Lisa Verrico
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Never a band to play down their own importance – even this long after their heyday – Duran Duran began their UK tour with several minutes of foreboding music, dramatic claps of thunder and searchlights sweeping over the crowd. Finally, posing on a short stretch of red carpet, in front of a Gothic, Gotham-like backdrop, appeared a solemn-looking Simon Le Bon, hair still rocking those silver-blond streaks that were only ever hip in the 1980s, bondage straps hanging between the knees of his custom-made black suit.
The fans, of course, had come for a party, a singalong to beam them back to their carefree schooldays, when Duran epitomised pop’s peak of aspiration – yachts, supermodels, money to burn. Instead, they got a trio of tracks from last year’s largely panned, electro-rock album Red Carpet Massacre. Some stood and danced to the buzzy, bassy, unexpectedly tasty opener The Valley, but most were back in their seats for the speedy, silly title track and the not-too-bad Nite-Runner.
You can understand why Duran Duran consider their celebrity stock to be soaring, despite disastrous sales of their album. The previous evening they had played in Paris, accompanied by the producer-du-jour Mark Ronson, in front of a crowd that included Eva Mendes, Philippe Starck, John Galliano and Ellen Von Unwerth. Red Carpet Massacre was as audacious a comeback as any pop act has attempted and featured the twin might of Timbaland and Justin Timberlake.
As a nostalgia act, however, the glamorous Brummies still have it in spades. Hungry Like the Wolf turned the 02 Arena into a deliriously cheesy disco and Planet Earth turned grown women into giddy, lovestruck girls. That four original members remain – including the impossibly pretty Nick Rhodes and the improbably slimline Taylors, John and Roger – was a bonus, but couldn’t mask the growing gulf of excitement between old songs and new.
Just after Duran had pulled off a stuttering, sax-accompanied re-re-remix of The Reflex and convinced the crowd that A View to a Kill could be the best Bond song bar Bassey’s, they perplexed punters with a techno interlude, delivered Kraftwerk-style, the quintet side by side behind electronic equipment. Suddenly, the bars outside were doing brisk business.
The final act, however, couldn’t be faulted. A glorious Girls on Film and an epic Rio were the highlights of a run of hits that could keep Duran Duran selling out arenas for the rest of their lives.
Tour continues
Saturday 5, Liverpool Echo Arena
Sunday 6, Nottingham Arena
Monday 7, Birmingham NIA
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I travelled form Ireland to see Duran Duran at the O2 and thought they were brilliant until.............. I got backstage passes for the aftershow party and was delighted at the thought of meeting Simon Le Bon. UNTIL I MET HIM....... I was hugely dissapointed as he refused to stand in for a picture
Deirdre, Cork, Ireland
I thought it was dead boring, same old 80s rewind has-been concert they've been playing since their reunion in 2004. Never again. Depeche Mode for the 02 Arena next year!!
Paul Jeremiah, Cork,
I saw DD for the first time in Nottingham..and what a show they put on.They certainly know how to entertain a crowd. I could barely talk the next day as i danced and sang the whole way though the show. If there's a chance of seeing them again - i'll be there. Cheers lads -you did us DD fans proud.
Dean , York, UK
I think the review of the O2 concert is too harsh - were you at the same concert? I was there and did not sit down the whole time. Yes, I may be slightly biased having been a Duranie since 1981, but they are a fantastic live group. The music (old & new) was amazing, Simon's vocals were brilliant!
Sarah Bennett, Dover, UK
The concert at the O2 was amazing! My husband and I had a fab time and the boys have certainly not lost it. I can't wait to see them again. The Electronic set was the best ever and I would LOVE to have a CD of it. Brilliant!
Cathy, Surbiton, UK
Travelled from the emerald isle to see the boys. Great gig, was catapulted back to the 80's when John asked "Is anybody hungry?" before launching into HLAWolf. Still buzzing. Le Bons vocals were flawless and they all still look pretty good. Yum.
Mairead, Wexford, Eire
Mairead, Wexford , Ireland
I've been a DD fan since 1981. I've seen them live many. many times over the years and this concert has been the best i've seen!
I was there with my wife. We didn' t sit down for the entire time they were on stage. We didn't see people leaving during the Kraftwerk inspired middle set!
Ian Mason, Hornchurch, Essex
I was at this concert - it was brilliant, yes I am now a 40 something, but they still have that star quality that they have always had. From what I could see the entire arena was up and dancing through everysong! It was a fantastic evening. (And Roger is STLL my heartthrob!)
Diane, Chessington, UK
Saw the boys at the o2 on thursday 3 july. absolutely awesome. Seen u a few times over the last 26 years and i have to say that this was the best concert ever!!!! You are like a fine wine. Improving with age!!! Please come to Wales next year. Preferably Swansea my home town. Liberty Stadium!!
xxx
Jane Benson, swansea, wales
I saw Duran for the first time in Liverpool last nite after over 20 years of being a fan! It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life so far, i would definitely see them again if i get the chance. I have to say it was well worth all the years of waiting and im still on an emotional high!!
Trish, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire
I saw Duran last time they played Liverpool many years ago and they were just as good last night. Even better than Manchester MEN in 2005. Good to hear them play their new music but saving all the oldies for us die hard fans. It was great to be a Duranie again just for one night!
rachel, Liverpool, UK
Watched Duran in Liverpool last night and still buzzing - i have seen them over 20 times and last saw them in Liverpool about 20 something years ago and it was fabulous to see them in the new arena the sound was amazing. This band need more air play and dont moch them until youve seen them live!! !
debbie jackson, liverpool, uk
DD were awesome at the O2, not sure that Lisa Verico was at the same show as anyone else! As the tour is entitled the "Red Carpet Massacre" Tour it would seem a little bit daft for people to go to the show and expect to hear nothing but old hits. Simon was incredible and the place was rocking!
Callie, Billingshurst,
It was a great gig, the boys know how to play big arenas. Just what great songs they have...and the new stuff is great too. Best band to come out of the '80s, and that includes U2 and the Smiths! Don't miss the rest of the tour!
Mark Pine, London, UK
DD were awesome last night...for me it was the best concert ever and my sons, 6 and 8, were amazed that their favourite track from the new album sounded even better live, DD definitely has 2 new fans. Simon gets better & better and still makes me weak at the knees: his voice is amazing ..thank you X
Emma Hearne, Reigate, UK