Duran Duran to play Edinburgh Castle
By FAY SINCLAIR
THEY have played sell-out stadium shows around the world, and 30 years on still have their pick of top venues. But for Duran Duran, the chance of returning to Edinburgh's most famous landmark was too great to turn down.
The 80s supergroup today announced plans to play Edinburgh Castle this summer – a venue they played on their last appearance on Hogmanay in Edinburgh ten years ago.
Singer Simon Le Bon, 50, said: "We are currently in the studio, working on new music, so are only going to be doing a handful of special dates this year.
"When the offer to play in this historic location presented itself, we were all keen to make it happen.
"It's been a while since we've played in Scotland but have always had a great time playing to audiences there."
The new romantic band, who shot to fame in the 1980s with hits including Hungry Like the Wolf, Save A Prayer, and Rio, will be performing at the Castle on Thursday, July 16, with tickets going on sale on Friday.
The band have teamed up with producer Mark Ronson – who has worked with other big names like Amy Winehouse, Christina Aguilera, Lily Allen, Robbie Williams and Adele – to record their 13th studio album.
Rebecca Hamilton, marketing and media manager at Historic Scotland, which runs Edinburgh Castle, said today: "We are delighted to have Duran Duran play on the Edinburgh Castle esplanade.
"Without doubt, they are one of the best bands to have emerged in the 80s and have continued with cracking sounds ever since.
"This venue on a summer's evening with a keen crowd will have an electrifying atmosphere."
There is speculation that the band's first show with the classic line-up was in Edinburgh in 1980, although drummer John Taylor has since denied this.
But there is no doubt the band have a long-standing association with Edinburgh, having played at the then Odeon Theatre on Clerk Street first in 1980 supporting Hazel O'Connor when they earned just £10 a week.
The following year they were in the city as part of their first UK tour. They also played at the Playhouse later in 1981.
Barry Wright, director of the Castle Concerts, said: "It's great to be having Duran Duran at Edinburgh Castle this summer.
"We first put them on in Scotland at the beginning of their career and, 12 studio albums and 70 million record sales later, we're delighted that they have agreed to return to Scotland to play this truly unique venue."
CHANGING LINE-UP BUT BAND PLAYS ON
DURAN DURAN were formed in 1978 and named after a character in the film Barbarella.
Original lead singer Stephen Duffy left in 1979 but the line-up was completed by Andy Taylor on guitar, Simon Le Bon on vocals, Nick Rhodes on keyboard, John Taylor on bass and Roger Taylor on drums.
In 1985, John Taylor and Andy Taylor left to form Power Station with Robert Palmer and Tony Thompson.
The group has never disbanded, but the line-up changed to include guitarist Warren Cuccurullo from 1989 to 2001, and drummer Sterling Campbell from 1989 to 1991.
Courtesy Scotsman.com
