Dexys Midnight Runners

by Richard White

Dexys Midnight Runners were one of the most misunderstood and overlooked groups of the 1980s. At the centre of it all was their front man and originator Kevin Rowland, with a reputation for maintaining control and domination over Dexys at all costs. Author Richard White has conducted in-depth interviews with former members of the band. It sheds new light on the Dexys legend including the fractious period of writing and recording the classic "Come on Eileen", one of the biggest selling singles in UK history and its parent album "Too Rye Ay". While celebrating their achievements on record and on stage, this book also uncovers aspects of Rowlands working methods in the studio and the subsequent fall-out and break-ups that ensued. It details Kevin Rowland's return and the latest Dexys re-invention, championed on a triumphant tour in 2003.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Biography

218 pages, Hardcover

First published October 9, 2005

About the author

Richard White is the author of many acclaimed histories, including the groundbreaking study of the transcontinentals, Railroaded, winner of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, the Francis Parkman Prize, and a Pulitzer Prize finalist. He is Margaret Byrne Professor of American History, Emeritus, at Stanford University, and lives near Palo Alto, California.

Reviews

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating read of the genius of Kevin Rowland & the rollercoaster ride he & his band Dexy's took in the '80s. All the players are present, minus Rowland himself, which is unfortunate but expected, but there are enough of the great man's choice quotes from archive interviews to keep it rounded.