By Jae-Ha Kim
Grey City Journal
March 30, 1984
In 1981, Duran Duran said that they wanted “world domination by 1984.” Three years later, they’ve achieved that goal.
Though the Durans have toured the U.S. three times already, this tour marks their first visit to the U.S. as superstars.
And the band is taking advantage of this newfound elite status. They are touring the U.S. in style: from the separate limos allotted to each of the five band members, to the custom designed ultra chic Parachute clothing for their road crew.
Even their stage set-up is more elaborate than most bands. The grecian pillars in the background add a nice classy touch to an already polished band.
The Durans have received more than their share of flak from the press in regards to their looks. Yes, it is true that they are five good looking young men, but they are not a case of “looks over talent.”
Running through all their hits from their debut album and Rio to their latest, Seven and the Ragged Tiger, it is evident that they are a very tight band.
Unlike bands like Depeche Mode, Duran Duran don’t use synthesizers to overpower their music. Co-founder Nick Rhodes uses his keyboards in a subtle way so that it enhances the music. Roger Taylor pounds out a steady beat, while other co-founder John Taylor throws in melodic bass lines. Axeman Andy Taylor (none of the Taylors are related) plays like an early Eddie Van Halen, and has the jumps to match.
Singer Simon Le Bon tends to hog the spotlight, and much of his dancing still looks like he’s having an epileptic seizure. But his voice is in fine tune. He shows much more emotion than in the past, and makes a striking (albeit narcissistic) frontman.
Skeptics say that Duran Duran are not here to stay, but are merely “the flavor of the month.” I disagree. With their musical ability and blond good looks, they’re bound to be around for a long, long time.
