The Brits invaded the Greek Theater on Friday night to a sold out crowd of fans that were hungry like wolves for such classic hits like “The Reflex,” “View to a Kill,” and “Girls on Film”. The band that was part of the MTV-driven “second British invasion,” performed with the same energy and enthusiasm that they had since forming some 40 years ago. It’s really no wonder that Duran Duran has placed 14 singles in the Top 10 of the UK Singles Chart and 21 in the Billboard Hot 100, and sold more than 100 million records and is doing it again with their latest release “Paper Gods” that debuted at number 10 on the Billboard Top 200.
Their first album on Warner Brothers Records is also their highest debut in 22 years and was produced by none other than Nile Rodgers. The latest incarnation is a throwback to the 80s but with modern influences and collaborations with Janelle Monáe and former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante. About the partnership Duran Duran had this to say on their website:
“We were holding this exciting news because we were hoping to give you full details when we announced, but as word has leaked out, catching us rather off guard, we wanted to confirm… yes it’s true, the extraordinarily talented John Frusciante has indeed been doing some work from his home base in California on our new album. The tracks have been going back and forth via the internet, and we are thrilled with the results. We are all such big fans of John’s work and are honored to have him adding his magic to the record! There are no current plans for John to tour with us, but his guitars sound incredible on the tracks. Hoping to have more news for you soon.”
After a few lineup changes over the years, Simon Le Bon (Vocals), John Taylor (Bass), Nick Rhodes (Keys), and Roger Taylor (Drums) sound today the same way they did 30 years ago. Their songs not only possess the rare quality of being timeless, but are just as much fun to listen to today as when you first heard them. The fact that all the members of the band are handsome and have aged gracefully kept the women in the audience swooning the night away, romanced by a band that has stood the test of time with songs that will forever remain a part of pop music history.
