Facts: Duran Duran
Formed in Birmingham in 1978 by John Taylor and Nick Rhodes. They got their name from a character in the kitschy sci-fi movie “Barbarella”. Eventually, Simon Le Bon, Roger Taylor and Andy Taylor also joined. The latter is no longer with.
Was initially part of the neo-romantic wave of synth bands in Britain at the time, but soon became one of the 80’s largest groups on both sides of the Atlantic. Has made hit songs like “Girls on film”, “Hungry like the wolf” and “The wild boys”.
Current with the 40th anniversary of the album “Rio”. Released his 15th studio album “Future past” this fall.
Duran Duran plays at Skansen in Stockholm 28 May.
Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, Roger Taylor and John Taylor. In addition to some minor refurnishments, the core squad has been together since the late 1970s. And unlike many of their peers in the same industry, they still thrive together.
– In the end, it’s all about the basic values, about love and respect. How does a family get along? How do you get along with your siblings? We are incredibly deeply connected, it really has nothing to do with liking or disliking each other, says bassist and songwriter John Taylor.
After the isolation of the pandemic and canceled tours, he also feels a newfound gratitude.
– Just a little more feeling of “wow, I get to do something very special”. The moments we have together are a privilege. It was never really something I felt before, but I have always played every concert as if it were the last. You want your last gig to be good, he says.
John Taylor and Simon Le Bon in Austin last year. “I like writing and creating new music, but for me it’s about creating new music to play live,” says Taylor. Stock Photography.Sweden was a “holy place”
John Taylor is also looking forward to visiting Stockholm. In Sweden, he felt a strong attraction until long before he was a rock star and his father went on exotic business trips to Saab and Volvo’s offices in Sweden in the 1960s.
– When he got home he smelled of cigars and perfume. It was like a sacred and sophisticated place for me. Then we went there and played at the Ritz and at the “Monday Stock Exchange” and we had a lot of fun. I love Stockholm, it is one of my favorite cities in the world, he says.
On their latest album “Future past” one of the songs is toured by Tove Lo. They still have not met her in real life, but she had been on Taylor and Le Bon’s radar since they saw her at the Lollapalooza festival a few years ago.
– We were both taken by her. Usually Simon is very sensitive when we talk about bringing in guest artists and says “No one is allowed to sing my verses”. But we loved what she did with us and I’m really looking forward to performing with her, I think we should do it in Los Angeles.
John Taylor, Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes and Roger Taylor. Stock Photography.Worked with Moroder
On the record, they also worked with Giorgio Moroder. Working with the iconic disco producer was a lifelong dream come true, says Taylor.
– He is a music god and we have always wanted to work with him. It was punk that got Nick and me to start a band. Kraftwerk was also of great importance. But the first electronic disco with Donna Summer and the soundtrack to “Midnight express” were just as important to us. He was so cute. Both extremely kind and focused at the same time.
TT: What dreams do you have left now?
– I’m a live in the moment guy. You just keep working. I have no desire to be the first rock band on the moon or so, I just hope we continue to be vital and significant. Imagine if no one cared. That’s probably what you’re fighting for, that someone should care about you.