Duran Duran formed in 1978, but a little thing called MTV would help them reach stardom only three short years later. This was mostly due to the band’s fashion-forward style and their love of fun, artistic visuals. They never shied away from innovation, where other bands scoffed at the synth keyboards and more electronic sounds of the ‘80s.
Speaking of ‘80s sounds, the decade became rife with new genres like glam metal, underground punk, hip-hop, and the “synth-pop” that Duran Duran would completely dominate. While lineup changes and health issues would set them back a little along the way, they’re still at it almost 50 years later, and not many bands can boast that kind of longevity.
Here are 14 facts from 5 decades of Duran Duran.
1
They named the band after a character from the sci-fi movie "Barbarella."
Milo O'Shea played a character named Mr. Durand Durand.
2
They were pioneers of the music video.
The video for “Girls on Film” was released only two weeks after MTV launched in 1981. Rather than a video of them playing on a stage, they set the bar for videos with engaging storylines and exotic locations.
3
They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Inducted in 2022, they performed live, and read a letter from Andy Taylor, who could not attend due to his battle with prostate cancer.
4
Their Legacy - By The Numbers
They achieved 14 singles in the top 10 in the UK and 21 hits in the US Top 100. They also sold over 100 million records worldwide.
5
They were considered part of the “New Romantic” scene.
The New Romantic subculture originated in the late ‘70s in the UK. It was defined by glam rock and 19th-century Romantic-era styles with gender-bending clothing and accessories.
6
They released the first-ever paid-for digital single.
While many fans downloaded tracks from Napster, the first ever digital track sale was of their song "Electric Barbarella" in September 1997.
7
They turned down a collab with Michael Jackson.
Nick Rhodes said that Michael was “keen to make a record” with them after the release of their 1984 album "The Reflex." Nick told the other members and they simply said “nah."
8
John Taylor didn’t play on one of their biggest tracks.
Although it's been a staple in their live shows, John said “I wished I’d played on "Come Undone." I’d gone back to LA. We’d put that album to bed and I wasn’t coming back for one more song.”
9
Save A Prayer’s video shoot landed Andy Taylor in hospital
Filming in Sri Lanka had its challenges. Andy fell into a lagoon full of elephant urine and ended up in hospital with a tropical virus.
10
The BBC banned the original "Girls on Film" video.
With other raunchy scenes like mud-wrestling, the video was intended for nightclubs with minimal restrictions, but the BBC deemed it too explicit for television.
11
They inspired a board game.
“Into The Arena” was issued in 1985 by Milton Bradley, and it saw players trying to match cards with the hit singles and videos. It has become a prized piece of merchandise for collectors today.
12
They created the only "James Bond" theme song that topped the US charts.
Working with "Bond" composer John Barry, they recorded theme to "A View To A Kill."
13
Princess Diana frequently referred to Duran Duran as her favorite band.
In 2007, they performed at her memorial concert, saying "We are honoured that she always referred to Duran Duran as her favorite band, as she was certainly our favourite princess."
14
They have an entire album you've never heard.
Before original guitarist Andy Taylor left the group for the second time in 2006, they recorded and shelved the album “Reportage” with him, then regrouped to create 2007’s "Red Carpet Massacre."
