Top five live shows of 2025

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, which hasn’t released a new album in over seven years and has played live only sporadically for the past few years, at last returned to the stage for a headlining tour to mark the 20-year anniversary of their third LP, Howl.

BRMC played the album in full, followed by some of their hardest rock songs, lighting up a crowd packed “like sardines” into the Summit Music Hall in Denver on Sept. 28.

The band, singers and multi-instrumentalists Robert Levon Been and Peter Hayes and drummer Leah Shapiro, impressed at every turn. 

Read more: BRMC return with a 'Howl'

The Damned

The Damned brought their “Black Album tour” to Dallas for an exhilarating show at the Granada Theater on May 18.

Although they did not play their 1980 masterwork in its entirety, they had all four members from the album’s lineup on board, including drummer Rat Scabies, who recently rejoined the band after too long a time away.

The Damned, along with TV Smith’s The Adverts, transported concertgoers back to the early days of UK punk. 

Read more: The Damned go back to ‘Black’ in Dallas

The Faint with Plack Blague and Jeff in Leather

The Faint, a band instrumental in putting Omaha on the musical map, swung through the Midwest to close out their first US headlining tour in years with a show at Wooly’s in Des Moines on April 5.

They had also played other select cities, including their hometown, where they put on a sold-out concert at the Waiting Room on April 3. They capped a roster that also included fellow Nebraskans Plack Blague and Jeff in Leather.

Although the Omaha show was a sight to behold, the Des Moines concert was the best of the two. Later in the year, the band was back at it, playing Omaha again, with a standout gig at the Admiral on Nov. 9.

Read more: The Faint bring homegrown tour to Des Moines

Cold Cave 

I finally got the chance to see one of the newer bands I have been obsessed with the last five years, Cold Cave, and they didn’t disappoint with their show March 28 at the Gothic Theatre in Denver.

The opening artists, Buzz Kull and Kontravoid, helped build up the intensity with their heavy EDM beats. Then Cold Cave took the stage and played fan favorites from throughout their discography, like “Glory,” “Confetti” and “Underworld USA.” They leaned heavily on their latest album, Passion Depression, playing songs like “Shadow Dance” and “Blackberries” as well as tracks from the EP Fate In Seven Lessons in the encore with “Prayer From Nowhere” and the powerful show-ender “Promised Land.”

Be sure to check out Cold Cave, a band that records and distributes their own records and CDs via their label, Heartworm. —Christopher Windle

The Effigies

I was lucky to see The Effigies, a fantastic punk band out of Chicago, on May 16 at the Slowdown in Omaha. I have been a huge fan of theirs for a long time. 

While their lead singer, John Kezdy, passed away in 2023, their current singer, the energetic Geoff Sabin, helped make the show not only powerful but also a straight-out blast. The band played crowd favorites like “Below The Drop,” “Quota,” “Haunted Town” and “We’ll Be Here Tomorrow.”

If you’re a fan of punk music and have not heard of The Effigies, do yourself a favor and listen to them. Out of the many great Chicago punk bands, they’re one of the best. —Christopher Windle

Honorable mentions: ABC and Howard Jones, Clan of Xymox, Front Line Assembly, Laetherstrip

Photos by Christopher Windle and Karen Duran Windle

Duran Duran's top moments of 2025

While 2025 wasn’t a huge year for Duran Duran, there were still a number of happenings that kept the Duranie flame alive.

‘Owning’ Halloween

Duran continued to lean in to Halloween, with an elaborate concert on the holiday in Manchester and a reimagined new version of ‘Shadows On Your Side.’ The Halloween festivities followed a summer European tour as well as other live shows throughout the year.

Global anti-hunger anthem

Duran Duran took part in ‘The Next Verse’ for the 100 Billion Meals Challenge on Dec. 16, along with Stevie Wonder, Dr. Dre and others. Their name even appeared on the list of musical artists above superstar Janet Jackson, a longtime collaborator of producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who helmed the new recording. ‘Someday Has Begun, Part 1’ was released on Christmas Day. The spirt of the recording harks back to the UK Christmas number one charity single by Band Aid, ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’

‘Duran Duran On Track’

The band joined the extensive list of musical acts covered in the On Track series when my contribution was published in July in the UK. A US release followed, and it has continued to appear on a key music book sales chart on Amazon UK through the end of the year.

