BBC4 takeover
It was a proud moment for Duranies as Duran Duran took over BBC4 for an evening on June 29. Sandwiched between episodes of "Top of the Pops" featuring Duran and the band's David Lynch-directed "Unstaged" concert were two hours of new programming. One, an early 40th anniversary bash/documentary "There's Something You Should Know" was followed by "A Night In," featuring the band members watching clips of their biggest influences from the worlds of music, TV, movies, and more. The gem of the evening was "There's Something You Should Know," an endearing look back at the band's career highlights and a good reminder for the general public that Duran is still deserving of the recognition that so many young fans gave the band so many years ago.
Back in the studio
Duran returned to the studio late in the year to work on new music with producer Erol Alkan. In year-end comments on duranduran.com, Nick Rhodes said he thought "we have the start of something quite special," and John Taylor said the band would return to the studio again in March. There's no timetable yet for when the new music will be released, or an indication of whether that music will be taking the form of a new studio album.
Duranversaries
Duran albums had a few milestones in 2018. "The Wedding Album" turned 25, "Big Thing" marked its 30th, and "Seven and the Ragged Tiger" hit 35. Duran also belatedly released a video for the "Big Thing" track "The Edge of America," timing it to the immigration crisis in the United States.
Budokan
Duran took part in April's Record Store Day, releasing the live record "Budokan." There was also an unofficial release of the "Thanksgiving" live show from the "Medazzaland" era that had previously been released on CD. On Duran Duran Appreciation Day, the band teased footage from an upcoming video release of the "Budokan" show, but there has been no word on when that release might materialize.
Step into the future
There's much to look forward to for Duranies in the new year. In addition to a handful of live shows the band is planning and more studio time, there's anticipation of the band's 40th anniversary coming in 2020. Will that be the year Duran gets a nod in the direction of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Duran influencer Roxy Music recently was pegged for induction, as well as Duran contemporary the Cure. With Nile Rodgers' new role with the hall, as well as the influence of critics like Rob Sheffield, the future looks brighter for the band when it comes to its chance of finally getting the call.
Photo by Christopher Windle
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