Simon Le Bon has revealed that Duran Duran's remarkable 45-year survival as a band is down to a simple principle: they split everything equally. In an interview, Le Bon explained that there is no leader and no disproportionate songwriter earnings, making the band a true cooperative.
Halloween Spectacle Returns to London
The band is bringing their acclaimed Halloween show to London's O2 Arena on October 31, following a successful run in Manchester and New York. Keyboardist Nick Rhodes described the New York show at Madison Square Garden as a "spectacular moment" featuring dancers and drag queens, akin to "Duran meets Rocky Horror." The concept began as a throwaway idea for a Las Vegas warm-up show before their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2023.
New Music and Nostalgic Video
Duran Duran have released a new album, Free to Love: Hot Star Remixes, featuring reworks of their single by artists like Trixie Mattel and Horse Meat Disco. The original song originated from a Nile Rodgers riff. The accompanying video recreates a 1980s Top of the Pops performance, a show the band mourned when it was cancelled. Le Bon noted the stage felt too big compared to the cramped original set.
Enduring Passion and Jet-Set Reputation
Le Bon insists he still feels the same thrill performing as he did as a teenager, despite occasional doubts. He dismissed the band's jet-set reputation as media-driven, saying they always put music first. Rhodes recalled advice from Mick Jagger to stick together, emphasizing that hard work is required to maintain unity.
Equal Partnership and Political Views
The band operates as a cooperative with equal pay and decision-making power, which Le Bon credits for their longevity. He also expressed frustration with UK political infighting, urging leaders to focus on their duties. On AI, Le Bon condemned an "awful" AI-generated Duran Duran song, arguing that art requires human communication and ideas, not mere mimicry.
Looking ahead, Rhodes hinted at new instrumental music in the pipeline. Duran Duran's Halloween show at the O2 promises to continue their tradition of unpredictable, theatrical performances.
