Duran Duran kicks off notorious tour in San Antonio

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THE RUNDOWN

WHAT: Duran Duran’s North American Red Carpet Massacre Tour
WHEN: 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1

WHERE: The Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St.

HOW MUCH: $59.50-$79.50

INFO: majesticempire.com; ticketmaster.com; (210) 224-9600

In 1981, Duran Duran was a group of five glamorized guys churning out hit after hit. Fast-forward nearly 30 years, and they’re one of the best-selling, most-recognized groups still touring the world

It’s something they’re quite proud of.

“We’ve outgrown some of our much-lauded contemporaries,” Roger Taylor, drummer for Duran Duran, told 210SA. “They faded, and I’d like to think we had the last laugh.”

They’ll laugh all they way to the Majestic Theatre, where they’ll kick off their North American Red Carpet Massacre tour Dec. 1. Taylor spoke to 210SA about the group’s changing fans, Barack Obama and what Taylor’s had to cut back on during their latest tour.

I understand you’re on your first tour through South America. What has the reception been like so far?

RT: It’s been amazing. There’s a great audience down here. I think every continent has a different kind of audience but the further south you go, the wilder the fans get. They’re a soccer crowd; they know every song and sing along. It’s great fun.

What are your fans like nowadays?

RT: It’s a very different audience. If you look at early footage from Madison Square Garden, the screaming didn’t let us do anything. But the audience has grown with us. It’s more about listening to the music and the overall music experience. The age group is varied as well — babies to grandparents. It’s a cross-generational thing.

What’s the biggest difference for you 30 years later? What have been the physical changes?

RT: Definitely tougher. I really have to look after myself. I have to make sure I have enough stamina because we’re still playing songs we wrote when we were 19, and our shows can be over two hours long. We have to have the right shape, right attitude. There’s a lot less partying (laughs).

I read somewhere the band dedicated a song to President-elect Barack Obama. Where were you when you heard the news?

RT: We were onstage in Lima, Peru. We kind of knew we were going to get the good news, and when we went back for the encore, we dedicated it to him. He knows how to talk, he’s a great speaker, he’s intelligent, and it’s a great thing for America. With great respect to the current president, there’s a lot of animosity that’s been building over time due to a lot of his policies. We think Barack is the best man to lead America toward change in the coming years.

Which of today’s bands do you think Duran Duran best compares to?

RT: The Killers. We played with them in Vegas. We jammed out. Something about that band has a real resonance with us. They’re a mix of rock edge, have beautiful melodies, a great singer and are good musicians.

Jessica Elizarraras | 210SA
Courtesy 210SA http://www.210sa.com/content/view/5102/