Born in Wolverhampton, Kevin Rowland, 71, was a hairdresser earlier than forming Dexys Midnight Runners. The band had their first hit in 1980 with Geno. In 1982, Come On Eileen was Britain’s bestselling single; the next yr, it went to No 1 within the US. Over 5 many years, Dexys launched six studio albums together with The Feminine Divine in 2023. As a solo artist, Rowland launched two albums, The Wanderer in 1988 and My Magnificence in 1999. Bless Me Father, Rowland’s memoir, has simply been printed. He lives in London and has a daughter.
When had been you happiest?
On stage – the Outdated Vic in 1981 and Glastonbury final yr.
What’s your biggest concern?
Madness. I’m on a restoration programme – clear from medication and drink for a few years – and if I stopped doing all that stuff I’d go loopy fairly fast and choose up medication once more, as a result of I used to be an actual fucking addict.
What’s your earliest reminiscence?
Going faux fishing in County Mayo, Eire, with a stick and a little bit of string tied to it, once I was three or 4.
Which residing particular person do you most admire, and why?
Gerry Adams, as a result of he’s received unimaginable integrity and imaginative and prescient, and he’s needed to put up with a lot flak.
What would your superpower be?
Everlasting youth.
In the event you may carry one thing extinct again to life, what would you select?
The Labour get together.
Who’s your movie star crush?
Elizabeth Taylor when she was 40 years previous.
What do you most dislike about your look?
Don’t get me began!
What’s the worst factor anybody’s mentioned to you?
My dad mentioned, “You’re going nowhere.” I was seven or eight.
Would you select fame or anonymity?
Understanding what I do know now, I’d select anonymity – it’s higher for the soul.
What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
I watch loads of pranks on YouTube.
What has been your closest brush with the regulation?
I’ve been arrested about 15 instances. In 1980, I used to be attacked by 5 youths. I ran right into a constructing website and got here out with a scaffold pole and hit one throughout the again. As I had two earlier convictions for violence, it was trying like jail, however for a responsible plea, I received a nine-month suspended sentence.
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What did you dream about final night time?
I used to be in a social scenario however I didn’t have any trousers.
What’s the worst job you’ve achieved?
I labored within the shops of Edgware hospital once I was about 17, and it was gray and miserable.
What has been your largest disappointment?
My brother Pete passing on in 2005.
In the event you may edit your previous, what would you modify?
I’d have caught with the unique Dexys Midnight Runners look we began in 1978, which grew to become referred to as the New Romantic look a few years later. Our administration and file label talked us out of it. Later, Duran Duran and Spandau got here out with that look and that made us look old style.
What do you think about your biggest achievement?
The contentment I’ve now.
Would you relatively have extra intercourse, cash or fame?
Intercourse.
What’s a very powerful lesson life has taught you?
Shakespeare mentioned, “There may be nothing both good or unhealthy, however considering makes it so” – I feel that’s true.