I was honored to cover all of Duran’s studio output from a fan’s perspective and have been humbled by readers’ responses to the book. I have especially enjoyed chatting with fans online and in person before signing a copy for them. There was even a book release party, where family, friends and other area Duranies gathered together. The event was held at Vive Le Rock! Lounge and Record Store, which treated guests to a playlist of Duran Duran songs and also served a signature cocktail, Girls On Film, which was created for the occasion and remains on the menu. (If you’re ever in Omaha, be sure to check out this rock ‘n’ roll-themed lounge!)

Rio-themed cake designed by Alexandra E. Andersen.
Photo by Michelle Napoli

The Power Station reissue and more to come in 2026

The Power Station’s debut album will get a deluxe reissue treatment in January. Also that month, Duran are set to film a video with director Jonas Åkerlund, presumably for their spring/summer single with Nile Rodgers. 

As for other unreleased music, three out of four members recently confirmed that the ‘lost’ album Reportage could finally see the light of day.

‘I really want to finish working on REPORTAGE. There are some great tracks on it, and I am ready to get it out,’ singer Simon Le Bon said in his year-end list on DuranDuran.com. Roger Taylor and Nick Rhodes also suggested that the LP could be released, possibly next year.

At top: Duran Duran in Omaha in 2024. Photo by Karen Duran Windle

Duran Duran's top moments of 2024

It’s another year in the books for Duran Duran, a band now approaching their 45th anniversary.

Duran’s 2024 included a few new songs, an exhilarating run of concerts and an honor for singer Simon Le Bon.

Live shows

Duran Duran played select dates on a spring U.S. tour, including the Cruel World Festival in California and a show at a small venue in Nebraska. They were back in the States in the fall, in time for Halloween, on which they performed at a sold-out concert at Madison Square Garden in New York. The band members donned costumes and played much of their latest album, Danse Macabre, as well as deep cuts like Arcadia’s “Missing.” The show also aired multiple times on Sirius XM radio.

Danse De Luxe

Duran Duran dropped an expanded edition of their Halloween-themed album, which was available on some formats in time for the holiday. New songs on Danse Macabre De Luxe include a cover of ELO’s “Evil Woman”; a reimagining of their own hit, “New Moon (Dark Phase)”; and the instrumental “Masque Of The Pink Death.” An expanded vinyl box set includes four additional tracks: the Classics IV cover “Spooky,” the spoken-word “Instructions For A Seance,” and the instrumentals “Dialogues Of The Dead” and “The Visitor.”

Simon Le Bon, MBE

The singer was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to music and charity in November. Le Bon called the honor “unexpected” and said he hoped it would raise awareness for charities he has been involved with, including the conservation group Blue Marine Foundation and Centrepointe, which tackles youth homelessness.

A big year ahead?

While new music isn’t yet on the horizon for 2025, the band members have hyped a huge European tour happening next summer. In particular, bassist John Taylor said the band is going to be performing in many countries they haven’t played in a long time. And given the spontaneity behind their last studio album, more big news is surely ahead for Duran Duran.

At top: Le Bon in Omaha. (Photo by Christopher Windle) 

Duran Duran's top moments of 2023

Duran Duran dansed into 2023 energized by the band’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame the previous year, connecting with old friends and its fans alike with live shows and a new album.

It all started with a promotional radio channel, the announcement of a North American tour with Chic and Bastille, and rumblings about a Halloween-themed project.

Future Past Radio

Duran added yet another accolade to its collection of honors with the debut of a radio channel dedicated solely to the band on Sirius XM. Duran Duran Future Past Radio started streaming on the Sirius app in May and was briefly part of the satellite station’s on-air lineup. The channel, meant to promote the Future Past U.S. tour, was extended into July after a campaign by Duranies to make it a permanent fixture.

DuranLive

In late August, Duran’s tour landed at Red Rocks Amphitheater outside Denver, which singer Simon Le Bon calls his favorite concert venue in the world. Monday’s show was fantastic and a true feat given the weather—rain followed by a drop in temperatures and fierce wind. Tuesday’s concert was very much a repeat performance, but the crowd didn’t seem to mind that the set list was the same. Read the review here.

