Duran Duran

About Duran Duran

Iconic 80's New Romantic combo Duran Duran were blessed with style, hooks and aristocratic cheek bones to spare. Founded by guitarist John Taylor and bassist Nick Rhodes in England in 1980, the band went on to own MTV and release a parade of irresistible synth-pop confections. They were quickly joined by a couple other Taylors (Andy guitar and Roger drums, all unrelated to each other) and by lead vocalist and male diva Simon LeBon. They calculated their look and sound as a cross between David Bowie and The Sex Pistols and after naming themselves after the evil Dr. Durand Durand from the campy sci-fi cult film Barbarella, they were ready to rock. Their early hits off their self-titled debut scored high in the UK, which had already embraced New Romantic acts like Adam Ant. "Planet Earth" and "Careless Memories" were minor hits. Then they shot a raunchy video for the cynical model anthem "Girls On Film" which got them international attention, as much for their own good looks as the objectified girls in the video. In 1982 they cut their iconic 80's classic Rio, with it's manically grinning purple cover lady. Along with the title track, hits included "Hungry Like the Wolf," the seductive "Save A Prayer" and "My Own Way." After their sexy videos gained them near-constant MTV play, the boys toured the US to Beatle-mania levels of hysteria and they haven't gone away since. Having hooked up with fashion designers like Armani and Vivienne Westwood, they've kept in style and subsequent Duran Duran hits included "New Moon Monday," "The Reflex" and 2000's "Electric Barberella."