Duran Duran Series : Astronaut Album

 

 



An epic moment for worldwide Duran Duran fans - the release of Astronaut on October 11, 2004.  Who is on the album cover?  Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, Andy Taylor, John Taylor, and Roger Taylor...The ultimate OMG fan response in Duran Duran history - the reunion of the original lineup.

A personal side note - I came across Duran Duran in 1993 when "Ordinary World" aired on the radio.  I was 10 years old at the time and wasn't aware of the meaning behind the lyrics, so I just loved the song.  I became an official life long fan of Duran Duran as of Astronaut when:

-  I heard "(Reach Up For The) Sunrise" on the radio...An addictive beat.

-  I saw the band perform on Good Morning America...A cold day in New York City, but the audience didn't seem to care (at least as appeared to be on television).

-  I no longer remember!  I just am!

According to Wikipedia, Astronaut was the first studio album since Pop Trash (2000) and first (and last) full album since Seven and the Ragged Tiger (1983) to be recorded by the original members of Duran Duran.

In 2003, the band launched a world tour to prove a still strong "drawing power" and therefore impress the hesitant recording industry (considering Duran Duran to be "leftover fame" - Wikipedia).  The tour was a renowned success in Japan, America, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.

In 2005, the band launched a North American tour.  This tour was considered to be the "largest tour ever" for Duran Duran.  (Wikipedia)

On release, Astronaut landed #3 status on the UK Album Chart and #17 status in the U.S. Billboard 200 album chart.  Astronaut was slated at #29 in Japan.

"(Reach Up For The) Sunrise" landed #5 status in the UK singles chart and #1 status on the Billboard Dance Chart.

"What Happens Tomorrow" landed #11 status in the UK.

Astronaut is Gold certified in the UK, with 100,000+ copies sold.  In the United States, roughly 260,000 copies have been sold as of 2008.  Worldwide, 1 million copies have been sold.

As an Amazon Associate, I am promoting Duran Duran's Astronaut album.  As a fan, I am strongly recommending Duran Duran's Astronaut album as a must to all fans of the original lineup.