‘Danse Macabre’

Two months later, there were plenty of surprises in store with the release of the album “Danse Macabre,” which arrived about two years after previous release “Future Past.” The band held listening parties across the U.S. for the album, which debuted at No. 4 in the the U.K. The new album features a confident-sounding band—one mature enough to invite both former guitarists back into the fold. The ambitious effort, featuring Andy Taylor and Warren Cuccurullo, manages to make a collection of covers, reworkings of Duran classics, and new songs sound surprisingly cohesive. Read the review here. 

The Future

As another new year dawns, more new Duran releases loom, though it’s likely they’ll be from the vaults. Chief among them is “Reportage,” the lost Duran album shelved in favor of what became “Red Carpet Massacre.” Talk of finally releasing the band’s last full studio album with Taylor has been bandied about since he came back into the picture after Duran’s Rock Hall induction. A deluxe reissue of “The Wedding Album” and unreleased songs from the ’80s have also been mentioned. 

Amid the holiday season, Duran demos from 1980 surfaced online, suggesting that if the band doesn’t release the old music itself, there are always unofficial channels available.

At top, Duran wowed at Red Rocks in Denver 
on its Future Past U.S. tour.
Photo by Christopher Windle

Duran Duran’s top moments of 2022

More than four decades into its career, Duran Duran had a banner year in 2022. 

At times in between the band's highest points during the '80s and early '90s, and many times afterward, it was hard to believe that things might someday unfold like they did this past year. Duran is finishing 2022 as new inductees into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame — as well as the fan vote winners — headliners on stages around the world, and at last, the elder statesmen of new wave.

RRHOF

In the spring, Duran finally made the roster of nominees for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and it didn't take long for the band to soar to the top of the fan poll. Duran traded the lead a few times with rapper Eminem before pulling away for good. In the end, the band won with a commanding 934,880 votes. But the fan vote was just one piece of the puzzle. While good for publicity, it counted for little in the overall scheme of things. But no matter: Duran was indeed selected to be inducted in November. 

When the day finally arrived, the band opened the show, no less. Duran was inducted by actor Robert Downey Jr. and performed "Girls On Film," "Hungry Like the Wolf," and "Ordinary World." But something was missing: guitarist Andy Taylor, who had announced that he was planning to perform. (The sixth inductee, guitarist Warren Cuccurullo, never officially confirmed plans to be there.) But Taylor's news stole the show: He has stage four metastatic prostate cancer, and a setback prevented him from being there on the big night. Singer Simon Le Bon shared a heartfelt note from the guitarist. Later that evening, Le Bon returned to the stage for the show-closing jam with Dolly Parton.

DuranLive

Duran played some big shows in 2022: BST Hyde Park, the Queen's Jubilee, and the opening of the Commonwealth Games, to name a few. But the biggest show for me took place in Fort Worth, Texas, during the band's U.S. tour. The concert on Aug. 30 was a culmination of a more than six-year wait between live shows. The "Future Past" tour opener in Minnesota was how it was supposed to start. But that concert was canceled at the last minute due to storms, and the show at Dickie's Arena in Fort Worth turned out to be a totally worthwhile pivot. Two months later, the band mixed up its act big time with a Halloween-themed show in Las Vegas that received glowing reviews from fans, even ones left a bit jaded over the band's live set list.

Resurgence

More than anything in 2022, there was a feeling that Duran's time as a respected force in music had finally come. In the days leading up to the Rock Hall induction, the band had a concert film playing in theaters around the world and were on the cover of a publication on most major newstands, a special edition of Life magazine. Once again, it was a great time to be a Duranie.

The future

2023 is likely to include more live shows, the band's bread and butter. A brief tour of the U.K. is certain to be followed by more U.S. shows. Duran seems ready: The band will ring in the year in New York's Times Square as the main act for "New Year's Rockin' Eve."

At top, Duran Duran plays to a packed arena in Fort Worth, Texas. Photo by Christopher Windle

Duran Duran's top moments of 2021

Duran Duran came back from its pandemic-induced hiatus in a big way in 2021 with a new album, a smattering of live shows, and some of its best reviews in years.

The return of this list, a year-end tradition, was doubtful when the year started quietly for the band. There was new music, a cover of David Bowie's "Five Years," but not original music.

But come May, the band's 15th studio album was in view, with a fresh new single and television appearances.

"Future Past" finally materialized in October. The album boasts four of five original members, a pedigreed guitarist in Graham Coxon of Blur, and a curated selection of musical guests. The album’s three singles, "Invisible," "Anniversary," and "Give It All Up," all made the BBC Radio 2 A-list. But those weren’t the standout tracks on “Future Past.” Just some of the highlights: the effervescent "All Of You," the majestic "Wing," and the funky "Hammerhead." Read the review.

