That’s how long it’s been since their last album as a collective, Seven And The Ragged Tiger, twenty one years ago. Duran Duran are back and they still have that ability to bounce out a pop tune and turn sensible thirty-something women into squealing teenagers again.
Let’s take it back to where it all began for a brief moment. Born in 1980 by founding members Nick Rhodes and John Taylor, the Duran Duran line up was finalised and they were ready to work on their first album. Duran Duran, taken from the movie Barbarella, released their first single, Planet Earth in 1981. This shot them into the Top 20 in the UK and the momentum of a steady female fan base grew. It was most probably the release of Girls On Film and that video that gained them a few male fans along the way. Armed with puffy shirts and eyeliner, Duran Duran burst into the New Romantic forefront – alongside Adam and the Ants, Spandau Ballet and Culture Club.
Rio was the follow up to their debut album in 1982, with three singles making it to the top of the charts and Hungry Like the Wolf became MTV’s one of the 15 most played videos ever! With the success of the first two albums, an allegiance of Duranies over the globe, Duran Duran go forth and conquer the pop scene.
2003 saw the return of Duran Duran as the original line up in a few concerts around Australia. Taking us back in time with the favourites and unleashing some new tracks, this short tour was a taster of their new album Astronaut. They were here this week for three days on a short promotional tour. A small number of Sydney fans were treated to the official listening party at Dragonfly in Kings Cross. By the looks of the neon sign at the front, there was nothing secret about this whirlwind promotional tour. Once inside, this intimate gathering was treated to the unveiling of Astronaut. The first single off the new album is Sunrise and whilst listening to Astronaut without a track listing in front of me, it’s quite obvious which track is Sunrise. It’s up beat and catchy.
David Campbell had the honour of asking the questions tonight and Duran Duran responded appropriately and sometimes cheekily. The big question of the night – When are they likely to be back in Australia for a tour? We are assured by five confident voices that they will be here in the middle half of 2005. Cheers of delight all around.
While it mightn’t have been a New Moon on this particular Monday, Duran Duran proved that after twenty one years that they could pull together a brilliant new album, still look good under the lights of fame and still attract young fans as well as their loyal fans. They mingled with the crowd, listened to endless stories of how various fans grew up with their music, posed for photos and signed many a CD cover. Welcome back Duran Duran.
Astronaut will be released on 04 October 2004, while the single Sunrise has a release date of 20 September 2004.
