Duran Duran Prepare For A New Album and Celebrate With A North American Tour

We’re Hungry For More Duran Duran

Date: September 13th, 2023

Venue: Capital One Arena

Washington, DC

Since forming in the late 70’s, Duran Duran has always had a way of blending pop and rock into a unique and futuristic form. That magic ability still continues today as they prepare for the release of their latest album, sixteenth to be exact, ‘DANSE MACABRE’ which will be available on October 27th. Former guitarist Andy Taylor, as well as former member Warren Cuccurullo will both appear on the new album that is sure to be the perfect soundtrack to your Halloween parties and Autumn gothic vibes.

To celebrate their decade-spanning career and most recently released album ‘FUTURE PAST’ the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees set out on their North American tour in June 2023 and have been visiting their fans in cities across the country since. More recently landing in Washington, D.C. on September 13th which is where we were lucky enough to catch this incredible live show. 

It was immediately clear that D.C. was a band favorite and that love was returned in full as the crowd gave all of their energy and focus throughout the entire evening. The show went from 0-100 as the band appeared on stage to an eruption of applause and cheers before playing some iconic songs, such as “The Wild Boys” and “Hungry Like the Wolf.” Towards the beginning of their set frontman Simon LeBon mentioned it was going to be “one of those nights” and it certainly was. One song that made it clear was “GIVE IT ALL UP” as the audience provided synchronized hand claps (and fist pumps) throughout the song.

Shortly after, Simon introduced us to their “scary baby” as they began to perform “Lonely in Your Nightmare” blended with a cover of “Super Freak” all while a creepy baby doll’s head blinked and sang along on the big screens. As the night continued there were multiple moments where you would look around and see people genuinely connecting and celebrating the music, even going as far as to dance in the aisle. Much like during “Careless Memories” 

D.C. was also fortunate enough to be graced with a debut live performance of the first single and title track off their upcoming album with “DANSE MACABRE”. Before the night ended though there was so much more dancing, joy, and pure talent as the sounds of “Girls on Film” and “Acceptable in the 80s” before returning for an encore performance with “Save a Prayer” and “Rio” 

Nile Rodgers and CHIC

Along with Duran Duran on this tour was a fellow Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and arguably one of the most impactful artists of our generations. We’re talking about none other than Nile Rodgers. This co-founder of The CHIC Organization as a songwriter, composer, producer, arranger, and guitarist has played a part in creating hits for many generations. From “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge, “The Reflex” by Duran Duran, working with Daft Punk, and even more recently his Grammy award-winning work with Beyoncé on her song “Cuff It”. 

Throughout his set, he takes you on a journey of his musical career and the audience absolutely adores it as it becomes a full-out dance party. How can you not dance to the power of “Le Freak” and David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance”?

 

It’s clear that Nile and his entire band love what they do as pure happiness filled the stage and that contagious joy filled the room. 

Bastille

Rounding out this incredible lineup of artists for the night was British indie pop band Bastille. They immediately brought the energy and got the night started right as their sound and accompanying graphics filled the arena.

Through their set, they gave the audience a range of their hits that are known by many, such as “Good Grief”, “Happier” and “Pompeii”. A group that can easily headline the largest of stages is alongside some legendary talent on this tour and you certainly wanted to be there. 

See the Full Gallery of the Night Here!

If you happened to capture any shots of the night, feel free to tag us on social media at Shutter 16 Magazine and throw in #Shutter16 and #TwitFromThePit for the world to see.