U.K. love: Radio 2 had a field day with Duran in 2021. In addition to the playlisted singles and naming "Future Past" its album of the week, the station also aired a two-part "Duran 40" radio show in the spring. Radio 2 and Duran seemed in lockstep, the station's support fueling sales. Then, after "Future Past" debuted at No. 3 on the U.K. Billboard chart, Radio 2 featured the band on "In Concert." The album has lingered in the U.K. charts since.

DuranLive: There weren't a ton of live shows during 2021, but Duran played when it could. The band went on a mini-tour of the U.K., performing at the Scarborough Open Air Theatre, at the Isle of Wight Festival, and in their hometown of Birmingham over two nights at the O2 Institute. The band also played the Austin City Limits Festival in the U.S. 

On the agenda so far for next year: a 40th-anniversary bash in Ibiza, Rock in Rio Lisboa, and the pandemic-delayed Hyde Park gig, among others.

At top, band member portraits from the deluxe edition of "Future Past."

Duran Duran's top moments of 2019

Duranlive

Duran Duran kicked off its 2019 tour dates in Miami, performing gems like "The Seventh Stranger" (for the first time since 1984),  "New Religion," and "Friends of Mine." The band would go on to play two dates for Kaaboo, in the Cayman Islands and San Diego, and traveled to Iceland, among other touring highlights.

Record Store Day

Duran gave a nod to its past with a double-album release for April's Record Store Day with "As the Lights Go Down." Thirty-five years after the band's shows in Oakland, California, for the Sing Blue Silver tour were recorded for posterity, fans lined up again to get a limited-edition copy of the performance on candy-colored vinyl. "As the Lights Go Down" was originally used as the name of the edited version of the concert film "Arena" that aired on Cinemax back in the day.

NASA concert

Over the summer, Duran played a show for the anniversary of the Apollo mission. The band fittingly went with a space theme, playing "Planet Earth" and "Space Oddity" from its standard setlist, but also dusting off lesser-played tracks like "Astronaut." Duran also tried its hand at a space-themed cover song, "Walking on the Moon" by the Police. It was a magical night for the band and its fans that began with another surprise: the band taking the stage as drones put on a light show overhead, opening with "The Universe Alone."

A night inducting Roxy

In March, John Taylor and Simon Le Bon had the honor of inducting into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Roxy Music, perhaps the band on planet Earth that has influenced Duran Duran most. In their induction speech, Simon described Roxy's music as "a shock to the system. ... The musicians themselves were dressed outrageously, each one with an individual, well-defined look."

"Put it all together, and what you got was pulp science fiction."

John continued by saying that Roxy made him realize "what I wanted to be. I knew my destiny. ... I am always proud to say that without Roxy Music, there would be no Duran Duran."

DD15

Signs point to the band's 15th studio album surfacing next year, perhaps in late spring or early summer. The band spent time in the recording studio in 2019 with super producer Mark Ronson and two likely guest musicians, Blur's Graham Coxon and singer Lykke Li. The band has announced two tour dates in June: a headlining spot at the Isle of Wight festival and a show at St. Anne's Park, "in support of the release of their next studio album." Although details have been scant of late, it does look likely that Duran will be releasing new material in the next six months or so, fingers crossed.

Photo by Christopher Windle

Duran Duran's top moments of 2018

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

Duran Duran’s top moments of 2017 ... and a look ahead

Duranlive

The Duran Duran touring juggernaut rolled on in 2017, with the band hitting places like Asia and North America for scattered dates extending the “Paper Gods” tour. The band performed in Hawaii for the first time and also played before huge crowds at Lollapalooza in South America, a highlight especially for singer Simon Le Bon. Two of the highest-profile shows were once again in the United States, with the band playing a Sirius XM concert in Miami that could be heard on the excellent First Wave satellite radio station and a New Year’s weekend gig in Las Vegas.

Projects

With tour dates limited for the foreseeable future, it’s likely Duran’s attention will turn toward the studio. Though new Duran music is likely a ways off, in 2017, there were cryptic hints of a “top secret project” involving members of the band and performers like Izzy Bizu, Vanessa White, Aled Phillips, and John Taylor (of Young Guns). The possibility that the TSP is John Taylor (that JT) and Nick Rhodes’ long-talked about musical is good; John recently said the project is “really starting to come together.” Nick went as far as saying it’s nearly done.

