Nigel Farage has sparked another music-related controversy after using a famous 1980s hit at a Reform UK event. The political figure walked out to Dexys Midnight Runners’ “Come On Eileen,” prompting a sharp response from the band’s frontman. Kevin Rowland quickly made his position clear. The singer said he felt “disgusted” by the song choice and stressed that Dexys does not support Farage’s politics.
Dexys Midnight Runners’ Kevin Rowland condemns Nigel Farage for using ‘Come On Eileen’ at Reform UK conference
Farage chose “Come On Eileen” as his entrance music before his keynote speech at Reform UK’s annual conference in Birmingham. The official conference schedule shows the event ran at the National Exhibition Centre from Sept. 3 through Sept. 5.
Rowland responded in an Instagram post after learning about Farage’s song choice. He identified himself as the son of Irish immigrants and the main songwriter behind the hit.
“I am disgusted,” Rowland wrote before making his political opposition explicit. He added that he and the rest of Dexys were “passionately against Farage’s politics.”
The Guardian also reported Rowland’s criticism following Farage’s appearance. Farage entered the conference to the track before delivering his speech to party supporters.
Rowland also pointed to his Irish immigrant background while explaining his objection. His comments directly connected his personal history with his opposition to Farage’s political platform.
“Come On Eileen” remains Dexys Midnight Runners’ best-known hit. Official Charts shows the 1982 single spent four weeks at No. 1 in the United Kingdom. The track later reached No. 1 in the United States as well.
Its popularity has endured for decades, making it an instantly recognizable entrance song. However, Rowland clearly rejected any association between the track and the Nigel Farage Reform UK conference.
The Come On Eileen Nigel Farage controversy has now pushed the classic song into a fresh political discussion. Meanwhile, the Kevin Rowland-Nigel Farage clash leaves Dexys’ position unmistakably clear.
