Dexys Midnight Runners are an English pop group from Birmingham, formed in 1978 by lead singer, guitarist and songwriter Kevin Rowland (born August 17, 1953 in Wednesfield, Wolverhampton) with guitarist Kevin ‘Al’ Archer, Jim Paterson (trombone), Geoff ‘JB’ Blythe (saxophone), Steve ‘Babyface’ Spooner (alto saxophone), Pete Saunders (keyboard), Pete Williams (bass) and John Jay (drums). Dexys Midnight Runners’ name comes from the drug Dexedrine, however the band themselves adhered to a strict straight edge philosophy of ‘no drink or drugs’ in their early phase. They signed their first deal in 1979, and scored a UK Number 1 in 1980 with their song Geno. Dexys' first line-up split shortly afterwards, with five members leaving. Unthwarted by this development, Rowland signed a new record contract and pressed on and formed a new line-up. In 1982 they scored their second UK Number 1 single with Come On Eileen, which also hit the top in the US. (Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
