BBC News, West Midlands
BBCDexys Midnight Runners frontman Kevin Rowland has spoken of his love for Wolverhampton.
He said growing up there had been “magical”, adding he continued to support Wolves when, aged 11, his family moved to London where he was teased at school for his Wolverhampton accent.
Rowland – known for songs including Come on Eileen and Geno – shared the memories while in contemplative mood for the release of his autobiography Bless Me Father.
The 71-year-old revealed that away from his “very strict” Irish Catholic family, he had a “wild side” growing up, and recalled a time he got caught shoplifting at a shop on Dudley Road.
His brother had told him to “just grab anything, don’t matter what it is,” he said. Rowland helped himself to a tin of dog food and was spotted by the cashier.
Memories of Wolverhampton also include the music and fashion of the time.
“I can remember standing outside the ABC in Wolverhampton,” he said, “watching them all queuing up, all the teddy boys with their cool haircuts, winkle-pickers, tight trousers; girls with their beehives – incredible.”
When his family moved to London, he said he was laughed at because of his “broad Wolverhampton accent”, when he gave a speech in school assembly.
But he said he was determined to continue attending Wolves matches, despite living in Harrow, although he was becoming “obsessed with the singing”.
Getty ImagesAfter starting out in his brother’s band, he said he felt he had a “blank page” when he started Dexys Midnight Runners.
He said there was a determination to make it work and he insisted all the band members he recruited had to quit their jobs and practice eight hours a day, five days a week for six months until they were ready to perform.
When they found success in the 1980s he said he felt “vindicated” for his persistence, but he also had regrets.
He said: “It was so many boys and girls’ dream and it was certainly my dream to have the success that I had, but I wish I’d been able to enjoy it more.
“I got stressed out really and took it all a bit seriously and didn’t go out much and enjoy it. I just kind of worked.”
Rowland said he still loved music though and he planned to release a new album next year.
“I do feel like I’ve got a second wind,” he said. “I don’t know where it comes from.”