Duran Duran Year-End Favourites, 2014

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Each year Roger, John, Simon & Nick share their favourite happenings from the year. Below they rate 2014 - seems like it was a very good year!

ROGER

Favourite Concert of 2014

For me, it was Peter Gabriel at Wembley. It was quite something! The “SO” album was one my favorites of the 80s, and he was playing the whole of the record. It was a very powerful experience.

Favourite Album of 2014

I've just become aware of an album of a band called Jungle. They’re pretty big in the UK, a new band from Southwest London. Their music has a Marvin Gaye retro feel. I love it.

Favourite Event of 2014

Julian was in his first nativity play as a Shepherd. Event of the year for me!

Favourite Duran Duran Moment(s) of 2014

Our whole trip to Austin was cool, and it got the appetite going again for playing live. I also loved seeing Austin Grand Prix.

For me, the whole year has been about finishing up the record, with 10-12 hours a day in the Studio. It's sounding "awesome," as some of you Yanks might say!

What You’re Most Looking Forward To In 2015

The album escaping from the Studio, people hearing it, and playing live again. It's so exciting to work on something and then let it go out to the world, which is always such a great moment!

JOHN

Favourite Concert of 2014

I saw Miley Cyrus this year, and I have to say, she was impressive. I also liked the Fleetwood Mac and Eminem shows I saw.

Favourite Movie of 2014

I haven’t seen that many movies this year. I saw the James Brown film, “Get On Up,” and enjoyed it very much.

Favourite TV Show of 2014

I am addicted to the show “Nashville,” I have to say. It is the best TV series about music. The ways the relationships are played out are so interesting to me. It is a Soap, I know that, but there are 3 or 4 songwriting bits on each episode, and it's so realistic. I find that show quite authentic in so many ways.

Favourite Album of 2014

There weren't many albums that really got my attention this year. I do love Mark’s single with Bruno Mars, “Uptown Funk.” It is a fantastic track and deserves all the attention that it is getting.

I have been on an Elvis tear this month. I got a CD compilation called "From Nashville to Memphis: The Essential '60s Masters,” and the third CD is made up of all the songs Elvis recorded in the 60s. It is so great to discover a trove like this.

Favourite Book of 2014

Of course, “The Glitter Plan: How We Started Juicy Couture for $200 and Turned It into a Global Brand” by Pamela Skaist-Levy and Gela Nash-Taylor!

Favourite Event of 2014

I went to see "The Winter's Tale" ballet this summer. It was mind-blowing and beautiful. Simon & Nick went on my recommendation and felt the same. On an artsy level, that was my high point.

Favourite Duran Duran Moment(s) of 2014

Getting back in the studio with Nile Rodgers with Mark producing is up there. It was amazing.

After two days with Nile, my fingers were covered with band aids. He elevates my playing. It was so inspiring working with Nile, he raises my game. I still feel that level of elevation from the music we did together, and it really changed my attitude. It made me want to embrace that side of myself.

What You’re Most Looking Forward To In 2015

Getting the album out, putting a show together that's reflective of the new material. I try and stay in the moment, but this is what I hope will take place next year. 2014 has been a good and challenging year, work-wise. We finished on a high and feel good about things!

SIMON

Favourite Concert of 2014

I didn't see too much this year. I saw Leonard Cohen, I thought he was amazing. And I also saw Fleetwood Mac, they were fantastic. I've been shoved away in a dark Studio, so I haven't been out much!

Favourite Movie of 2014

My favourite movie this year was “Cold in July” starring Katy’s friend Don Johnson. It was such an amazing movie and was reminiscent of “Winter’s Bone” with Jennifer Lawrence, which I also really loved. With “Cold in July,” you think it is going to be one thing, but it turns into something totally different.

Favourite TV Show of 2014

A few years ago it seemed that great TV was only coming out of America, but now the rest of the world is catching up. I’ve really liked “Happy Valley,” it is excellent. A bit dark, but so good, and produced in the UK.

Favourite Album of 2014

London Grammar’s “If You Wait” is absolutely stunning, both the album and the single. My other choice is Maarja Nuut's work. She is an incredible violinist from Estonia.

Favourite Book of 2014

I would say the Patrick Melrose novels - there's five all together, all written by Edward Aubyn. If you’re going to read them, start with "Never Mind."

Favourite Event of 2014

We celebrated my dad's 80th birthday party and that was the highlight of my year. It was wonderful.

Favourite Duran Duran Moment(s) of 2014

“Fashion Rocks” was it for me. It was a great event, lots of fun, great line up and people were excited by our performance.

What You’re Most Looking Forward To In 2015

We are going to release our album and get out to play some shows. I think the album is brilliant! However, it's a little long, so we are going to go back in, cut some songs, tighten it up, and then put it out!

NICK

Favourite Concert of 2014

I saw a few concerts in 2014 but probably the best show I saw was Kate Bush at Hammersmith Apollo in London. These were the first shows she'd played in many, many years. I had seen her in the late 70s, and I didn't think I would ever get to see her play live another time because she doesn't tour often. There was a real outpouring of great love for Kate Bush. The show was beautiful.

Favourite Movie of 2014

I didn’t see many, and really have to catch up before the Oscars, but for now I will say "Venus in Fur", the latest Roman Polanski movie. I thought it was dark, funny, bizarre & clever.

Favourite Album of 2014

FKA Twigs. I loved the cover of the album so much, it was inevitable I would love the content. I think she’s really inventive and different, with a new sound. Also, our boy Mark Ronson's album!

Favourite Book of 2014

I am very keen on a British photographer called Stephen Gill. He released several books this year which were fascinating, modern and strange. He has a unique vision.

Favourite Event of 2014

A lot of things come to mind for me, but I really enjoyed seeing Lady Gaga perform at the Harper’s Bazaar party in New York City. She was just remarkable and is an enormous talent.

Favourite Duran Duran Moment(s) of 2014

I love being in the Studio because the creative process excites me more than anything we do. Making the music is the heart and soul of it for me.

This album has taken an awfully long time, we know, but we need the music to reach a standard that we all require. It has definitely been worth it, and I feel like this is the strongest album we’ve made since “The Wedding Album.”

What You’re Most Looking Forward To In 2015

Obviously, putting the album out. That always starts to generate excitement for what we do. I am looking forward to playing some shows and starting the cycle all over again. There will MOST CERTAINLY be a new Duran Duran album out in 2015!

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