Duran Duran puts on epic show in Minneapolis

April 22, 2011

If it isn't broke, don't fix it.

That could have been the motto for Duran Duran's show Friday night at Epic Minneapolis. Duran took the set list from its performance at Coachella and expanded it, to acclaim from the packed house.

The show at the former Quest Club sold out in mere minutes. The venue's decor seemed to be a source of amusement for frontman Simon Le Bon, who remarked not once but twice about how the club reminded him of "Less Than Zero."

The mostly general admission venue meant a huge crowd stood in line for hours for choice spots by the stage. It happened to be pouring rain outside, and the Epic staff made sure everyone of age in line was given a wristband to buy drinks, but didn't let anyone in even a minute early.

Then, it was unclear what time the band would be taking the stage. An hour after the doors opened, a video screen above the stage started playing fan-directed videos from Duran's new album, "All You Need Is Now." At first, they were well-received, but as one after another played (for all nine songs from the album's iTunes iteration), the crowd grew restless.

When Duran finally took the stage more than two hours after doors opened, though, all was forgiven. Even the six songs that played minutes beforehand with accompanying videos were well-received when played live.

Highlights the band wisely borrowed from Coachella included opening with "Planet Earth," performing "The Chauffeur" and mixing in Lady Gaga's "Poker Face" into closer "Girls On Film." It was a treat for those who weren't willing to brave the California heat for Duran's appearance at the festival.

Those who braved a little rain, a longer wait and a steamy venue were well-rewarded.

Set list via John Taylor on Twitter:

PLANET/WOLF/AYNIN/FOLLOWED/NONO/SAFE/LIGHTON/

REFLEX/MACHINE/CHAUFFEUR/OWORLD/PANIC/

CARELESS/SUNRISE/RIO-VIEW/GIRLS