Return of the Wild Boys
I first caught Duran Duran at the Manchester Apollo back in 1981. They put on an excellent show, proving that night that they had what it took to get to the top. If you had said to me that night that I would be watching them in an arena in 34 years’ time, I wouldn’t have believed you.
What is admirable is the determination of the two members who have kept the group going all these years, Simon and Nick. Through thick and thin, good times and bad, they have kept the Duran name on the road.
We did briefly have the original five back together several years ago, but it didn’t last. But all that doesn’t matter tonight as Simon, Nick, John and Rodger take the stage and launch into the title track of the new release ‘Paper Gods’. I don’t know how they do it but they look better with age and Simons vocal rang always is pitch perfect.
‘Wild Boys’ follows as the large screens behind them burst in high definition images from the video. Then onto ‘Hungry like the Wolf’, and the famous James Bond theme ‘A View to a Kill’ No vocal flaws tonight on this one. I wonder if that Live Aid moment ever crosses his mind when he sings it?
One of my favourite Duran tunes ‘Come Undone’ is also definitely a crowd pleaser. Yes, all the hits are out tonight. In fact it’s more of a greatest hits tour than a new album tour. That’s because all the songs here, even the new ones are so recognisable. Pure 80’s pop, the Duran formula.
There are also a couple of surprises. The seldom played ‘Love Voodoo’ gets a welcome return to the set, as does ‘I Don’t Want Your Love’, from the ‘Big Thing’ album.
We are also treated to a couple of medleys, ‘Reach up for the Sunrise/New Moon on Monday’, then ‘Danceophobia/Too Much Information/Girls on Film’ to finish off the main set.
Upon the bands return Le Bon spoke about the events in Paris and dedicated 'Save a Prayer' to all the victims of the attack. Another new track, ‘What are the Chances’ follows and the evening’s entertainment ends with everyone’s favourite Duran track ‘Rio’.
I’ve seen Duran Duran many times over the years and tonight’s performance stood out as one of the best I have seen for many many years. Catch them whilst they still on tour, you won’t regret it
