Originally formed in Birmingham in 1978, Dexys Midnight Runners based their sound around their love of 1960’s soul music. Fronted by enigmatic singer/songwriter Kevin Rowland, Dexys supported The Specials on a UK tour in 1979 when they were spotted by Clash manager, Bernie Rhodes, and quickly signed their first record deal with EMI. A UK # 1 hit followed in 1980 with “Geno” taken from their album “Searching For The Young Soul Rebels”.

In 1981 they changed their musical direction by melding the soul revival elements with Irish Folk, resulting in them becoming a household name in 1982 with the ever-popular ‘Come On, Eileen”, a #1 hit in the UK (the biggest selling single of that year for the UK), US and Australia. In 1985 they released the critically acclaimed album “Don’t Stand Me Down”, now recognised as an all-time classic, but 1987 saw the band break up for various reasons.

In 2003 the brilliance and longevity of Dexy’s work was recognised when they won the Classic Songwriters Award, and subsequently reformed. This DVD, filmed on November 7th 2003 at The Liverpool Royal Court Theatre, includes Kevin Rowland and Pete Williams sharing vocal duties, Mick Talbot and new recruit Lucy Morgan on violin. This concert shows that Dexys still have the power to captivate their audience in this intimate and highly entertaining show.

Tracklisting

1. The Waltz
2. Old
3. Let’s Make This Precious
4. Listen To This
5. I Couldn’t Help It If I Tried
6. Liars A To E
7. Soon
8. Geno
9. My Life In England (Part 1)
10. Until I Believe In My Soul
11. Tell Me When My Light Turns Green
12. Until I Believe In My Soul (Reprise)
13. Come On Eileen
14. Because of You
15. This Is What She’s Like
16. Nightshift
17. Manhood