bandmates, brothers Ray and Dave Davies, Quaife helped shape the sound of the 1960s with hits like “You Really Got Me,” “All Day and All of the Night,” and “Waterloo Sunset.”

Quaife attended Fortismere School in Muswell Hill, a suburb of north London located in the Borough of Haringey. It was here that he met the Davies brothers and formed the early incarnation of The Kinks. The band’s gritty, guitar-driven sound and observational lyrics about English life set them apart from their contemporaries and earned them a dedicated following.

As a member of The Kinks from 1963 to 1969, Quaife contributed to the band’s first five studio albums and numerous hit singles. His solid bass playing and harmonies were integral to the group’s success. After leaving the band, Quaife pursued various musical projects and also worked as a graphic artist. He sadly passed away in 2010 at the age of 66. This blue plaque, erected in 2011 at his former school, serves as a fitting tribute to Quaife’s legacy and his role in shaping British rock music.

The Borough of Haringey, where Fortismere School is located, has a rich musical heritage. In addition to being the birthplace of The Kinks, it was also home to other notable artists such as the punk band The Damned and the reggae group Matumbi. The area’s vibrant music scene continues to inspire new generations of musicians.