Duran Duran's top moments of 2016

Photo by Chris Windle

U.S. tour

Duran Duran performed a string of shows as a full band in the spring, but as summer rolled on, Duran announced that Nick Rhodes would be leaving the U.S. tour due to a family emergency. I had tickets for the shows in St. Paul and Kansas City, and it was strange seeing the band live for the first time without Nick ... ever.

Though Nick was missed, MNDR ably stepped into his formidable shoes. The band shined in Minnesota and sweltered through the show in Missouri. The tributes were a highlight in a well-worn set list. Duran added a bit of "Little Red Corvette" to "Save a Prayer" and "Space Oddity" to "Planet Earth," honoring two musical icons lost during 2016.

Duran takes a stand

During the spring, the members of Duran found themselves in the center of a political firestorm as they were set to play a show in Charlotte, North Carolina. The state had just passed legislation against gay and transgender rights. Among its provisions, the law would force transgender people to use public restrooms of their biological sex.

At a time when acts were canceling concerts in the state, Duran elected to perform the show and ended up winning praise from media outlets like Pitchfork for the move. Duran began its encore in front of an American flag on the screen above, then it changed to a rainbow flag. The band members signed a petition against the state's legislation on stage, then played "Save a Prayer," a song once dedicated live to the victims of the Paris terror attacks. But now, it was a rallying cry against discrimination.

Award season

Duran added another honor to its arsenal in 2016: the ASCAP UK Golden Note Award. While being lauded by some for its songwriting, Duran continues to be overlooked by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Still, there may be a glimmer of hope, as the hall is adding other bands that were once passed over at a brisk pace. Also in 2016, Depeche Mode, a band often mentioned in the same breath as Duran when it comes to overlooked yet iconic '80s groups, garnered its first nomination.

"Sing Street"

The movie wasn't Duran's, but the impact it could have on the band's career into the future may be immeasurable. The film is set in the 1980s, and the young characters performed songs that were just a little bit inspired by Duran. It is easily one of the best films to feature prominent references to Duran. At one point, the main character's older brother says, "John Taylor is one of the most proficient bass players in the U.K. at the moment."

The movie is downright heartwarming. I hadn't heard the word "futurists" bandied about so many times since Nick was interviewed in the early '80s. And there's a YouTube video out there with clips of the film set to one of my favorite Duran songs, "Last Chance on the Stairway." It's the best video for that song that Duran never made. While the film caters to '80s nostalgists, there are bound to be younger viewers tuning in, and perhaps becoming the next generation of Duranies.

Step into the future

Duran will be back in a live capacity next year, with shows already announced. There also have been hints of a return to the studio. At a recent show, Nick was back, and hopefully the keyboard master will be on hand for the 2017 shows.

The Faint live at Sokol Auditorium

Fish-eye view of The Faint (All photos by Christopher Windle)

The Faint have been carrying the new wave torch since the late 1990s, a point the band hit home in its hometown with a thriller of a show on Halloween.

The set list touched on nearly every point of the band's career. From the now-vintage new wave of "Worked Up So Sexual" to two of its newest tracks, the futuristic "Skylab1979" and "Young & Realistic."

The two new songs are on The Faint's "Capsule" best-of collection. For fans of new wave bands like Duran Duran, The Faint are a must-listen. The Faint was regularly mentioned in the same breath as Duran when the band first rose to prominence along with other acts from Omaha's Saddle Creek Records.

There were some great bands to come out of that scene. Bright Eyes was the most talked about, and Cursive and Rilo Kiley were even better. But The Faint blew them all away. The Faint was the most innovative of the bunch with a synthesizer, and two of its members play keyboards during the live show.

Another reason for Duranies to have a listen: I once mentioned to members of The Faint that their band was almost as good live as Duran, and they said they took it as a compliment.

After getting an assist from post-punk legends Gang of Four, The Faint started its nonstop dance party. After adding in the Halloween atmosphere, the tour-closing Omaha show was especially rowdy. Many in the crowd, and the band, wore costumes. Guitarist Dapose was Angus Young, and keyboardist Graham Ulicny, below, was Jesus (or Keysus).

