Last Wednesday, Duran Duran brought their Red Carpet Massacre to Seattle’s WaMu Theater. However, the only casualties were sore lungs, exhausted bodies and faces aching from smiles that lasted long after the band left the stage. Duran Duran proved once more that they are masters at their craft, re-inventing themselves in a live spectacle full of power, precision and personality. John Taylor (bass), Nick Rhodes (keyboards), Roger Taylor (drums) and Simon Le Bon (vocals) showed they still have the magic that has been their hallmark over the years, bringing the audience to their feet and treating them to an exhilarating array of classic hits and new material. The WaMu Theater hosted a view to a thrill, and I was fortunate enough to have a ringside seat.
As Le Bon noted at one point in the show, the past year has been full of amazing peaks and some lows for Duran Duran, including the departure of their original guitarist, Andy Taylor. Through it all, the band managed to forge an album, Red Carpet Massacre, which delivers their signature sound infused with a bold, fresh direction. It is Duran Duran re-engineered for a new generation and the concert at WaMu showcased a band ready to take over Planet Earth once more.
At the WaMu Theater Le Bon swiftly took his place at the front of the stage and the air was electrified with a wall of screams from the capacity crowd. Duran has established a world-wide core of passionate fans who have waited a long time to see their icons again. The last Northwest visit was at the Everett Events Center on the 2005 Astronaut Tour, and with the Durans finally back in town, the fans were intent on letting the band know that tonight was well worth the wait.
The set kicked off with “The Valley,” a punchy new song which was a perfect vehicle for Le Bon’s energetic gyrations and slinky moves. Each hip thrust prompted a volley of squeals from the females out there, reminding everyone why Simon Le Bon is the lead singer. But John Taylor was not to be dismissed as he strutted around, tossing out playful looks and charismatic grins along with his bass lines. His tall, lanky frame and smoldering visage was enough to make fans swoon throughout the ’80s, and on stage at the WaMu, it was apparent that some things never change. The interplay between Le Bon and John Taylor was particularly fun to watch, as they exchanged frisky expressions and occasionally joined in on vocals. It was clear they were enjoying themselves as much as the audience, which elevated the whole experience for everyone.
Even though Rhodes was set farther back behind his banks of keyboards, sheer distance did nothing to diffuse the effect on the crowd when he suddenly flashed a sly smile or chimed in on one of Duran’s biggest hits, “The Reflex.” The keyboardist was full of poise and quiet artistry, conducting his arsenal of aural arrangements and bringing every song to life. Rhodes is a consummate professional in everything he does, and it is never more evident than when he is on stage with his bandmates.
Roger Taylor was an essential part of the Duran sound throughout the set, supplying precise, confident rhythms and furious beats which kept the energy level high. Even when he was not visible behind his drum kit, his presence was always felt. When Roger was eventually brought out center stage along with the other members for a unique techno-reworking of several classic hits, a portion of the show called the Electro Set, it was clear that he had his own significant following in the audience, expressed by an avalanche of wild exultation.
Dom Brown has been filling in on guitar since Andy Taylor’s departure, and while many fans may miss the third Taylor, it won’t be because Duran Duran’s guitar work is lacking. Brown completes the Duran equation perfectly, complementing Rhodes’ synths with a sharp, electric edge while interacting with John and Le Bon to make every moment worth catching. Each band member added their own distinct flavor to the Duran Duran recipe, and together, the resulting dish was a feast for the fans.
The night was launched with three songs from Red Carpet Massacre. The new songs brim with rich, textured melodies and thoughtful lyrics, as in the first single, “Falling Down.” Tunes like “Skin Divers” and “Nite Runner” boast a bold, groove-inspired feel, providing great forums for Le Bon’s versatile vocals. These songs translated well in the live show, and the audience responded favorably to the new material. However, when the familiar opening notes of “Hungry Like the Wolf” were played, the audience exploded in rapturous approval. This is what people had come for.
After that first favorite, it was if the floodgates had been thrown open and one classic hit followed another: “Planet Earth,” “Come Undone,” “Save A Prayer,” “View To A Kill…” Each thunderous crowd response seemed to top the next in a long, continuous roar. The set moved fluidly between spirited dance floor anthems like “Wild Boys” and slower, melodic ballads like “Ordinary World,” creating a two-hour musical journey through Duran Duran’s storied career. Le Bon’s voice never faltered, bringing a fresh vitality and emotional gravity to the lyrics, making each note resonate. He also took great strides with inviting audience participation. The crowd was happy to oblige. Hits like “Notorious,” “Girls On Film” and the closing encore, “Rio,” are songs born for singing along. At several points Le Bon simply held the microphone out and the fans picked up the choruses without missing a beat.
Duran Duran rocked the WaMu. Every detail seemed designed to make the most of the evening, and the weary smiles on faces as people reluctantly left the venue confirmed the success of Duran’s efforts. The band’s live shows have always been a particular strength for them. It’s reassuring to know that, while Duran Duran continue to stretch their musical wings and re-invent themselves yet again, the connection to their fans remains as strong and unchanged as ever.
[Ed. note: The author of this post is Andy Golub, a man whose devotion to Duran Duran is so great that he has earned the name Durandy. We do not say this to invalidate his enthusiastic review, but to inform you that there is a lot more where this came from here. If you’re into that sort of thing. Thanks Andy!]
PHOTO: Duran Duran, courtesy of DuranDuranSpace
May 5th, 2008 at 7:21 am
We fans all over the world, have all we need in this post, why should we go reading posts elsewhere? Thank you Andy!!