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Simon Invests in the 77-foot Maxi-Yacht Drum, with Managers Paul and Michael Berrow
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“Save a Prayer (live)” Single is Released
The “Save a Prayer (live)” single off of Arena, with B-Side “Save A Prayer” single edit, is released in the US. The video for the song will go on to become the reigning champ of MTV’s Friday Night Video Fights.
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Duran Duran Wins the BRIT Award for Best British Music Video for “The Wild Boys”
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The Power Station on Saturday Night Live
The Power Station performs “Some Like It Hot” and “Bang A Gong” on Saturday Night Live; this turns out to be Robert Palmer’s only live performance with the band.
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Simon Performs with Injured Foot
Duran Duran performs “The Wild Boys” at the San Remo Festival in Italy. Simon appears with his foot injured and in a cast.
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Power Station’s “Some Like It Hot” Single is Released
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Power Station Release Their First Album, 33 1/3
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John and Andy Appears as Guest VJs on MTV
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Duran Duran’s “The Reflex” Named International Hit of the Year at the Ivor Novello Awards
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Nick and Simon Record Tracks
With John and Andy focusing on Power Station, Nick and Simon decide to record some tracks of their own. As the project takes shape, they invite Roger to join them.
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Nick and Simon Name Their Band Arcadia after the Latin Phrase “et in arcadia ego”
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So Red The Rose
Simon, Nick and Roger begin to record the Arcadia album, So Red The Rose, at Studio de la Grande Armee in Paris with producer Alex Sadkin and numerous musical guests, including Grace Jones, Sting, David Gilmour and Herbie Hancock.
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So Red The Rose Mixed at Soundworks Studio in NYC
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James Bond Theme, “A View to a Kill”
Duran Duran and John Barry write the James Bond theme “A View to a Kill,” (for the film of the same name), which is recorded at Maison Rouge Studio and CTS Studio in London with a 60-piece orchestra.
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“A View To A Kill” is Released
“A View To A Kill” single released worldwide, with B-Side instrumental “A View To A Kill (That Fatal Kiss).”
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Top of the Pops Airs Duran Duran’s performance of “A View To A Kill”
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“A View To A Kill” Peaks at #1 in US, the First James Bond Theme to do so
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“A View To A Kill” Peaks at #2 in UK
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“A View to a Kill” at the Montreux Pop Festival
Duran Duran performs “A View to a Kill” at the Montreux Pop Festival, Montreux, Switzerland.
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“A View To A Kill” Filming
The “A View To A Kill” video is filmed at the Eiffel Tower, Paris, France. Footage from the film is interspersed within the video.
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A View To A Kill Soundtrack Released in US and Japan
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The Power Station Tours
Robert Palmer decides not to tour with Power Station; Michael Des Barres becomes the lead singer as Power Station embarks on a summer tour.
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Live Aid in America
July 13, 1985
Duran Duran and Power Station both perform at Live Aid in America at JFK Stadium, Philadelphia, PA.
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The Final Show with the Original Members
Duran Duran’s performance of four songs (“A View to a Kill”, “Union of the Snake”, “Save a Prayer”, and “The Reflex”) results in what would become the band’s final show with the original five members.
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Simon’s Boat Drum Begins the Fastnet yacht Race
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Drum Capsizes; Simon and Crew Trapped
August 11, 1985
Drum capsizes three miles off Falmouth during a trial run at the Fastnet race; Simon and five other crew members are trapped underneath the hull before being rescued by the British Navy.
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Nick Appears at Power Station Concert
Nick makes a surprise appearance during the encore of a Power Station concert. He comes out during the performance and “sweeps” the stage with a broom.
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Arcadia Begin Filming Video for “Election Day” in Paris, with Director Roger Christian
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Miami Vice
Power Station appear in an episode of Miami Vice, playing “Get It On” onstage during a scene in a nightclub.
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Arcadia’s “Election Day” Released
Arcadia’s “Election Day” single released (with B-Side “She’s Moody and Grey, She’s Mean and She’s Restless”).
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So Red The Rose Released Worldwide
Arcadia’s So Red The Rose is released worldwide on November 18, 1985; the album goes Platinum.
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Simon and Nick Once again VJs on MTV
Simon and Nick make another appearance as guest VJs on MTV. Keith Haring stops by to paint the set.
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Simon and Nick Appear on the Rock Over London Radio Show
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Simon Marries Yasmin Parvaneh in Oxford, England
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Roger Announces He’s Leaving Duran Duran