Dexy’s Whitley Bay Playhouse May 7th 2012
With the name streamlined from Dexys Midnight Runners to Dexys, last night’s gig was prior to the release of their fourth album, ‘One Day I’m Going To Soar’; the first Dexy’s album in 26 years. For this project Kevin Rowland’s Dexy’s features previous members Mick Talbot on keyboards, Pete Williams on vocals and Jim Paterson on trombone. It also features Neil Hubbard and Tim Cansfield on guitars, Madeleine Hyland on vocals, and Lucy Morgan on violin. This tour sees their first gigs for almost 10 years, taking in small theatres across the UK. Its 30 years since I last saw this band, and I have been really looking forward to it. I knew that this gig was sure to be something special, one way or the other. There was no support and no interval, with Dexy’s coming on stage at 8.30pm. Whitley Bay PLayhouse was packed and you could feel the anticipation. The band came on to a darkened stage, slick and smartly dressed in suits which looked like they had come from New York in the 20s. The show was very theatrical and is based on the story of a relationship between our hero Kevin and Madeleine Hyland, who first appeared on screen and later on stage in person. Kevin was as intense and passionate as ever, and at times I thought this was one of the best things I have ever seen. At other times, I felt the show crossed the line and became just a little too bizarre and absurd. The crowd clearly really enjoyed it, giving each and every song a tremendous reception. Laura, David and I were sitting in the second row and had a great view of the action. 
It was tremendous to be so close to such a great showman. The set consisted of the new album played through in its entirity, followed by an old Dexy’s song, which I must admit I didn’t know, with a rousing and joyful Come On Eileen as the closer. The crowd wouldn’t let the band leave without one more song, and they returned to play This Is What She’s Like. An astounding show, which at time hit great heights and depth. A night that none of the audience will forget for a long long time. Setlist: Now; Lost; Me; She Got A Wiggle; You; Thinking Of You; I’m Always Going To Love You; Incapable Of Love; Nowhere Is Home; Free; It’s OK John Joe, ?, Come On Eileen. Encore: This Is What She’s Like
8 May
Vintagerock's Weblog. 
Posted by nickduffy on May 8, 2012 at 10:25 am
I think the mystery song was “Old”, from Too-Rye-Ay
Posted by nickduffy on May 8, 2012 at 10:27 am
I think the mystery song was “Old” from the Too-Rye-Ay album
Posted by brian amin on May 8, 2012 at 11:39 am
i was there and it was dire. more like a cub scout gang show than a gig. the band looked and sounded a mess for the most part. 3/10.
Posted by vintagerock on May 8, 2012 at 12:22 pm
Hi understand your view. My son and daughter also thought it was poor. However there were times that I thought it was excellent. I did think it was a great performance from Kevin Rowland. Many in the crowd clearly thought it was great. I guess it comes down how much you are into Dexy’s and Kevin?
Posted by Disgruntled Dupe on May 8, 2012 at 4:16 pm
Must echo Brian – possibly one of the worst ‘musicals’ that I have ever had the mis-fortune to witness. Embarrassing…
Posted by PETER GUTHRIE on May 9, 2012 at 3:42 pm
KEVIN ROWLAND AT HIS VERY VERY BEST. BEST BRITISH BAND COME BACK EVER