Duran Duran reminisces about the 80s, rivalry with Spandau Ballet

Yugel Losorata

Hours before their concert at the Big Dome last Thursday, Duran Duran faces the press and gamely answered questions.

Four of the 80s Fab Five namely Simon LeBon, Nick Rhodes, and the two Taylors, John and Roger were present during the press briefing.

Here’s an excerpt of the press interview:

Why did you have to temporarily dissolve the group and create Arcadia and Power Station back in the 80s? Do you have regrets doing that?

John: "No regrets. It was a great experience working, in my case, with someone like Robert Palmer (vocalist of Power Station). It was a creative world of slowing down the craziness that’s going on with Duran Duran at that time. We chose to take a break from each other and we did it in the creative way."

Would you consider "Ordinary World" as your best song? What’s your idea of good song-writing?

Simon: It was one of the most successful songwriting ventures we had but we won’t say it is the best. We judge our records on how it affects and connects to people. On that level "Ordinary World" was very successful. We’re kind of positive people who think we’ll have more success."

What can you say about Filipinos as well as the 80s?

Nick: You’re gracious people who love music and the food here is good. As for the 80s thing, you can’t think of Duran Duran without thinking of the 80s. I think it that way.

Any piece of advice for bands out there?

Roger: Mick Jagger once told me, the key is to keep the band together and stay together.

For the sake of fans who want to see you complete, do you see Andy Taylor jumping into the band again? Should we expect more albums from you guys?

Nick: You’ll definitely expect more albums from us, though we’re not sure about Andy getting on board again. We never say never.

How do you keep the band growing?

Simon: If we’re going to make a record, we’d rather do it different from the previous ones. It keeps us very sharp musically. It means our friendship is based on progression, not on just trying to make money. When we get on stage, we do songs that should excite us and hopefully, the audience too.

Courtesy Manila Bulletin