The Faint, like Duran, not only sounds great live, but puts on an energetic show. Singer Todd Fink, with his trademark hat, flailed his arms wildly, and Dapose got into some serious head-banging, with his mop of hair swirling about.

The set list built in intensity, from tender opener "Southern Belles in London Sing" (which a Nebraskan knows includes a reference to Omaha's Eppley Airfield) to more aggressive tracks like "Mental Radio" and "Evil Voices." Those two are off the band's last studio album, the superb "Doom Abuse." The band also played the OMD-sounding "Damage Control" from that album.

The Faint took heavily from "Danse Macabre," playing six songs off its best-known album. Highlights were "The Conductor" and "Agenda Suicide." But there were five off follow-up "Wet from Birth," including "Southern Belles," "Desperate Guys," and "I Disappear." And the band didn't forget "Fasciinatiion," playing "The Geeks Were Right."

The Faint brought things to a close with "Glass Danse" off "Danse Macabre," the four members gathering triumphantly at the front of the stage at show's end before an ever-appreciate hometown audience.

Duran Duran and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Duran Duran's "Hungry Like the Wolf" is listed among the
500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll in a flier given
to visitors of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but
the band has yet to be nominated despite crossing
the 25-year mark of eligibility.

I truly believe Duran Duran deserves a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. But as year after year passes since the band gained eligibility, Duran doesn’t seem to be on a fast track to get in. And I have my doubts about the importance of being inducted at all.

But the tide may have started turning in Duran's favor with the recent nomination of Depeche Mode. There is no guarantee that the group will get in, but nevertheless, Depeche is a Duran contemporary who also makes synth music. There has been the thought that overlooked bands like Depeche, The Cure, and Duran would continue to be overlooked. But now there is a glimmer of hope.

I believe Duran should be inducted based on its contribution to music video alone. But Duran doesn't make the kind of music favored for a quick induction. Duran is perceived as a pop band that has a mostly female fan base. The rock hall clearly prefers "manly," meat-and potatoes rock 'n' roll.

Some of the groups that inspired Duran's music, Roxy Music, Kraftwerk, and Chic among them, aren't even in the hall. (Though Kraftwerk and Chic did make the list of nominees this year.)

Duran has seemingly garnered every other honor over the years: Grammys, VMAs, EMAs, Brit Awards, Ivor Novello awards, Q Icon and lifetime achievement awards, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. But a spot in the hall of fame seems illusive.

So why even bother worrying about it? Duran’s beloved Sex Pistols rejected the band’s induction, with Johnny Rotten calling the hall of fame a “piss stain.” The Pistols also criticized the hall’s practice of requesting a five-figure fee for attending the ceremony. Needless to say, the punk legends didn’t show up on induction night.

It would be a pleasant surprise if Duran someday gets inducted. I’m sure the band members would be proud to share that honor with idols like David Bowie, The Beatles, and Lou Reed, who was inducted posthumously as a solo artist. 

Recently, there were a number of old-school members of the rock hall nominating committee who were dismissed. Duran champion Rob Sheffield is a voting member. Maybe now is the time for the “mascara bands” to be given a shot at induction. 

Duran Duran Appreciation Day

What are the chances: John and Simon in Kansas City

Not every musical act and fanbase has their own holiday meant just for appreciating a favorite band. But every Aug. 10, it's Duran Duran Appreciation Day. We Duranies are a lucky lot.

So to mark Duran Appreciation Day, I'm going to offer up some more photos from the summer tour, taken in St. Paul and Kansas City by my ever-talented husband, Chris Windle.

There is more in store for DD Appreciation Day. DDHQ, as always, had a few surprises up their collective sleeves. And Durandy, Andrew Golub, unveiled his new book of Duran concert ads, "The Music Between Us."

Here's my look back at the "Paper Gods" tour:

Shadows on their side: Simon and crew in St. Paul 

Purple haze: John and Simon in St. Paul

Coming undone: Simon and Anna in St. Paul

Last night in the city: Roger, Simon and Erin in St. Paul

A view to a thrill: John in St. Paul ...

... and in Kansas City

Sax man: Simon W., Erin and Anna in Kansas City

The Psychedelic Furs and The Church at the Rococo Theatre

The Psychedelic Furs and The Church visited the Rococo Theatre in Nebraska on Aug. 2 and left behind an audience of believers.

