Dexys Rowland disgusted by Reform UK’s ‘Come on Eileen’ use
When Rock Meets Politics: Dexys Midnight Runners React to Political Use of ‘Come On Eileen‘
The world of music often exists in a strange intersection with politics, and recently, the band Dexys Midnight Runners decided to draw a clear line in the sand. Frontman Kevin Rowland publicly voiced his disgust over the use of their iconic song, ‘Come On Eileen’, by right-wing political figures during a recent conference.
The friction escalated when the song was played as the entrance music for Nigel Farage as he walked onto the stage at the NEC in Birmingham. Rather than letting the music be used without context, Rowland and the rest of Dexys took to social media to make their opposition clear.
Rowland shared a stark message, pointing out the hypocrisy of using their music for political ends. He stated that he, as the main songwriter of the hit, and the entire band, are passionately against Farage’s politics.
In the post, Rowland framed the use of their song not merely as a copyright issue, but as a political statement. He remarked that he and his band felt disgusted that the song was employed to facilitate a political entrance, emphasizing the divide between artistic expression and partisan rhetoric.
This sentiment is not new for Dexys, who have long positioned themselves as outspoken critics of mainstream narratives. Rowland has consistently used his platform to address wider social and economic issues. For instance, in 2022, the band joined forces with Primal Scream to release ‘Enough Is Enough’, a track dedicated to the plight of railway workers and a call against growing inequality.
Rowland has often reflected that the media and political systems create confusion, pushing people toward divisive issues like Brexit and culture wars, while ignoring fundamental needs. As he once noted, “We are saying enough is enough.”
Dexys’ history of collaboration further underscores their willingness to use music as a vehicle for advocacy. Earlier this year, Rowland teamed up with a formidable lineup including Paul Weller, Madness, Sex Pistols, Glen Matlock, and Andy McKay from Roxy Music to form a supergroup for a one-off gig. This event, organized by Artists for Gaza, raised crucial funds for the Health Workers 4 Palestine’s Gaza Medics Solidarity Fund, demonstrating the band’s commitment to causes beyond themselves.
Now, as the band prepares for the release of their latest album, ‘Love’, they are back on the road. With new tour dates across the UK and Europe, including stops in Stockholm, Berlin, and across France, Dexys continue to blend their powerful musical legacy with their ongoing commitment to speaking truth to power.
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