'PERFORMING LIVE KEEPS US YOUTHFUL'

Pop legends Duran Duran reflect on their riotous early years, how a health crisis led to their latest album, and how lack of ego' is the secret to the band's longevity

- LESLEY JONES 

After an incredible 45 years together, and more than 100 million record sales, Duran Duran’s enduring success is the envy of many bands. And lead singer Simon Le Bon knows the secret to the group’s popularity, saying, “Our number one aim when we go on stage is to give everyone a good time.”

This week, the iconic 80s band delivers on their promise once again, delighting fans with their brand new concept album Danse Macabre. A collection of originals, covers and reimagined versions of old Duran Duran songs, all with a spooky twist, it features covers of tracks such as Talking Heads’ Psycho Killer and Paint It Black by the Rolling Stones.

As the band’s live concert film Duran Duran: A Hollywood High becomes available for streaming, Simon and his original bandmates – Roger Taylor, Andy Taylor, Nick Rhodes and John Taylor – talk about their love of playing on the US’s west coast, where they first started to enjoy the stardom that has lasted more than four decades.

In the exclusive interview footage, drummer Roger recalls, “It was such an exciting time and probably one of the last times we could actually walk around on the streets.”

“I remember the first time we arrived here,” adds keyboard player Nick. “We were staying on Sunset [Boulevard] at a hotel then called Hyatt House, and known as ‘Riot House’. I was determined we’d stay there one day, and we did. It was fun while it lasted but, remarkably, we managed to get ourselves thrown out for bad behaviour, which I guess was like having a badge of honour.”