Duran Duran Still Rocking ‘Planet Earth’

By Joe Puccio

Formed nearly a half century ago, it’s difficult to truly understand just how popular Duran Duran still are – unless you witness the Birmingham, England-bred boys in person.

The ‘notorious’ new wave notables barreled into New York City’s Forest Hills Stadium on September 22 with an eagerness equal to an act half their age. Leading off with the rather obscure “Night Boat,” a curious yet clever choice from the group’s self-titled debut album, it was nothing but smooth sailing from there. A one-two punch of “The Wild Boys” and “Hungry Like the Wolf” followed, proceeding to figuratively knock the mesmerized crowd out with their ferocity.

Lead singer and primary lyricist Simon Le Bon delivered vocals that were stronger than he has in at least 15 years. This was especially evident on numbers like “Planet Earth,” their first-ever single, and “White Lines (Don’t Don’t Do It),” a cover of the Melle Mel hip hop favorite.

Simon Le Bon (Photo: Joe Puccio)

While the evening contained several highlights, one was undoubtedly “Is There Something I Should Know?,” which saw Le Bon and beloved bassist John Taylor beautifully harmonize on ‘Please, please tell me now,’ its iconic introduction, before the band magically provided a time machine back to 1983. Taylor, looking closer to 33 than 63, shined on “A View to a Kill,” clearly reveling in performing the theme for the James Bond film of the same name.

Another was “Ordinary World,” which Le Bon poignantly dedicated to the people of Ukraine, and was paired with “Come Undone,” both recorded during Duran Duran’s early 1990s resurgence.

Even though (John) Taylor and drummer Roger Taylor aren’t related, their rhythm section synergy suggests otherwise. (Roger) Taylor’s smooth, consistent, and understated playing evokes shades of Charlie Watts and the surname duo distinctly have a natural rapport.

Perhaps the most technically proficient member, keyboardist Nick Rhodes was a joy to watch. The ‘Controller,’ as Le Bon facetiously refers to him, did just that, commanding the attention of the 13,000 fans in attendance on delightful cut “The Reflex” and the underrated “Friends of Mine.”

By the time the encore of “Save a Prayer” and “Rio” came around, it was obvious that the New Romantic-influenced pop idols could do no wrong and had proven themselves much earlier.

Admittedly a trivial gripe with the stellar setlist designated and a career spanning five decades, but omitting “Union of the Snake” and “New Moon on Monday,” both classics off of the seminal Seven and the Ragged Tiger, was a bit disappointing. In addition, a selection from 1990’s underappreciated Liberty, such as “Violence of Summer (Love’s Taking Over),” would be welcome.

Nile Rodgers & Chic injected a shot of adrenaline to the early birds and put on a penetrating performance. Captained by the eternally young 71 year old Rodgers, the party atmosphere was in full effect as the disco/soul/R&B/rock/funk outfit killed it on David Bowie (“Modern Love” and “Let’s Dance”), Madonna (“Like a Virgin” and “Material Girl”), and Diana Ross (“I’m Coming Out” and “Upside Down”) standards (originally produced by Rodgers), as well as on the natural Chic cuts like “Le Freak” and “I Want Your Love.”

Nile Rodgers

Indie pop rockers Bastille opened the show with a brief, yet energetic set, topped off by the British unit’s hit single “Pompeii.”

Duran Duran setlist:

  1. Night Boat
  2. The Wild Boys
  3. Hungry Like the Wolf
  4. A View to a Kill
  5. Notorious
  6. Give It All Up
  7. Lonely in Your Nightmare/Super Freak
  8. Is There Something I Should Know?
  9. Anniversary
  10. Friends of Mine
  11. Careless Memories
  12. Ordinary World
  13. Come Undone
  14. Danse Macabre
  15. Planet Earth
  16. White Lines (Don’t Don’t Do It)
  17. The Reflex
  18. Girls on Film/Acceptable in the 80s
  19. Save a Prayer
  20. Rio

Nile Rodgers & Chic setlist:

  1. Le Freak
  2. Everybody Dance
  3. Dance, Dance, Dance (Yowsah, Yowsah, Yowsah)
  4. I Want Your Love
  5. I’m Coming Out/Upside Down
  6. He’s the Greatest Dancer/We Are Family
  7. Like a Virgin/Material Girl
  8. Modern Love
  9. Get Lucky
  10. Let’s Dance
  11. Good Times/Rapper’s Delight

Bastille setlist:

  1. Good Grief
  2. WHAT YOU GONNA DO???
  3. Million Pieces
  4. Survivin’
  5. Happier
  6. Of the Night
  7. Shut Off the Lights
  8. Pompeii

Generation X Wire

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