The British and Aussie bands, two of Duran Duran's contemporaries, have been touring together on and off for the past year in what has proved to be a successful billing.

All photos by Christopher Windle.

The Church, far more psychedelic than the Furs, provided a venerable warmup act. While most of the audience stayed seated for The Church, the band just isn't the kind of act to start a party on stage. Still, singer and bassist Steve Kilbey has been more animated of late. Perhaps Furs frontman Richard Butler's moves have had some influence on him.

The Church drew from more than two dozen albums to play what amounted to a finely curated set list of nine songs. "Reptile" and "Under the Milky Way," perhaps the band's best-known tracks, made the cut. But the audience was just as impressed with The Church's more obscure guitar-driven soundscapes.

Fun fact: Church guitarist Ian Haug's former band, Powerfinger, covered Duran's "The Chauffeur" for an Australian tribute album released in 1999.

The Furs were the main attraction. Butler and his brother, bassist Tim, are the founders, and they have formed a band of true professionals to become a well-honed touring act. As the band came onstage, Tim Butler turned an expectant ear to the crowd. It would be one of the only times during the show that the audience was encouraged to be louder.

Rich Good on guitar and Mars Williams on saxophone turned up the volume, so much so that Richard Butler could barely be heard through the sonic wall on the set opener, "India." But soon the frontman's vocals shone through, and the band proceeded to play its hits and better known tracks.

The Furs have wisely kept "President Gas" in the set list. Though the song is from 1982, off the Todd Rundgren-produced masterpiece "Forever Now," it couldn't be timelier. With lines like, "He comes in from the left sometimes; he comes in from the right," the song could be about a certain candidate for president. In a stroke of genius, the Furs added T-shirts and badges to its offerings at the merch booth that feature the campaign slogan "President Gas 2016."

The Furs only saved room for two more tracks off "Forever Now," the shimmering hit "Love My Way" and "Danger." After all, the band's set list managed to span all seven of its studio albums and included a newer staple, "Little Miss World."

Good's guitar playing, especially on tracks like "Mr. Jones" and "House," was a highlight. Williams was an energizer bunny on sax. The band was rounded out by Amanda Kramer on keyboards and Paul Garisto on drums.

By the time the Furs left the stage after playing its biggest hit, "Heartbreak Beat," the crowd had been whipped into a frenzy. The band came back for an encore of slower track "Until She Comes" and, of course, "Pretty in Pink." It's easily the most famous Furs song, thanks to it being the inspiration for and title track to the John Hughes classic.

But the way the Furs play it includes a nod to the version of the song off 1981's "Talk Talk Talk." The original song was all jangly guitar, but it got a slickly produced makeover a few years later for the movie. The guitar is there, beefed up a bit, and so is the now-famous sax that wasn't on the original. And Richard Butler both sings and mumbles (as on the original) the closing lines of the song.

The Furs show touched on all eras of the band's career. The energy the band displays on stage will hopefully materialize in a new album before too long. After all, it has been talked about for a few years.

But for now, the Furs will continue to please fans with its fantastic live show.

Duran Duran live in St. Paul and Kansas City

The Midwest got a double dose of Duran Duran over the July 23-24 weekend as the "Paper Gods" tour visited St. Paul and Kansas City.

During the first leg of the U.S. summer tour, fans reported that Simon Le Bon’s voice was sounding rough. Now, Simon was singing better, but Nick Rhodes soon disappeared from the tour as he dealt with a family emergency back in England.

It was strange seeing Duran without Nick for the first time … ever. MNDR, who has worked with the band as well as Mark Ronson, was filling Nick's formidable shoes.

(All photos by Christopher Windle)

Chic, having joined Duran first for the “Paper Gods” promotional dates, once again provided a proper opening act. In St. Paul, Chic graced the stage for an hour and a half, playing all of the band’s hits and covers by the likes of Sister Sledge, Madonna, and David Bowie that band leader Nile Rodgers helped craft.

When Duran last played the Xcel Energy Center in 2005, the audience was much more subdued. In 2016, singer Brian Setzer joined a crowd of about 10,000 fans that was clearly ready to party. “Wild Boys,” “Hungry Like the Wolf,” and “A View to a Kill” got the audience riled up.

