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Review: Duran Duran Live

By Michele Morabito

The original “Fab 5” has reunited for gigs on the West Coast. Actually, Duran Duran reunited back in March 2001 and just now able to come to the forefront.

It is the first time since their Live Aid appearance in 1985 that all five band members are on the same stage – lead singer Simon LeBon, founder keyboardist Nick Rhodes along with founder bassist John Taylor; the other Taylors, Roger and Andy, the drums and guitar, respectively.

The actual first date was several Japan dates in early July. The band then jumped to North America for a few California and Vegas dates in mid-July along with a “secret show/industry only” affair at The Roxy in Hollywood to pay homage their first show on the west coast. Their first full-blown gig was at the Orange County Fair in Costa Mesa on July 16th, followed by two Las Vegas dates, July 17 and 19th respectively, at the Hard Rock Hotel’s venue called The Joint.

Orange County saw the premiere of four new tracks – the techno “Virus”, the fun “Reach Up for the Sunrise”, the slow “Still Breathing” and the poppy “What Happens Tomorrow”. The entire place was excited and showed it mimicking the excitement of the band onstage. The frontmen - Simon, John and Andy - spanned the entire very long stage constantly crossing from one end to the other to interact with each other, sing back-up vocals and other strange happenings. Roger and Nick stayed out but made their impact.

The setlist also included the classic hits, gleamed mostly from the first two albums (the first self-titled Duran Duran and Rio) like opening with “Friends of Mine” and “Hungry Like The Wolf”. “Waiting for the Nighboat” and “New Religion” was a special highlight during the show. During “The Wild Boys”, John and Simon decided that doing their own mini mosh pit onstage was a good idea. One would have thought it was 1984 all over again from Seven and Ragged Tiger tour. For the last 10 years, the band has done the cover of Grandmaster Flash’s “White Lines”, completely bringing down the house. “Careless Memories” and “Rio” closed the show. “The Reflex” and “Girls on Film” rounded out the show as the encore. The showtime total was about 2 hours.

The show also contained a special guest by the name of Mindi Abair, a sax player. John is featured on her album It Just Happens That Way by the way of producer Matthew Hagar, whom also did some of John’s solo work.

Duran Duran are planning to have a full tour for the winter with a CD release for 2004 with a full world tour.