The last time Kevin Rowland appeared on a British stage, he was recovering from cocaine addiction and therapy. He was also wearing a dress and being bottled off by the 1999 Reading festival crowd. Here, he strides from the wings and announces: "Some of these songs won't be how you remember them. The world has changed, so why shouldn't we?"

For the next 90 minutes, this umpteenth line-up of British pop's most soulful chameleons reassess their back catalogue, remodelling the songs, changing lyrics and interspersing narratives. There is new material and only two "hits" - Come On Eileen and Geno, delivered to pandemonium - but, perhaps surprisingly, Rowland is good for his promise not to pander to nostalgia.

The most surprising aspect of this tour is that it leans towards a 1980s album that was a commercial disaster. But while the failure of Don't Stand Me Down effectively finished Dexys in 1986, the album has since been acknowledged as Rowland's Pet Sounds, and he is relishing the opportunity to perform its symphonic soul before an appreciative audience. "Come arrnnn Kevin!" shouts someone. "I'm on!" he retorts. In sunglasses and beret, he seems more relaxed these days. But on close inspection, the burning intensity remains.

The decision to play theatres is bold and fruitful. The note-perfect band are looking sharp, clad in 1930s suits (except violinist Lucy Morgan, shimmering in a dress that probably isn't Kevin's).

Promoting Pete Williams to co-vocalist seemed an odd decision, but the bassist, still alarmingly youthful, has a glorious voice and makes a fine visual foil for Rowland. The only real wobble is an ill-advised cover of the Commodores' Nightshift; many other songs outstrip their recorded versions. But when a near 20-minute version of This Is What She's Like - a song that failed to chart - prompts a standing ovation, it is proof that one of pop's best-loved outfits have pulled off the unthinkable: a comeback that doesn't soil their legend, and may even enhance it.

· At Colston Hall, Bristol, tonight. Box office: 0117-922 3686. Then touring.