The lead singer of Dexys Midnight Runners has shared a snap on the band’s Instagram – and he looks unrecognisable.
Kevin Rowland is the lead singer of the iconic 80s band – whose biggest smash was undoubtedly Come on Eileen in 1982 – and he also teased that Dexys have some “news coming”.
The 69-year-old pop star looked dapper in a red velvet jacket, cravat and rakish hat but world’s apart from the curly-haired, dungaree-wearing frontman of his heyday.
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Fans of the band were quick to call Kevin “stylish” and “awesome” and tell the Brummie native he was “looking good”.
(Image: dexysofficial/Instagram)
Back in the day, Kevin was known for his outrageous fedoras and for being very fashion-forward – he even donned stockings for an album cover in the late 90s – and it seems he’s still got that touch.
But the mop of hair is gone and now he wears distinguished horn-rimmed glasses.
(Image: Redferns)
After the runaway success of the band in the 80s, Kevin became addicted to cocaine and had “lots of demons and pain in him”.
He told Vice magazine: “I was a maniac. I could not stop taking it, no matter what the reason.
(Image: Redferns)
“But I got into a program of recovery in ’93, and that was like my protection.
“I’m still in it, and I’ve been clean ever since. I’m lucky. I’m blessed.”
There is also a darker element to wedding favourite Come On Eileen. Kevin claimed he had written the hit track but it was in fact down to his ex-bandmate Kevin Archer.
(Image: Redferns)
By 1997 Kevin was clear of drugs and aimed to right past wrongs and admitted to The Independent that he “stole” the song from Kevin and “made a lot of money”.
He went on: “I conned people all over the world, from the people close to me and the people I worked with to the fans, to the radio and TV programmers.
“To everybody I conned, I’m sorry. To my beautiful friend Kevin Archer, I love you, I’m sorry I hurt you.
(Image: dexysofficial/Instagram)
“I was jealous of you and your talent.
“You deserved better, I hope you get what you deserve.”
Dexys Midnight Runners reformed in 2003 and the band’s name has been officially shortened to “Dexys”.
Kevin has a daughter AJ and a grandson called Roo.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
