The siblings have both recently spoken positively about the chances of hitting the stage together to mark the band's 50th anniversary. But Dave - who next week plays his first hometown concert in 13 years - is more concerned about coming to terms with the "toxic" relationship he has with his elder brother.

He tells the Independent: "It's like some people prefer me and Ray to be at each other's throats than to be brothers. In my 30s and 40s I resented the fact that he gave me so little credit for my input and creativity. But my love has always been relentlessly directed towards him."

He continues: "The older I get, the more difficult I find it being around Ray. I don't want to use the word 'abuse' - but I feel my energy seeping away from me sometimes if I'm with him.

"I might be sitting in the room, feeling perfectly happy, and I start to feel really tired, and wonder why. I think, 'Oh, I've got to get out.' It's always been a part of his great talent that he's been able to extract elements of people's characters and energy; so I have to limit the time I spend with him."