On January 8, Duran Duran debut their new single, “Five Years” a cover of the David Bowie song off of ZIGGY STARDUST. It is performed the following evening on “Celebrating Bowie: Just for One Day” Live Stream, which celebrated David’s birthday while raising monies for the Save the Children charity.

On January 20, Nick receives the Roland Lifetime Achievement Award, which is given during NAMM (online this year due to Covid). Past recipients of the award include: Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Thomas Dolby, Jean-Michel Jarre, Omar Hakim, and Phuture’s DJ Pierre & Spanky.

On January 26, Sirius Radio announce two Duran-centric events: “Duran 40,” an exclusive playlist on Pandora, will feature the band’s biggest hits and fan favorites, along with commentary from the band and special guests, kicking off on January 28. “Duran 40” will be hosted by the BBC’s Claudia Winkleman. Broadcast versions will air on SiriusXM’s Volume (channel 106) and First Wave (channel 33).

Simon & Katy’s WHOOOSH! moves to Sirius XM Volume, Channel 106 for a weekly music show the airs Wednesday at 9p and repeats on Saturday at 3p and 10p and Sunday at 2pm (all times EST)

Duran Duran premiere their new video for “Five Years” exclusively on YouTube on January 28, with Nick doing an Instagram Live chat thirty minutes before the launch and John talking with fans on YouTube for the last ten minutes leading up to the debut. The video is a first of its kind, with the virtual reality team painting ethereal imagery using Tiltbrush, and then, using the Unity game engine, put it all in a timeline for the crew to merge with the imagery of the band. This is the first time anyone has ever shot each member of a band separately and then hand-painted a world in virtual reality around them.

Salon magazine celebrates the 40th anniversary of the band’s debut single, “Planet Earth,” which was released on February 2, 1981. This terrific piece not only discusses the album but the band returning to a space theme throughout their career.

On February 15 Nick is a guest on the podcast “Last Party on Earth,” with host Tiga saying before the airing, “This is it. Nick Rhodes. Founding member of Duran Duran, icon, artist, songwriter…. and a personal hero of mine since I was 8. Sit back and enjoy our conversation on Last Party On Earth.

Simon appears as a guest on the March 1 episode Blossoms Pubcast, “Instagram Thinks I am a Welder,” where he chats about many things including his Top 5 songs from Manchester.

On March 12, Rhino Records posts an opinion piece on their website saying the Duran Duran release, BIG THING, is an underrated gem.

ASTRONOMIA, a collaboration between Nick and Wendy Bevan, is a creative collision of analogue synthesizers, violins, voices and orchestral arrangements fueled by their shared attraction to the Universe. THE FALL OF SATURN is the first of four albums in the ASTRONOMIA project, released on March 20, 2021, followed by three further releases, on the equinoxes and solstices for the remainder of the year.

ASTRONOMIA’s second release, “The Rise of Lyra” is released.

On the Tenth Anniversary of the release of Duran Duran’s ALL YOU NEED IS NOW, the band and some collaborators revisit the album with a retrospective published on duranduran.com.

After many years of waiting, several Duran Duran albums make their way to streaming services, among them ALL YOU NEED IS NOW, MEDAZZALAND & POP TRASH.

Bloomsbury Publishing announces the release of “Duran Duran’s RIO” as part of their 33 1/3 book series written by journalist Annie Zalewski. RIO 33 1/3 is part of a series of short books focusing on individual albums.

On May 7, the band releases the result of a Social Media poll, which ranked Duran Duran videos. The winning video is “Save a Prayer.”

On May 8, BBC Radio 2 airs the Duran 40 special which will air in two parts. On the May 15 airing, Claudia Winkleman introduces 10 seconds of the band’s first new single in 6 years, INVISIBLE, produced by Erol Alkan.

On May 18, Simon debuts the Duran Duran single INVISIBLE on the BBC Radio 2 Zoe Ball Morning Show as well on his SiriusXM hosted program, WHOOOSH!

On May 19, the band announce the name of their 15th album, FUTURE PAST as well as debut the video for INVISIBLE, created by an Artificial Intelligence called Huxley, a unique dreamer whose mind has been modeled after the cognitive and emotional processes of Humans.

