Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Iconic Reunion - Duran Duran

Reunion Tour
Duran Duran

Their story began in Birmingham in 1978.  The original lineup - the "Fab Five" - included Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, Andy Taylor, John Taylor, and Roger Taylor.  In the 1980's, Duran Duran was considered to be the second British invasion of the U.S. primarily due to MTV.

Duran Duran have sold over 100 million records worldwide.  They have won 2 Brit Awards (including Outstanding Contribution to Music), 2 Grammy Awards, an MTV Video Music Award (Lifetime Achievement), and a Video Visionary Award from the MTV Europe Music Awards.  They have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Point of intrigue -
At the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards, Duran Duran were slated to be presenters.  The honor was a surprise.


Other awards and nominations -
American Music Award nomination
Billboard Music Award nominations (6)
Bravo Otto Award win
Q Awards (Lifetime Achievement Award, Icon Award)
Golden Globe Award nomination
Ivor Novello Awards nominations (4) and wins (3)
UK Music Video Awards nominations (2)

(Refer to Wikipedia for the full list of Duran Duran's awards and nominations.)

Accolades aside...

...This is where I will begin.

Their reunion story began in 2000 when Simon Le Bon approached John Taylor with the consideration of reforming the original line-up.  John agreed, as did Roger and Andy.

From 2001 to 2003, the band worked on creating new material.  When they could not land a record deal, Duran Duran launched a tour to prove "drawing power of the reunited band."  

"The response of the fans and the media exceeded expectations." (Wikipedia)

Two arena concerts in Tokyo were entirely sold out.  

Concert dates in America, Australia, and New Zealand were sold out.

In the UK, Duran Duran were set for 14 stadium concerts in 2004, including five sold out performances at Wembley.  The last two shows were filmed - 
Duran Duran: Live from London.

In June 2004, Duran Duran signed with Epic Records and the first album produced was Astronaut.

Astronaut was released in October 2004 - No. 3 in the UK and No. 17 in the U.S.

"Reach Up for the Sunrise" - No. 1 on Billboard Dance Chart in November 2004...No. 5 on UK Singles Chart

"What Happens Tomorrow" - No. 11 in the UK...


...And the rest is history

DD Live From London DVD Standard Edition.jpg

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