Set opener "Paper Gods" and a sublime "What Are the Chances?" allowed the band a couple of slower moments to energize themselves for the hit-laden show. Simon's voice, which was raspy at times, became stronger as the concert progressed.

Backing singer Anna Ross ably shared the front of the stage with Simon on “Come Undone,” and new singer Erin Stevenson had her time in the spotlight for “Last Night in the City.”

Nile joined the band for “Notorious” and “Pressure Off,” though Simon’s teasing of “The Reflex,” complete with Roger Taylor’s drum beat, elicited even bigger cheers. During the performance of the first single off “Paper Gods,” cannons spewed enough confetti for fans to keep throwing piles into the air throughout the rest of the show.

The absolute highlights of the St. Paul show were the tributes. “Planet Earth” segued beautifully into Bowie’s “Space Oddity,” giving guitarist Dom Brown a chance to shine. The guitar and bass seemed louder than usual throughout the concert.

Then there were the staples, like “Ordinary World” and “White Lines,” the latter having worn out its welcome just a bit. When there are so many hits that Duran has that fell outside the top 10 yet don’t make the set list, it feels odd that the band still keeps a spot in the show for a cover song.

But "I Don’t Want Your Love” was a welcome change of pace, as was “(Reach up for the) Sunrise,” freshened with a snippet of “New Moon on Monday.” And the crowd got “The Reflex” they wanted, as well as “Girls on Film.” 

Simon waited until late in the show to explain Nick's absence, introducing MNDR as the redhead who was standing in for Duran's blonde keyboardist. She seemed happy to stay in the background even though she was playing an integral part in Duran’s show.

For the encore, Duran brought back its tribute to Prince in the form of “Save a Prayer,” with a shoutout at the end to “Little Red Corvette.” At Simon’s urging, the audience lit up their cellphones in honor of their hometown hero. And, of course, “Rio” closed the show in style. Beach balls added to the summertime party atmosphere.

Although the band is performing a static set list of late, there are small differences to be appreciated from show to show. In the northern Midwest, which Simon referred to as “St. Paul-Minneapolis,” Duran played an indoor venue on a rainy day. The next day, the band was in Kansas City, performing outdoors at the Starlight Theatre, which John Taylor said Duran first played in 1982.

Chic warmed up the crowd, though they certainly didn’t need it on such a sweltering day. After Duran took the stage, Simon related a band conversation from earlier in the day, in which there was confusion about Kansas City’s claim to fame. A cab driver set the band members straight, telling them that “The Wizard of Oz” actually was set in Kansas, not Missouri.

Still, Simon continued with “The Wizard of Oz” theme, introducing a song for the (one-track) mind (“Come Undone”), heart (“I Don’t Want Your Love”), and courage (“The Reflex,” for longtime fans who were urged to sing along).

In Kansas City, Duran dedicated "Save a Prayer" to victims of violence worldwide, whether in Paris, Iraq, or the U.S., where shootings involving the police and black men have increased this year.

Notably, a crowd of 7,000 danced to songs performed by one of the most diverse groups of musicians on tour at the moment. The presence of Nile on stage with Duran, as well as Chic’s multiracial band and fellow opener Tokimonsta, demonstrate just how well good music can bridge cultural divides.

Eden Project...and more U.S. tour dates

Duran Duran recently played an enthralling live show marking BBC Music Day at Eden Project, and exactly one month from today, the band will be back on U.S. shores.

This leg of the Paper Gods tour is exciting for me because the band will be in the Midwest, and I'll finally have a chance to see a couple of concerts.

At the BBC show, Duran was in great form, but fans online are noticing a well-worn set list. And Simon Le Bon's voice is sounding a bit worn as well.

Duranies also are noticing that Le Bon's voice is at its best with rest. After a brief Italian tour and a show in Denmark, the band has about two and a half weeks off before the U.S. tour kicks off anew. After that, the schedule is relentless and includes a number of back-to-back dates, including shows in Minneapolis and Kansas City (they'll be reviewed here on the blog). Duran isn't slowing down, recently adding two more U.S. shows.

The crowd at Eden Project was a raucous one and readily filled in any gaps on vocals by singing along at top volume. It's spine-tingling to hear an audience sing along word for word loud enough to be heard on a live recording. The Cornwell crowd was in top form on all of the classics, closing numbers "Save a Prayer" and "Rio" in particular.

