Duran Duran | Artist

Duran Duran is an English new wave band formed 1978 in Birmingham by John Taylor (bass, guitar), Nick Rhodes (keyboards), Stephen Duffy (vocals) and Simon Colley (bass). Duffy and Colley lasted little more than 12 months before being replaced by Simon Le Bon (vocals), Roger Taylor (drums) and Andy Taylor (guitar), all of whom would remain long-term members. The band was one of the most successful acts of the 1980s, but by the end of the decade, music style changes saw them fall from favour, before a resurgence in the early 1990s. Stephen Duffy went on to have a successful solo career and lead his own band The Lilac Time. The band's self-titled first album was released on EMI in 1981. The first single, "Planet Earth" charted at 12 in the UK. A follow-up, "Careless Memories" stalled, however it was their third single, "Girls on Film", which gave them their big breakthrough. The single was accompanied by a soft-porn filmclip depicting mud wrestling woman, directed by 10cc duo Godley & Creme. Their second album Rio further boosted their popularity giving the photogenic band more MTV exposure. Rolling Stone magazine noted "The band was a natural for music television, they may be the first rock group to ride in on a video wave". In the wake of Rio, the band headlined tours of Australia, Japan, and the US followed by a stint supporting Blondie during that band's final American tour. At their peak of popularity in 1985, their single "A View to a Kill" was used as the main theme for the James Bond movie of the same name. They have released a total of 14 studio albums, standouts include the early works Duran Duran, Rio and Seven and the Ragged Tiger, and then you need to fast-forward to 2010's All You Need is Now. Also recommended is the 2003 compilation The Singles 81-85. Diana, Princess of Wales declared Duran Duran her favourite band.

Artist Website: duranduran.com

Featured Albums: Duran Duran

Related Artists: Stephen Duffy, The Lilac Time, The Power Station, Simon Le Bon