Think you know everything about Dexys Midnight Runners? Think again.

This iconic band, best known for their timeless hit “Come On Eileen,” has a history as colorful and unpredictable as their fashion choices.

From bizarre rituals to bitter feuds, here are five hidden truths about Dexys that will make you hear their music in a whole new light.

1. The Band’s Name Was Inspired by a Drug (But Not the One You Think)

While many assume “Dexys” refers to dexamphetamine, a popular stimulant in the 1960s, the truth is far more mundane—and hilarious.

Frontman Kevin Rowland revealed the name actually came from “Dexedrine,” a brand of diet pills he stumbled upon in a magazine ad.

Talk about a branding twist no one saw coming!

2. They Once Fired Their Entire Horn Section… Mid-Tour

Dexys were notorious for their perfectionism, but things reached a boiling point during their 1980 tour.

After a disagreement over musical direction, Rowland abruptly dismissed the entire horn section—leaving them stranded in a foreign country with no pay.

The fallout was so messy it inspired their next album’s tense, emotional sound.

3. Their “Come On Eileen” Outfits Were a Political Statement

Those dungarees and scarves weren’t just a fashion choice—they were a middle finger to the establishment.

Rowland wanted the band to look like “working-class heroes,” deliberately rejecting the glam rock and punk aesthetics dominating the era.

Fun fact: The outfits were so unwashed during the “Eileen” shoot that the crew complained about the smell.

4. Kevin Rowland’s Unusual Pre-Show Ritual Involved… Crying

To channel raw emotion, Rowland would isolate himself before performances and make himself cry.

He believed tears unlocked a deeper connection to the music—a habit that left bandmates equal parts impressed and bewildered.

Who knew heartache could be a warm-up exercise?

5. They Disbanded Because of a Fight Over a *Banjo*

At the peak of their fame, Dexys imploded during a heated argument about—wait for it—whether to include a banjo on their next album.

Rowland stormed out, and the band split for over a decade, proving that even the smallest creative differences can have massive consequences.

So, the next time “Come On Eileen” comes on, remember: Behind those infectious melodies lies a band as chaotic and passionate as their music suggests.

Still think you know the whole story? Dig deeper—Dexys’ secrets are stranger than fiction.