Cultural impact

Duran popped up several places in pop culture in 2017. Patrick Nagel's "Rio" cover emblazoned an Urban Decay lipstick palette that sold out almost as soon as it was available. Duran was also the go-to shirt for a quick change in the latest "Thor" movie and the TV series "The Goldbergs." And Duran music finally appeared in the 1980s-set "Stranger Things" in the form of "Girls on Film."

Anniversaries

It was a big year for Duran album anniversaries, with “Rio” hitting its 35th, “Notorious” its 30th, and “Medazzaland” its 20th, among others. It was a good reminder of the lasting impact of “Rio,” the Nile Rodgers-produced grooves of “Notorious," and the groundbreaking “Medazzaland,” which heralded the future of the music industry with the first digitally sold single. More milestones loom: a 25th anniversary next year for “The Wedding Album,” and in 2019-20, Duran itself will celebrate its 40-year mark. Nick says the band will "start some new recordings in the studio" in 2018 and has "a lot of things we are planning" for Duran's 40th.

Photo by Christopher Windle

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.

Duran Duran's top moments of 2015

Duran Duran returned with a vengeance in 2015, releasing a new album, touring the U.S. and U.K., and raking in the awards. Here are the band's top moments from the past year:

 

Amazon.com

Bow to the 'Paper Gods'

Duran released "Paper Gods" in September, and the album would debut at No. 10 on the Billboard albums chart, the biggest chart entry for Duran since 1993's "The Wedding Album." The album also received some great reviews, mine among them, as I was honored to receive a digital copy from Warner Brothers weeks before its official release. Duran collected the Q ICON Award and an EMA Visionary Award following the "Paper Gods" success.

 

'Pressure Off' single and video

For the song "Pressure Off," released as a single in June, Nile Rodgers and Mark Ronson put a modern spin on Duran Duran, bringing in R&B's Janelle Monae to share the vocal with Simon Le Bon. Later in the year, the band followed up with a classy black and white video directed by Nick Egan. For every new face Duran brought into the fold, there were longtime collaborators like Rodgers, Ronson and Egan there to remind fans this was still classic Duran.

 

 Amazon.com

New recording contract

Amidst all the excitement about the new music, Duran had once again signed to a major label, reuniting with its back catalog after learning that Warner Brothers UK had bought those rights. With that comes the exciting prospect that Warner could release some gems from the DD vault. There was another rerelease of the "Rio" album in 2015, but many fans are hoping to see rereleases of more recent albums like "The Wedding Album."

 

Photo by Christopher Windle

Tour dates in the U.S. and U.K.

Duran completed only a minitour of the United States in 2015, but the band made it count, playing high-profile festival dates and large venues such as Hollywood Bowl and Red Rocks Amphitheatre. I was there for the majesty of Red Rocks, and it was a show that topped all other Duran shows for someone who has seen the band 18 times in different iterations over the years. In the U.K., a pre-Christmas tour wowed fans. The band pulled out surprises such as "Only In Dreams," "Love Voodoo" and "New Moon On Monday."

More tour dates loom next year, as Duran brought the year to a close by announcing North American dates next spring and summer. Reviews of the St. Paul and Kansas City shows will be among those appearing here next year!

 

TFI Friday

'Save A Prayer' for Paris

One of the great moments of 2015 was Duran's response to a tragedy. After terrorists attacked Paris, including a concert by the band Eagles of Death Metal, fans rallied with a campaign to get the band's cover version of Duran's "Save A Prayer" to the top of the U.K. charts. As sales of the digital song climbed, Duran announced that all proceeds would go to charity. Now, when Duran plays the song in its live encore, Le Bon dedicates the track to the victims of the attacks.

 

Duran Duran's top moments of 2014

December 21, 2014

As another year comes to a close, Duran Duran looked back at its last album, digitally released four years ago, on its Facebook page Dec. 21. But 2014 was all about the future for the British band, as fans eagerly await a new album, a tour, and more in 2015.

Even as Duran spent most of the year in the studio, 2014 was still filled with top moments for the band.

