Ray Davies has been appointed artistic director of next year's Meltdown festival at the Southbank Centre in London. The former Kinks frontman follows in the footsteps of Morrissey, Jarvis Cocker and Patti Smith to curate the annual music and art event.
Davies said he was "thrilled" to be asked, adding: "My wish for Meltdown 2011 is that it will be a creative celebration through the decades. A bridge between past, present and future."
Since starting out with the Kinks in the 60s, Davies has scored many hits and cultivated an esteemed musical legacy. Over the last few decades he has forged a successful solo career, and recently recorded Kinks songs with artists such as Metallica, Mumford & Sons and Bruce Springsteen for the album See My Friends.
"His songwriting has kept him on our turntables, on our iPods and in our hearts, and his skills as a storyteller make him a tantalising choice as Meltdown director," said Jane Beese, senior music programmer at the Southbank Centre.
Jude Kelly, the venue's artistic director, added: "Enigmatic, provocative and literate – his razor-sharp observations on British society have coloured perceptions of ourselves for nearly 50 years."
Davies has yet to select performers for the festival, which will take place on 10-19 June 2011. Next year will mark the 18th annual Meltdown festival, an event that has handed over creative control to the likes of Laurie Anderson, Massive Attack and David Bowie since its inception in 1993. Last year's Meltdown was curated by Richard Thompson.
The lineup for the 2011 festival will be announced next year. The Observer is Meltdown's official media partner.
For more information visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk/meltdown