That brings things back to the set list, which has been mostly unchanged this year. A new set list seems unlikely, and I'm looking forward to the songs I haven't heard live in a while: "I Don't Want Your Love" and "New Moon on Monday." By all accounts, "Planet Earth"/"Space Oddity" is amazing, and I can't wait to witness it live.

There isn't a lot of wiggle room for new tracks to be added. The band is sure to play "Last Night in the City," which is rumored to be the next single after snippets of the video surfaced on the "Today" show. I wouldn't miss "White Lines" or "Dancephobia," which nevertheless makes a great intro for "Too Much Information."

The general audience at the U.S. shows will expect to hear the hits. "The Reflex" has been missing at recent shows, and there have been a few grumblings about not hearing it live. But it's not possible for Duran to play every hit...there are just too many of them!

Orgy and Filter at the Bourbon

Filter, with singer Richard Patrick in silhouette at left and bassist Ashley Dzerigian at right.
(iPhone photos by Christopher Windle)

Industrial-tinged metal was on display in Nebraska as Filter and Orgy played the Bourbon Theatre on May 14.

In the mid-1990s, Orgy came onto the scene as somewhat of a nu metal version of Duran Duran. The band members wore makeup and were MTV darlings, and their best known hit just happened to be a new wave cover song. The NME even likened Orgy to Duran Duran – "after being chewed on by giant robots." The band's crowning achievement remains the platinum album "Candyass," which it relied heavily upon for its opening set list.

Orgy performs, with singer Jay Gordon at right.

Orgy closed things out with "Candyass" singles "Stitches" and, of course, "Blue Monday." Orgy's version of the iconic New Order song replaced all of the original version's detachment with aggression. Remaking '80s classics was something other nu metal bands would try, mostly with less success.

Orgy was joined on stage by members of third-billed band Vampires Everywhere.

Like Filter's Richard Patrick, Jay Gordon is the only original member of his band left standing. He seemed to take a cue from Patrick, surrounding himself with energetic players, and putting on an amazing show in the process.

Filter opened with aggression but still managed a slow build to an even more combative finish. Patrick, dressed in a militaristic jacket and boots, began the set in silhouette behind a screen.

Patrick's targets for the night were mass shooters, purveyors of police brutality and Donald Trump. He teased "Welcome to the Fold" by singing the line "mama give me my medicine" repeatedly while images of the church shooting in Charleston, South Carolina, flashed on the screen.

While 1999's "Title of Record" remains Filter's bestselling album, the group's catalog is surprisingly deep. Patrick's voice got stronger throughout the show, though his vocals have always been able to swing from mellow to screaming, even in the course of a single song.

Instead of an encore, Filter just ended the show with a string of hits, "Take a Picture," "Welcome to the Fold" and "Hey Man, Nice Shot" among them.

Prince and Duran Duran

It's hard to believe that Prince is no longer with us. He was only 57; a Duran contemporary.

I have listened to Prince since I first heard "Purple Rain" when I was 7 years old. I’m from Prince’s home state; it was just the natural thing to do. 

Over the years, I have been to many shows in Minneapolis clubs where Prince had a history: First Avenue, where scenes from the movie “Purple Rain” were filmed, and the former Glam Slam, which the artist once owned. In 2011, I saw Duran play the latter venue, which had been renamed Epic at the time.

Although I grew up on Prince’s ’80s music, I am partial to his early ’90s work. “Thieves in the Temple,” “Diamonds and Pearls,” and “7” are among my favorite songs.

It was also in the ’90s that Duran opened for Prince and covered his songs. Among the rearranged, unplugged versions of Duran classics the band performed at the time was “Notorious,” which included some of Prince’s “Sexy MF.” It's featured on Duran's "No Ordinary EP."


And in 2008, Duran and Mark Ronson performed Prince’s “Sign ‘O’ the Times” between “Notorious” and “I Don’t Want Your Love."
 

A post on Duran Duran's Facebook page soon after his death called Prince "an enormous talent that we were all big fans of."

And the band echoed the sentiment that many are now feeling: We were "devastated to hear the news about Prince."