Superproducers in the studio: Duran Duran spent 2014 working with a variety of musicians on the band's 14th studio album, including new and familiar faces. Joining the band were Nile Rodgers, who produced 1986's "Notorious" album, as well as Mark Ronson, who helmed "All You Need Is Now," the album that is celebrating its four-year anniversary. Duran also spent time with producer Mr. Hudson and musician John Frusciante of Red Hot Chili Peppers.

A return to the stage: Over the summer and into the fall, Duran Duran played a handful of live shows. Duran performed at the White Nights of St. Petersburg Festival in Russia, the Fashion Rocks televised special, and a couple of shows in Austin, Texas: one celebrating Grand Prix weekend and another at the DellWorld Convention. The band played a variety of its hit songs, but no new music.

Stars pay tribute: Manimal Vinyl offered Duranies new music despite the wait fans were enduring for the new album. "Making Patterns Rhyme" was released in 2014, boasting cover versions of Duran classics by the likes of Moby, Warpaint, and others.

Lynch film has legs: Duran's 2011 collaboration with director David Lynch loomed large in 2014, as the concert film played in movie theaters across North America. "Duran Duran Unstaged" also was available live on demand on cable television.

Hungry Like A... Singer Simon LeBon offered music fans a treat in the form of a high-profile performance on the soundtrack to the newest "Hunger Games" film. LeBon appeared on a Lorde-curated track with British singer Charlie XCX. Like the Lynch film, the song received rave reviews, including from Rolling Stone magazine, which called the tune one of the soundtrack's best songs.

Duran Duran's top moments of 2013

December 18, 2013

Duran Duran's year will be marked by what lies ahead in 2014: a new album and the band's first tour dates in more than a year and a half. "If only you could hear the music we're making," bassist John Taylor tweeted Dec. 16, "You would be dancing."

DD 2014: It's the hashtag the band used for updates on its 14th studio album, and photos and tidbits of information the band members released on social media created the buzz. In March, Duran returned to the studio with producer Mark Ronson, who helmed the band's 2011 album, "All You Need Is Now." A few months later, Duran mentioned the album promised to move the band "closer to the dance floor." Fans can look forward to hearing the music Taylor speaks of next year; the record is due as early as next spring.

Wedding 20: 2013 was a year of milestones for Duran and many of the 13 albums that preceded its next effort. In February, the band's hit 1993 "The Wedding Album" turned 20 to much fanfare. Later in the year, on Black Friday, the band chose to mark the occasion for Record Store Day, releasing a limited edition white vinyl version of "No Ordinary EP." Among the other albums to celebrate big birthdays was 1983's "Seven and the Ragged Tiger."

One night only: The band laid low during 2013, as in mostly in the studio. There were appearances and individual performances, to be sure. But Duran chose the bright spotlight of the Cannes Film Festival for its only live performance together in 2013. In May, the band was on hand at Cannes as the rights to its David Lynch-directed "Unstaged" were being snatched up. The film had its theatrical premiere in New York City in November, and the band promises more showings to come next year.

TV Mania: 2013 also saw the release of the long-awaited Nick Rhodes/Warren Cuccurullo side project TV Mania. "Bored With Prozac and the Internet?" dropped in March. Rhodes marked the avant garde project's release by staging an exhibition of his photography, a longtime passion of the keyboardist and Duran founder.

Le Bon chimes in: Singer Simon Le Bon took to the stage in 2013 in a solo capacity, performing with former Duran collaborators Timbaland and Nile Rodgers during the summer. Le Bon joined Timba at the Chime for Change concert, while he performed with Rodgers at Hyde Park.

Books, books, books: Taylor stayed busy continuing to promote his memoir, "In the Pleasure Groove," which was released in paperback. Taylor chatted with fans on Twitter and in person at major book festivals. Also out in time for the holidays is archivist Andrew Golub's "Beautiful Colors: The Poster's of Duran Duran," with a forward by Rhodes.

Duran Duran's top moments of 2012

December 21, 2012

In 2012, Duran Duran toured the world, celebrating anniversaries and hitting career highlights along the way.

Nearly 35 years after Duran's formation, the band shows few signs of slowing down in the new year. Duran will be back in the studio with producer Mark Ronson in the spring, and John Taylor has mentioned the possibility of more shows in the summer.

In the meantime, here's a look back at some of Duran's top moments of 2012:

"A Diamond in the Mind": In 2011, Duran captured its concert in Manchester on film during a holiday season tour of the United Kingdom. The result was a concert DVD as well as Duran's first Blu-ray of its innovative live show. The film had a digital premiere on Facebook and also is available in CD form.

