Ask Katy
To follow are some of the frequently asked questions we get to the ASK KATY portion of the site.
To submit a question, email askkaty@duranduran.com

What are all of the official line-ups in Duran Duran?

The official line ups are:

Stephen Duffy, Simon Colley, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor (1978-1979)
Andy Wickett, Alan Curtis, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, Roger Taylor (1979)
Jeff Thomas, Andy Wickett, Alan Curtis, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, Roger Taylor (1979)
Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, Roger Taylor, Andy Taylor (1980-1985)
Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor (1985-1990)
Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, Warren Cuccurullo, Sterling Campbell (1990-1991)
Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, Warren Cuccurullo (1991-1997)
Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, Warren Cuccurullo (1997-2001)
Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, Roger Taylor, Andy Taylor (2001-2006)
Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, Roger Taylor (2006 -)

I want to send a letter-gift-charity request-birthday card-holiday greeting to the band. Is there an address?

You can send correspondance care of:

Duran DuranPO Box 3714Mt Vernon, NY 10553USA[You must include 'Duran Duran' in the address and not just a band member's name]

We cannot accept unsolicted materials such as song lyrics or demo CDs. In addition, we cannot accept responsibility for receiving materials or photos for the band to sign. These items will be returned to the sender.

How did Duran Duran get their name?

The band took their name from Roger Vadim's 1960's cult sci-fi classic film Barbarella, starring Jane Fonda. There was a character played by Milo O'Shea called "Durand-Durand."

What is Simon saying at the beginning of the “Night Boat” video?

Simon is reciting Mercutio's speech from Romeo and Juliet.

What are the spoken words at the end of the song “The Chauffeur”?

The monologue is from a nature record that the band found. The man is talking about "insects in the grass."

In the video “Rio,” who is playing the sax on the mountain and who is playing on the raft? Also, who is caught in the net and dragged on to the beach?

John is on the mountain, Nick on the raft. Roger is caught in the net.

Who was “Georgie Davis” from the song “Friends of Mine”?

George Davis (born 1941) became notorious because of an incident in which he played no part. Davis was serving a prison sentence for armed robbery when, on August 19, 1975, it was discovered that the pitch at the Headingley cricket ground had been dug up, preventing further play in the test match between England and Australia. The vandalism was a protest by relatives and friends of George Davis, and was accompanied by graffiti proclaiming that "George Davis is innocent". Four people were put on trial, and one, Peter Chappell, was jailed for eighteen months. However, in May 1976, the Home Secretary, Roy Jenkins, after a review of the case, agreed to George Davis being freed because of doubts over the evidence presented by the police which helped convict him. Two years later, Davis was jailed again, having pleaded guilty to involvement in another robbery. Having completed that sentence in 1984, he was jailed yet again in 1987 for a further offense. (courtesy Wikipedia)

What album is the song “Secret Oktober” on?

"Secret Oktober" is the B Side to the single "Union of the Snake."

What is being said at the beginning of the extended “New Moon on Monday” video?

To follow is the speech in its original form followed by the translation (thanks Nathan!):

"Ladies and gentlemen, comment ça va ? Bienvenue ici ce soir pour voir le plus étrange, le plus beau spectacle du monde. Eh toi, tu connais ça, hein? Allons voir le mariage. Allons voir la baronne, les deux mariés, la maîtresse ..."

"Ladies and gentlemen, how are you doing? Welcome here tonight to see the strangest, the most beautiful show on earth. Hey you, you know this,right? Let's go see the wedding. Let's go see the baroness, the newlyweds, the mistress ..."

Exactly which songs did Andy play on for the Notorious record?

This is a question under much discussion, for which there is no real answer. Andy played on various tracks, as did Warren and Nile Rogers. What music of Andy's was actually used and on which songs, no one seems to know. He could very possibly be playing on parts of some songs, or not at all.

Is Simon’s last name really Le Bon or is it a stage name?

It is his real last name.

Why did Nick decide to change his last name from Bates to Rhodes?

According to Nick, the change was for "aesthetic" purposes. It was decided before their first interview as Duran Duran by Nick and John. Nick asked what surname he should use and John suggested RHODES. And the rest is history.

Is there a Filmography for John? Has he been in many movies?

Beside guesting as himself on the television shows Miami Vice (with the Powerstation), That 80's Show and Las Vegas (with Duran Duran), John has also acted in:

Samantha Who? (2008, TV)Vegas, City of Dreams (2001, film)Strange Frequency (2001, film)She-Bat (2001, film)A Diva's Christmas Carol (2000, TV)Four Dogs Playing Poker (2000, film)The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas (2000, film)Sugar Town (1999, film)Drowning on Dry Land (1999, film)Timeslip (1985, TV)

John is also an author and published a best-selling memoir, In the Pleasure Groove: Love, Death & Duran Duran.

Does Simon still have his “tiger baby” necklace? Who gave it to him?

Simon still has the necklace and wears it occasionally, most recently in the video for "Five Years". He declines to name the person or history behind it.

What are the band’s tour plans?

We get so many e-mails asking if Duran Duran will tour in a specific country, city or state. When there is tour information, it is immediately posted on the website on both the homepage and on the TOUR page. If there is nothing posted, it is because we have no information on tour plans at this time.

I love the GREATEST DVD of the band’s videos, but am having trouble finding the hidden extras. Can you help?

