You might think that I’m a little young to be a fan of Duran Duran (but that would also involve me telling you how old I am), but no, as I keep saying I do love cheesy music… and Duran Duran would have to be the kings of cheese.
I must say that for the entire day I was somewhat nervous as to what I was going to be subjected to (it didn’t help that people were ridiculing me for going). I was meant to be sitting in the 9th row surrounded by others that had bought their tickets via the official fanclub ticket pre-sale. So yes, I was a bit scared about who I would encounter.
Anyway, so I troddled along, a bit late I must say. I thought I should sink a few beverages before I got there (to calm my nerves and all) and because I had heard that they were going to be playing their new album (Red Carpet Massacre) first.
Unfortunately my plan failed. By turning up late I sadly managed to miss Hungry Like the Wolf, a song that makes me laugh on the inside, not because it is stand-alone hilarious but because it’s just one of those karaoke songs that have been murdered by many (including myself). Enough of that though.
It didn’t feel like a particularly long show. It was either because they played everything fast, or because I was just so much in awe of who was actually standing in front of me. I do admit that I wished that that might have donned some more new wave-esque outfits and hair-do’s, but I shouldn’t complain. For a bunch of old men, they didn’t look too shabby at all.
The music? Well…. I can’t say that I heard any songs that I didn’t know. Apart from Hungry Like the Wolf they played all the hits I was after. Including a lengthy version of Girls On Film peppered with a nice introduction of the band. In fact, looking at the set list, I got their just before they played The Reflex and no, there weren’t many from Red Carpet Massacre played thereafter.
I’m not bashing the new album, it’s not bad at all! I just don’t love it and there was just not enough time to sit down and listen to it over and over to make myself love it. I'm sure it will grow on me over time though.
I had also heard that they were going to play a “drum and bass” set in the middle of the show. Thankfully what they did actually play was not drum and base at all (but the beverages within me had me suitably prepared for all eventualities). What it involve was them standing in a line, in front of synthesisers and a drum machine and doing a couple of what I would call, “medleys” of songs. I must admit that I wondered if there was any (electrical) assistance in the music they were pumping out because it was done all too perfectly.
All in all I had a good time. Tops show!
p.s. Thanks to Suzie Daly and Greg Eagle for photographs.
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