Keyboardist Nick Rhodes described the band's live approach in the documentary accompanying the disc: "It's funny to think that three decades into the band's career that you can actually reinvigorate the music, the live show to the point where you wonder why you hadn't done certain things before."

Tour of Europe, Asia: Duran continued to make good on dates canceled during singer Simon Le Bon's vocal scare of 2011. Stops also included the Altitude Festival in Switzerland and the Exit Festival in Serbia, as well as shows in Australia and South America.

"Rio" turns 30: As Duran's summer of touring stretched on, the band's landmark 1982 album had its 30th anniversary. The band marked the occasion by setting sail on the refurbished yacht featured in the video for the song "Rio."

Olympic gold: The band capped its summer string of European tour dates with a performance at London's Hyde Park to celebrate the opening of the Olympic Games. In year-end holiday greetings from the band posted Friday, drummer Roger Taylor called the concert a career highlight.

Triumphs, tribulations on U.S. tour: Duran pushed itself by adding a third leg to its "All You Need Is Now" tour, this time in the states, some of which the band had visited before on the tour. Duran garnered rave reviews in places such as Tulsa, Okla. But with just a few tour dates left, Rhodes fell ill, forcing the band to cancel the remaining shows.

John Taylor, bestselling author: Duran's bassist, who also has dabbled in singing and acting, added autobiographical writing to his repertoire with "In The Pleasure Groove: Love, Death & Duran Duran." The book turned out to be an international bestseller in the fall, and Taylor visited the U.K., North America and Italy to promote it.

Duran Duran's top moments of 2011

December 20, 2011

Duran Duran had quite a few memorable moments in 2011, with the release of a new album, touring most of the world, and the ups and downs that come with it. Here's a look at the top 10, listed in chronological order:

• "All You Need Is Now": Though an abbreviated version of Duran's new album appeared on iTunes in late 2010, March 2011 saw the physical release of the band's 13th studio album. Hailed as a return to Duran's 1980s form, the album was greeted warmly by critics and fans alike.

• Unstaged with David Lynch: The band landed a dream gig when it teamed up with the groundbreaking film director and American Express for a live Web performance chock full of special guest appearances. Duran was joined by producer Mark Ronson, Kelis, Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance and the Gossip's Beth Ditto.

• U.S. promotional tour: Duran soon embarked on a tour of the United States to promote the new album, with a slew of talk show appearances and a stop by South by Southwest. The band played venues big and small, from one of the largest casinos, Winstar in Oklahoma, to smaller clubs such as Epic in Minneapolis. Both were "epic" shows.

• On fire at Coachella: As the sun was setting, Duran took the stage in April for one of its most impressive live performances. The blazing set, which included an appearance by Scissor Sisters' Ana Matronic, proved a pleasant surprise in front of the festival crowd.

• Simon Le Bon's recovery after vocal scare: Duran's summer plans unraveled when singer Le Bon encountered vocal problems on stage at Cannes. The mysterious throat condition forced the band to cancel or postpone tour dates. But Duran was back in no time, though it seemed like ages to worried Duranies.

• Rehearsal shows delight Duranies: The band rewarded fans for their patience by playing a series of rehearsal gigs in the U.K. in early September. While playing rarities such as "Secret Oktober," "Shadows on Your Side" and "Too Bad You're So Beautiful," Le Bon showed that he was recovered fully.

• U.S. tour Version 2.0: Duran returned to the States for a series of arena shows in the fall. The tour was a great success, with Duran making it onto Pollstar's list of top 15 tours. 
• Madison Square Garden: The band played yet another epic show, this one at a major venue, New York's Madison Square Garden. Duran was joined by opening act Neon Trees, Matronic and Ronson.

• It's a "Girl Panic!": Early November saw the much-anticipated release of the video for "Girl Panic!" The Jonas Akerlund-directed short film boasted supermodels as stars and quickly went viral. The video has racked up millions of view online and even made it onto year-end lists of top videos.

• U.K. tour: The band finally gave fans in the U.K. what they were waiting for in the form of a pre-Christmas tour. Duran was joined onstage at the O2 by Ronson, and its Manchester show was filmed with director Gavin Elder at the helm. Perhaps it was a sign of things to come in 2012. With a tour of the world ongoing, might there be a new video, or even more, next year?

As featured on DuranDuran.com