Using Artificial Intelligence, the band “filmed” the music video for the first track off of FUTURE PAST, ‘INVISIBLE,’ by engaging the most up to date technology

The band worked with Nested Minds on the video, providing music, lyrics and pictures to an Artificial Intelligence bot named Huxley, who then “dreamt” up the video concept. Commented Nick, “I think it’s super exciting technology and we’re sort of the space race generation. So growing up through that period where a man landed on the moon, anything that was new and technologically advanced was appealing. And if you can use it to enhance your toolkit for what you’re doing, I think that’s fantastic.”

The Guardian newspaper publishes the first profile of the band’s forthcoming new work, FUTURE PAST.

On May 23, Duran Duran perform a medley, and new single INVISIBLE, on the Billboard Music Awards, joined by Blur guitarist Graham Coxon.

Simon appears on Billboard’s PopShop Podcast to discuss the band’s new single “Invisible,” its AI-created video, the group’s upcoming 15th album & more.

John links up with Strombo on Apple Music Hits to talk about our upcoming album ‘FUTURE PAST’

John interviews Dom for Classic Pop Magazine

JT sits in on ““For Your Ears Only”,” a new podcast featuring artists that ‘reveal secrets from their favourite film and television music.’

On June 15, Roger and John record an ‘oral history’ about the making of the band’s first album to honour it’s 40th anniversary.

“I’m happy to see Edgar Wright’s glorious Sparks documentary is being released from the cutting room…It is a whirlwind journey through half a century of one of the most inventive and underrated bands out there. It’s a real thrill to see their resilience, fueled by artistry and humour, continue to triumph. Watch it as soon as you can!” – Nick on “The Sparks Brothers” film, which had its world premiere at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival on January 30, 2021 and available on demand June 18, 2021.

On June 18, Simon appears on “The Project” TV (Australia).

Simon & Roger appear live on “The Today Show” while the entire band + Graham Coxon perform the songs
“INVISIBLE,” “Notorious” and “GIVE IT ALL UP,” which they play for the first time.

Nick appears on the BBC Click program about Artificial Intelligence.

The Global Citizen LIVE concert is announced for September 25, 2021. Duran Duran will be one of the live performances coming from all over the world to defend the planet and defeat poverty.

Merchant’s “Dead Days and Gatorade” is released featuring JT on music and video!

Under the Volcano, a documentary about George Martin’s Air Studios on the Caribbean island of Montserrat – Nick is interviewed – is available to stream or buy.

Mark Ronson’s “Watch This Sound” debuts on Apple Plus, with Nick featured in Episode 1.

Duran Duran appears on “Watch What Happens Live” for the first time. Watch:

Working with Michael Jackson

Advice from Mick Jagger

Who Princess Diana Liked Best

The After Show

The band release a second song off of FUTURE PAST, “MORE JOY!” feat CHAI. They also release FUTURE PAST’s full track listing.

Duran Duran post a thank you note from John as well as a Behind-the-Scenes video on their new song, “More Joy!,” for Duran Duran Appreciation Day 2021.

Roger & Simon are live in the Studio to talk to Q104‘s Jonathan Clarke about FUTURE PAST.

Duran Duran premiere the music video for their song “MORE JOY!” feat. CHAI on YouTube.

Duran Duran perform the song INVISIBLE on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

Forbes publishes a Q&A with Nick and Wendy Bevan about the ASTRONOMIA project.

A new & updated “Behind The Music,” with current band interviews, airs on Paramount + .

Roger writes in tribute upon the passing of Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts.

Duran Duran release their new song “ANNIVERSARY”, from their forthcoming release FUTURE PAST, on streaming and YouTube.

Duran Duran is presented with the Power HitStory Award by RTL 102.5 in Italy for their 40-year career. The band also perform “(Reach Up for the) Sunrise” and new single “ANNIVERSARY” at the event held at Arena Di Verona.

Duran Duran attend the Radio Prize Gala in Hamburg, where the band performed “ANNIVERSARY.”

Duran Duran’s “Notorious” is heavily featured in the trailer for ““Red Notice,” starring The Rock, Ryan Reynolds and Gal Gadot.

The band celebrated 100 Collector’s Corner features on duranduran.com with a video message from Nick and a commemorative poster.

The third of the four Astronomia releases comes out, entitled ASTRONOMIA III: Heaven & Hell in the Serpent’s Tail

‘TONIGHT UNITED’ was produced by the legendary composer, songwriter and electronic dance music pioneer, Giorgio Moroder.”Giorgio Moroder, Duran Duran… this is music for a world that’s coming back together.” says Simon Le Bon. Listen HERE.

