MARK RONSON TO PERFORM WITH DURAN DURAN AT TWO UPCOMING SHOWS – LONDON’S LOVEBOX FESTIVAL AND EDINBURGH CASTLE

DURAN DURAN have today confirmed that MARK RONSON will make a guest appearance with them at both their forthcoming concert at Edinburgh Castle on Thursday 16th July, 2009, and at London’s Lovebox Festival, where they will headline on Saturday the 18th.

The Edinburgh Castle show, along with DURAN DURAN’s appearance at Lovebox two days later, are the band’s only two UK dates this year, as they continue writing and recording material for their new album.

The collaboration between Ronson and DURAN DURAN this summer follows a stunning performance they did at La Cigale, in Paris, last June, for which Ronson reworked songs from across the band’s catalogue into a giant, one hour ‘megamix’ that they then performed live together.

The spectacular French show was hailed by critics as a “stunning” and “inventive” musical collaboration, following which it seemed clear that the two parties would work together again. Citing the show as “one of the most surreal moments and definitely one of my highlights…” Ronson said “Duran Duran were my favourite band when I was a kid.”

Such mutual respect between the immensely talented musician/DJ/producer and pop legends, Duran Duran, flourished into a writing and recording partnership that has resulted in Ronson working on DURAN DURAN’s follow up album to Red Carpet Massacre (which is set for completion later this year). Working between two different studios in London, Ronson has already spent several weeks with the band, and for one of the new tracks invited Kaiser Chiefs principal songwriter Nick Hodgson to collaborate.

With sales of more than 70 million records, no less than five major lifetime achievement awards (MTV VMA’s Q Magazine, The Brits, Ivor Novello, Spanish Onda’s), 30 UK Top 30 hits, 18 US Top 30 hits and an extensive catalogue of timeless songs, Duran Duran continue to push the boundaries, finding interesting collaborations in both music, art and fashion. Working with Mark Ronson is a natural next step for a band who continue to challenge themselves with each new phase of their career.

Details of Ronson’s appearance with DURAN DURAN are being kept under tight wraps, but festival organizers say that fans will be enthralled and delighted with these unique and special performances.

DURAN DURAN will headline the Lovebox Festival along with N.E.R.D. featuring Pharrell Williams, Groove Armada, Friendly Fires, Simian Mobile Disco, Florence & The Machine, Ladyhawke and Fat Freddy’s Drop, before returning to the studio.

Supporting DURAN DURAN in Edinburgh will be BRIT Award-winning FLORENCE & THE MACHINE.

ENDS

Tickets for Edinburgh Castle are available through
www.seetickets.com or by calling 0871 220 0260
(tickets not available from Edinburgh Castle)

Tickets for Lovebox are available at www.lovebox.net and www.ticketmaster.co.uk or by calling 0844 847 2436