Kevin Rowland of Dexys Midnight Runners has criticised Reform UK for using their song 'Come On Eileen' at a recent conference. The band stated they are "disgusted" by the use and "passionately against Nigel Farage’s politics".
The song was played last week on Friday, September 4, when leader Nigel Farage walked onto the stage at the NEC in Birmingham. Following this, the band used their social media channels to express their disapproval of the 1980s hit being used without their permission.
Rowland, who is the son of Irish immigrants and the main songwriter of 'Come On Eileen', clarified his position, stating he was "disgusted to learn that Nigel Farage has used our Dexys Midnight Runners’ song to make his entrance for his party conference speech." He added, "Myself, and all of Dexys are passionately against Farage’s politics."
The band also shared an image of a UK billboard showing Farage alongside the message: "He blames migrants so you don’t blame billionaires."
Dexys Midnight Runners released their latest album, 'Love', last Friday, and began their tour in Glasgow on the same day. The European leg of their tour is scheduled to start next month, with dates in Stockholm on October 4, followed by performances in Germany, France, and other locations before returning to the UK.