The word GREATEST in the main menu is the key to all the secret stuff. The R, A,T, S, and T letters are the ones you click on by hitting enter. On DISC ONE - go "inside" the letters. Inside the letter "A" is where the gallery to the LPs are on the white walls. Select an LP to view the video from that Album. There are secret interviews if you click on the next button and then hit the 'up' key on your remote. If it shows an arrow on the title then you can hit enter and you can check out an interview or information about the LP. DISC 2 Has the same options: "GREATEST" is the secret word to enter into the LP gallery and the selected videos inside the letters. Same letters as in DISC 1 are chosen by hitting the arrow keys on your remote control. Letter "R" takes you to "Notorious," "Skin Trade" and "I Don't Want you Love." Letter "A" again takes you to the LP gallery where you can watch the videos that way as well. If you click on The Wedding Album go to the title and it shows you an advert for the LP. Go to the Liberty LP and click on the title and year where you will get to see a great interview and also see the video for "Violence of Summer." The Letter "T" at the end of word "GREATEST" will just tell you that you can pop this CD into your computer for more features.

Are there any hidden extras on the Live From London DVD?

The one easter egg on Live From London is the manga cartoon for "Careless Memories." In the first 10 seconds of the song, hit the up button on your DVD remote control 3 times and it will take you to the cartoon.

Will the band be releasing a B-Side CD? Or a live CD? Another Greatest Hits? A box set?

A full on B Side collection is definitely something the band want to get to. Duran Duran have released two box sets and many re-mastered and re-issued versions of their earlier releases. As for a live music, A CD of live tracks from the Astronaut tour is included with the Deluxe version of Live From London and there is the audio component to the Live at Hammersmith '82! release from EMI. There is also A Diamond in the Mind from the All You Need is Now tour, which is available on CD and DVD, and the Duran Duran UnStaged film directed by David Lynch, which is playing a theatrical festivals around the world. Another Greatest Hits? Time will tell!

I can’t get the Essentials: Night Versions interactive disc to work.

This release is quite old at this point but we're still getting queries about it. We can't guarantee this will work any more but if you were at least able to run the installation program (some people were not) and are still having problems getting the "multimedia" portion started, follow these instructions.

1. Go to Start Menu --> Programs --> Windows Explorer
2. Look in the folder where the CDK is installed: C:\Program Files\KME\cdk\duran
3. Double click on data.exe

Can you tell me about the band’s Fan Community?

Duran Duran is excited to offer an exclusive fan community which you can get information on via this website. Members get early access to tickets, exclusive Q&As, giveaways and each month a band member participates in a recorded interview with band liaison Katy.

Where can I find Duran Duran’s Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?

Duran Duran were given a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on August 23, 1993. Their Star is next to John Lennon's, on Vine and Yucca, one block up from Hollywood Blvd.

How did you get your amazing job working for Duran Duran?

One of my first jobs was at a music management company in New York City, and one of their clients was Duran Duran. I was sent out on a "press day" with the band when no one else was available and we just really hit it off. When the company closed their NY Office 2 years later, the band kept me on to work on various projects with them and....the rest is history!

We've been working together for so long we put out a book based on the Ask Katy concept called WOULD SOMEONE PLEASE EXPLAIN?, THE BEST OF DURAN DURAN'S ASK KATY, which is now really hard to find!

I want to order something from the site, but it is confusing that all the prices are in UK sterling. How come?

All transactions are being taken in UK sterling via the UK credit facilities. To figure out how to convert currency, go to: Converter

To visit the Store click here: DD Web Store

Why aren’t there any articles scanned on to the website?

Primarily, because it violates copyright fair use laws to post anything that can have a financial impact on a publication that is currently in print or a TV show. Exceptions are made only for non-profit educational purposes (libraries, archives and schools).

Will the band play my favorite song if I ask? Did Simon see the sign I held up for him? Did John get the gift I left for him at the venue? Will the band help me propose to my beloved?

These are always tough questions for us.

a) Everyone has their favorite song and we always hope yours is heard, but no, they do not take requests.

b) It's pretty tough for them to see past the first few rows & there is a lot out there, visually. But they do appreciate the ones they get a glimpse of for sure.

c) The band get so many nice gifts, it wouldn't be possible to acknowledge receipt of them, unfortunately, but they are certainly thrilled and appreciative they keep coming!

d) As much as the band would like, and there have been a few occasions where it has worked out, the ASK KATY forum can't facilitate that particular dream.

I have asked for a signed photo, why can’t I have one? Can I send in my CD of RIO for the band to sign?

Unfortunately, due to the amount of requests, it just wouldn't be possible for the band to send a signed photo to everyone who asks for one. Certainly exceptions are made for charity auctions, but for the most part it would be too hard to send a photo to everyone who asks; as for sending something in for the band to sign, the same rule applies - besides that it wouldn't be possible to fulfill every request, we also cannot accept responsibility for someone else's property.

What are the band’s various social networks? Are the band members also on Facebook and Twitter individually?

How do I send in a Question?

Please email askkaty@duranduran.com

How do you choose the questions for ASK KATY?

We try and narrow down the volume by two criteria: the amount of people who want to know the answer (i.e: the question gets asked frequently) and if the question will be interesting to the readers and not just the person asking. The guys choose the questions; Katy forwards them. Another reason you may not see your question answered is because it may have already been answered in a previous ASK KATY.

 

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