Duran Duran perform in the UK in support of Global Citizen concert, which was broadcast across BBC1/ABC/ ABC News live/ BBC/ FX/ iHeartRadio Hulu, YouTube and Twitter.

Duran Duran’s double weekend performance (October3/10) at the Austin City Limits Festival AND taping of the Austin City Limits TV show, was met with with enthusiasm and critical acclaim:

“The band went out on a triumphant high note, accomplishing that rare feat characterizing the best hourlong festival sets — they left the audience wanting more.” – Forbes

“Duran Duran lights up ACL Fest 2021” – KVUE

“Duran Duran succeeded in sending fest-goers home with a smile, happy for the chance to re-enter an ordinary world.” – Austin American Statesman

“As they proved with their debut taping for Austin City Limits, and with new album FUTURE PAST imminent, Duran Duran still has the fire” – ACL TV

Duran Duran premiere the video for ANNIVERSARY, directed by BAFTA nominated director Alison Jackson.

“Partying with everyone from Lady Gaga, Elton John and Daniel Craig to Kim Kardashian, Vladimir Putin and Queen Elizabeth II, Duran Duran holds the anniversary bash to end all anniversary bashes in celebration of 40 years in music.“

Duran Duran premiere yet another song off of FUTURE PAST, “GIVE IT ALL UP” featuring Tove Lo.

YAY!!!

Duran Duran premiere a behind-the-scenes documentary, “DOUBLE TAKE,” (directed by by Gerry Fox and Una Burnand) on the making of the “ANNIVERSARY” video, as well as a live, moderated Q&A hosted by Larry Flick with ANNIVERSARY director Alison Jackson and the band, happening live from Outernet in London.

Simon reads the story Khalida and the Most Beautiful Song by Amanda Calatzis & illustrated by Amanda Moeckel for BBC’s CBeebies Bedtime Story

FUTURE PAST

“Duran Duran Keep Their Feet on the Dance Floor With “FUTURE PAST”….The new record has all the band’s hallmarks: sleek electronic-dance pop, sophisticated art rock, reflective numbers, and even some hard-hitting hypnotic funk rock.” – Newsweek

“Duran Duran have never gotten stuck in the past. Even after four decades, they’re still innovating, still experimenting, with their excellent new album FUTURE PAST.” – Rolling Stone

“Much of FUTURE PAST feels like modern disco, music that blurs the distance separating the club and home and that plays with genre as fluidly as it plays with technology. A kinetic, exciting album.” – AllMusic

“Like the best Duran Duran albums, the full-length is an immersive, cohesive statement with a meticulous sequence that takes listeners on a journey. Yet the guiding principle of “Future Past” remains the same as it’s been for nearly every Duran Duran album: explore the kind of new sounds and ideas that can send the band tumbling toward the future.” – Salon.com

“[FUTURE PAST] looks ahead as much as it glances backward, and the music itself aims to combine these moments in time, as well.” – Ultimate Classic Rock

Duran Duran appear in INTERVIEW magazine. Photos by Eric Johnson and interview of Simon by Jennifer Aniston.

Duran Duran talk to British Vogue on their “Best Style” moments

Nick sits for an interview with Entertainment Tonight Canada.

Duran Duran appear on the cover of Rolling Stone Italia

Duran Duran sit for an hour long interview with journalist Rob Sheffield for the Rolling Stone interview.

Roger & John talk new album ‘FUTURE PAST’ + more in iHeartRadio’s The Box!

Watch the band perform “ANNIVERSARY” on The Jonathan Ross Show.

BBC Radio 2 names FUTURE PAST their album of the week for the week of October 25th, playing a different track from the record each week.

Nick appears as a guest on NPR (National Public Radio) Weekend Edition.

“Duran Duran on punk, fashion, sacred choral music from the renaissance—and their brilliant new album.”

Simon & Roger pay a visit to UK’s “Lorraine” show and talk FUTURE PAST and their current faves.

Nick participates in his first Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything)

Episode 2 of ‘The 80s – Music’s Greatest Decade ? With Dylan Jones’ airs on BBC2 at 8.55pm. The episode featured a rare Duran Duran BBC archive performance from March, 1983 of ‘Hungry Like the Wolf’.

