Kevin Archer

Biography

Kevin Archer (known as "Al" Archer) is an English songwriter and guitarist who co-founded the pop group Dexys Midnight Runners in 1978 alongside frontman Kevin Rowland. The two had previously played together in the punk band The Killjoys. Archer used the pseudonym "Al" because Rowland reportedly decided the band was not large enough to accommodate two people named Kevin.

Archer was a major creative force during the band's early era. He co-wrote several tracks on their acclaimed 1980 debut album Searching for the Young Soul Rebels, including their first UK number-one hit single, "Geno". Exhausted by the heavy touring schedule and frustrated by Rowland's dominant leadership style, Archer left Dexys in early 1981.