The Damned in Denver

It has been more than 40 years since the Damned burst onto the British punk scene with the first single, album, and U.S. tour. The heart and soul of the band are still touring in top form and visited the Summit Music Hall in Denver on April 19.

The heart and soul, of course, are goth god singer Dave Vanian and the lovable goofball Captain Sensible on guitar. Vanian's voice is even stronger now than on that pioneering punk album, "Damned Damned Damned." The band released the album "Music for Pleasure" before songwriter Brian James exited and Captain moved from bass to guitar. The Damned then came back with its masterpiece, "Machine Gun Etiquette." The band performed eight songs off that album, including opener "Melody Lee," singalong classic "Noise Noise Noise," and "Smash It Up."

All photos by Christopher Windle.

The band managed to touch on nearly every era of its career, from that first punk single, "New Rose," to "Alone Again Or," a cover of a Love song that was a hit for the band in the late '80s. Along the way, there were highlights "Ignite" off "Strawberries" and "Wait for the Blackout" off "The Black Album" (another first: the Damned were the earliest band to have a Black Album). In all, the band played 23 songs, several more than many bands years younger manage to play.

But 40 years on, the Damned is not the typical band just rolling through the hits. Vanian and Captain have said in interviews that they still feel hungry. After the tour, the plan is to record another album. But for a band with only 10 albums over a 40-year career, it's clear the Damned don't just record albums to go through the motions. There has to be a purpose to it.

Vanian, his arm in a sling after he dislocated a shoulder on a previous tour date, not only sounded great but had all the stage moves. He spun around and dropped to his knees for "Eloise," the Barry James cover that was a No. 1 British single for the band.

Captain was nonstop with the stage banter, offering his opinions on Phil Collins, the Beatles, and the Sex Pistols, all to be taken with a grain of salt. He played guitar solos behind his head and balanced his guitar on his head. He's a ham, sort of a dual frontman of the Damned, and even took lead vocals for "The Last Time," a Rolling Stones cover, and "Jet Boy Jet Girl." He refused to play his '80s solo hit "Happy Talk," but happily obliged the crowd with a request for "Fan Club" after he proclaimed in the second encore that the band were running out of songs to play.

It's a natural move for the sort of fan liaison, who will take photos with fans before the show and invite them all to the pub across the street afterward. Apparently, he only draws the line at playing "Happy Talk," though the pub did play most of the album "Women and Captains First."

Monty Oxymoron provided the keyboards, and the dancing, during "New Rose."

Damned fans are a mix of young and old, fans of punk and goth. One could tell from the fan reactions to certain songs just why they were there. While the punks turned out for "New Rose" and "Neat Neat Neat," there were also strong reactions for goth-era songs like "Street of Dreams."

By the time the band closed the show with a blistering version of "Anti-Pope," it was clear the Damned had left the entire crowd satisfied.

The Faint at the Slowdown

Omaha's The Faint came home for a holiday once again as the band played the Slowdown for the first of two shows celebrating the new year.

The Faint last appeared before a hometown audience on Halloween. On Dec. 30, the band played a slightly altered set list of its "Capsule" best-of concert.

The Faint took the stage past 11 p.m. after two opening acts. The first two performers were among The Faint's best openers yet: Closeness, The Faint vocalist Todd Fink's new side project, and the entertaining Plack Blague, billed as America's Leather Band from Lincoln, Nebraska.

The crowd was already in the mood to party when The Faint took the stage. All the highlights that fans were expecting were there in the remixed show. The band opened in dramatic fashion with "The Conductor" and gained steam as the set list of new-new wave went on.

All photos by Christopher Windle.

The crowd cheered for the old songs as well as the new, some dancing with abandon for recent single "Young & Realistic," one of the band's best efforts yet. The audience reaction was only appropriate for a band that displays so much energy on stage themselves.

For the encore, there was a new year's surprise, which the band decided to play as a practice run for the next night's New Year's Eve show and dance party. The band launched into Prince's "1999," the music matching nearly note for note with the original, though Fink dropped part of a verse. The crowd went bonkers for the celebratory tribute to the '80s icon.

But the excitement only built after that, as the band ended the show with "Let the Poison Spill From Your Throat," "Paranoiattack," and "Glass Danse." It was a great way to close out the year for the band who has been on tour promoting an album featuring its best songs from its 20-year career.

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

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.

A fish-eye view of The Faint, at top, and a look at the light show, above. (All photos by Christopher Windle)

Duran Duran and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

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. 

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

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.