“Nick Rhodes looks back on a life of reluctant rock stardom.“

Nick appears on Australia’s “Today Extra” morning show.

Nick appears as a guest on the “Talk Art” podcast.

“What does the future of music look like to Nick Rhodes, and what’s it like doing the same job for 43 years?”

Duran Duran appear in a 4 page spread, and on the cover, of L’Officiel Hommes.

Simon appears as a guest on Alan Carr’s “Life’s a Beach” podcast.

Nick appears as a guest on Lisa Robinson’s SIRIUSXM show, “Call Me.”

John & Erol Alkan are interviewed for a piece in MARVIN; the full band appear in photos taken by Stephanie Pistel.

John is a guest on the “Rockman Power Hour” hosted by Jason Rockman.

Simon appears with Ken Bruce on his “Tracks of my Years” show airing on BBC Radio 2.

The band launches an art contest on Tumblr where people can submit alternate art for a Duran Duran album.

First Prize : Suzy (Return-To-Now)

Second Prize : Anonymous

Third Prize : Mitchell Graphic Design

Simon appears remotely on “The Today Show” (Australia).

“We’ve Got A File On You” features Simon in an interview where artists share the stories behind the extracurricular activities that dot their careers.

Nick is interviewed by Australia’s Jaxta magazine about FUTURE PAST.

John is honoured with Bass Player magazine’s Lifetime Achievement award.

“In the end, though, we narrowed it down to three bona fide legends of our instrument – Marcus Miller, Gail Ann Dorsey & John Taylor.”

Duran Duran add Pete Tong and Erol Alkan to their Touch the Sunrise Weekend, which is now taking place 29 April – 2 May, 2022. In addition to the DJ sets and a headline show by the band, the three day, three night experience features an outdoor movie screening and more.

Simon & John appear on the Sodajerker podcast.

The Guitarwrist is a not-for-profit company. 100% of the profits from each sale go to the Artist’s charity of choice. John chose to support UNICEF with his line of limited edition jewelry designed with his bass guitar strings.

Simon talks to his younger self in the “Big Issue.”

Duran Duran perform at a standing-room-only show at the BBC Radio Theatre as part of the “In Concert” series which airs live on BBC Radio 2. Special guests at the show include Graham Coxon on guitar and Ivorian Doll dueting with Simon on the track “Hammerhead.”

Duran Duran are featured in Schön!, a UK based fashion and culture mag.

The band announce upcoming shows for 2022:

Jelling Musikfest (Denmark) on 26 May, 2022
Sommerstemning Lillestrøm (Oslo) on 29 May, 2022
In The Park (Helsinki) with Chic on 2 June, 2022
Castle Howard Estate (Yorkshire) on 17 June, 2022
ZeeBrugge Beach (Brugge) on 19 June, 2022
Caledonian Stadium (Inverness) on 2 July, 2022

Nick and Nefer appear with Carlo Verdone on Red Ronnie’s “We Have a Dream” show in Italy.

Simon appears on “Good Morning Britain.”

The band perform a 6-song set at the Blue Moon Gala for UNICEF taking place at Outernet, London.

Nick participates in a live Q&A/interview with journalist Rafer Guzman for New York Newsday.

The exclusive INVISIBLE Collection of NFTs went on sale on Thursday, December 16th at 1 pm EST / 6 pm GMT on the OpenSea platform and promptly sold out.

The 100 unique NFTs were created by an Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) named Huxley, with whom the band collaborated on the music video for their debut single, “INVISIBLE,” from FUTURE PAST.

Duran Duran co-founder and keyboardist, Nick Rhodes and British artist and singer/violinist Wendy Bevan release the final installment of their four-part ASTRONOMIA project ‘ASTRONOMIA IV: THE ECLIPSES OF ALGOL’ via Tape Modern on the eve of the Winter solstice.

“Exquisitely atmospheric.” – American Songwriter

Duran Duran’s FUTURE PAST are named to several “Best of Year” lists including:

SPIN magazine

Rolling Stone magazine

Forbes

UPROXX

Yahoo Music

The A.V Club (twice!)

Ultimate Classic Rock

The Sun

If you were wondering what the guys were in to at the end of 2021, Simon, Roger & Nick gave us their Tops of 2021.

Duran Duran help Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen ring in the New Year on their CNN New Year’s Eve Show by performing “ALL OF YOU” from FUTURE PAST.

https://youtu.be/-E_yJGFBvMA