CHART topping 1980s band Dexys Midnight Runners – now known as Dexys – will release an album of traditional Irish songs.
The band, best known for the 1982 hit single Come On Eileen, had first planned to release the album 30 years ago.
“We had the idea to do this album in 1984 or 1985,” lead singer Kevin Rowland told NME.
“It was to be called Irish and was to feature songs like Carrickfergus, Curragh of Kildare and Women Of Ireland, all of which are featured here.”
The band split in 1986 and as a result the album never materialised.
Rowland was born in Wolverhampton to parents from Crossmolina in Co. Mayo and was eager to explore his Irish roots in a way that was unique to Dexys.
“The album is called Dexys Do Irish and Country Soul - do it, not become it,” he said.
“We’re not trying to be Irish, and we haven’t used too many Celtic instruments on there. It’s our sound. We’re bringing our style to these songs.”
Dexys reunited in 2012 releasing their first album in 27 years – and Dexys Do Irish and Country Soul will be their fifth studio album.
“We have put probably more care and attention into these songs than we might have done with our own songs, because the odds were high,” Rowland added.
“It was important to get them right, and make sure every one of them felt relevant to us.”
The album will be released on June 3.
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