The ’80s have provided some of the most iconic bands of all time; however, so few bands have been able to retain that iconic status like Duran Duran. On August 30th the newly inducted Rock N Roll Hall of Fame legends made a stop at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth in support of their latest album release Future Past.
The stage was lit with eerie green strobes as Roger Taylor began the thunderous drum intro that led the band into Wild Boys off their 1984 live album Arena. Huge LED panels hung at the back of the stage that treated the crowd to a post-apocalyptic display of industrial metal and fire. Lights fade, lighting strikes from the screen a quick laugh fills the arena, and they immediately jump into a fan favorite Hungry Like the Wolf.
The following two songs, Invisible and All of You off their latest album Future Past were next to be performed. Many fans rarely enjoy listening to a band’s new music live and typically sit during this time, however, the fans at Dickies Arena remained on their feet and mouthed the words during the band’s performance. Definitely, a pleasant surprise to see which is a testament to the band’s ability to write great songs.
Although the crowd was into their latest music, they yearned for the hits that brought them back to their youth. The nostalgic visual graphics displayed took the audience on a journey through their hits from Notorious, A View to a Kill, Come Undone, Union of the Snake, The Reflex, White Lines, and Girls on Film.
Without being political, vocalist Simon Le Bon took a moment to bring attention to the innocent victims that are being affected by the atrocities occurring in Ukraine. With his heartfelt message, he dedicated the song Ordinary World to the people of Ukraine.
Since 1982 the band has essentially remained the same with Simon Le Bon on vocals, John Taylor on bass, Nick Rhodes on keyboards, and Roger Taylor on drums. With the addition of guitarist Dominic Brown, saxophonist Simon Willescroft, and backup singers Anna Ross and Rachael O’Connor the band unquestionably provided the nearly sold-out crowd at Dickies Arena an evening of spectacular imagery and classic hits.
Chic featuring the legendary Nile Rogers opened the show performing such hits as I’m Coming out, Le Freak, We are Family, and Good Times.
