Kevin Rowland In-Conversation with Richard Balls on his memoir ‘Bless Me Father, A life story’
Kevin Rowland In-Conversation with Richard Balls. Marking the paperback publication of Kevin’s memoir ‘Bless Me Father, A life story’.
Join ‘Dexy’s Midnight Runners’ iconic frontman Kevin Rowland, one of the great mavericks and creative geniuses of British music, for a truly special evening discussing his astonishing and subversive memoir, ‘Bless Me Father’.
Kevin will be In-Conversation with acclaimed music biographer Richard Balls, (‘A Furious Devotion: The Life of Shane MacGowan’, ‘Sex & Drugs & Rock ‘n’ Roll: The Life of Ian Dury’).
From the juvenile courts of his troubled teenage years to the early days of the New Romantic scene in the late ’70s and beyond, Kevin Rowland will recount his darkest hours, deepest desires and greatest joys.
With a truly rare degree of self-insight, the maverick and influential songwriter gives a deeply personal account of an extraordinary life.
The searingly honest, best-selling and critically acclaimed memoir from Dexys’ iconic frontman, one of the great mavericks and creative geniuses of British music.
“Warts and all, mainly my own.”
This event will mark the publication of the paperback edition of ‘Bless Me Father, A life story’ is published by Ebury Spotlight. Following the event Kevin will be signing copies of his book. Copies will be available to buy at the ICC on the night, or in advance from Ebury Spotlight price £12.99.
Kevin Rowland photo credit – Nicky Johnston
Doors: 7pm; Starts: 7.30pm
Tickets: £8 / £20 (Ticket and preorder book)
About Kevin Rowland
Kevin Rowland is a British singer-songwriter, best known as the frontman of the influential band Dexys (formerly Dexys Midnight Runners), who rose to prominence in the eighties with their first number one ‘Geno’ and later with their iconic hit ‘Come On Eileen’, Britain’s bestselling single in 1982.
Kevin’s career has spanned five decades and eight albums, marked by his distinctive voice, eclectic style, and passionate performances. With a reputation for reinvention and a relentless pursuit of artistic integrity, Kevin has left an indelible mark on the music industry, and continues to tour and release new music.
About Richard Balls:
Richard Balls is an acclaimed music writer and the author of A Furious Devotion: The Life of Shane MacGowan, Be Stiff: The Stiff Records Story, and Sex, Drugs, Rock ‘n’ Roll: The Life of Ian Dury. A newspaper journalist for 20 years, he now works in communications.
What the Press say about ‘Bless Me Father, A life story’
“I have never read a music autobiography like it. Or any other come to that. You want to say, “Kev, don’t be saying that” But he does, repeatedly. Buyer beware. But it is absolutely stone cold hard truth BRILLIANT. …” Danny Baker, X
“Blazingly honest … a confessional book — at times almost recklessly candid — but
it’s also a profoundly sad family memoir that grapples with Rowland’s lifelong desire
for approval from his Irish parents, especial …” Victoria Segal, The Sunday Times
“remarkably candid, gripping … the book is confessional, contrite to an extraordinary
degree, and packed with granular detail”. Shaun Curran, The i Paper
“raw, startling, ultimately a triumphant book”. Fergal Kinney, The Observer
“A picaresque story, and Rowland tells it with an impressive lack of self-pity… powerful and oddly persuasive. Even as he seems to despair of himself, you wind up rooting for Rowland”. The Guardian
“Rowland has gone through the mill and produced a powerful account of his life… [he] has raised the game for autobiographies by musicians… a thrilling tale … He deserves to savour his terrific career and this marvellous book about a life less ordinary”. Irish Times
“The first half is so out there, if you didn’t know it was about a young man who went on to form a band and enjoy several Top 20 hits and a global No 1 with ‘Come On Eileen’ you’d think, wow, these are the formative years of a future jailbird. Or someone now dead … It’s unflinching, insightful and sometimes hilarious”. The Times
You may also like
Crime Writer Paul Charles is In-Conversation with best selling author Mark Billingham; To mark the launch of Paul’s latest novel “Hi Love You Just Dropped Your Glove”
Thu 16 April 2026
Read More
Delving into Dubliners – A Talk with Donal Manning
Born in Dublin, Donal Manning brings a lifetime of study and reflection to James Joyce’s Dubliners, his most widely read work. Though deceptively simple, close study of the stories uncovers rich layers of meaning and context. In this talk, Donal discusses the collection in general and concentrates on several selected stories to show that close engagement with Dubliners is a deeply rewarding exercise.
Wed 06 May 2026
Read More
The past, present and future of the Irish Pub
This event marks the recent publication of a ground-breaking volume on the Irish pub from Cork University Press.
Thu 07 May 2026
Read More
Paul Muldoon: A History of Ireland in 12 Poems
One of Ireland’s leading Poets, Paul Muldoon will be at the ICC for a special night of Poetry Readings. Featuring poems on the Vikings, the Normans, the English, the Troubles of the second half of the 20th century, as well as more recent events in Ireland.
Wed 13 May 2026
Read More
