CD
Now/Allstar News Miss Truth, Mar 19, 2001
http://www.cdnow.com/cgi-bin/mserver/SID=302993751/pagename=/RP/CDN/FIND/discography.html/ArtistID=DURAN+DURAN/docid=488329/select=news
Privacy
Website/Lizard King Warren Cuccurullo board/Cuccurullo Yahoo Group, May 5, 2001
by Cyndi Glass
When Warren okayed for
me to post the Missing Persons reunion news everywhere two days ago, I asked
him, of course, "what do you want me to tell people when they ask about
Duran Duran?" He gave me permission to pass this along, though I wasn't
sure he meant that he wanted it posted everywhere like the MP reunion
statement, so I didn't post it, though I have answered people who asked via
email. But since Simon has already announced it to the UK fans and it’s hit the
boards, it makes no difference now. Anyway, Warren told me what to say,
word-for-word, and here it is: "That version of Duran Duran doesn't exist
anymore. That's the last chapter of the trio. There's going to be a reunion of
the original band very soon. Everybody's still very close friends, and Warren,
Nick and Simon are off to Japan in June to play the dates that they
booked." There are three dates:
6/17 Tokyo International Forum Tokyo Japan 6/19 Shibuya-ax Tokyo Japan
6/22 Koseinenkin Osaka Japan. Beyond
that, he told me that he hopes it (the DD reunion) works, and that he's
ecstatic to have the chance to reunite with Missing Persons, which nobody
thought would be possible. He's writing lots of new music with Dale at the
moment and very excited about returning to the band he founded 21 years ago.
Duran Duran
Return to Five
Virginmega.com May 7, 2001
http://www.virginmega.com/default.asp?aid=4F3
Duran Duran's Warren Cuccurullo is taking his guitar skills back to his other
'80s ensemble Missing Persons, adding to reasoning behind the trio's
dissolution. However, there could be a light at the end of the dark tunnel for
rabid Duran Duran fans, with more rumors circulating that sometime after the
threesome (which also includes singer Simon LeBon and keyboardist Nick Rhodes)
complete their current schedule of shows, the original five-man lineup could
find itself onstage once again. Stay tuned to see if LeBon, Rhodes, John
Taylor, Andy Taylor and Roger Taylor make it back for another round of good ol'
new wave.
Duran Duran:
Trio Out, Reunion In? ©May 7, 2001, Wall of Sound
http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/ws/20010507/en/duran_duran_trio_out_reunion_in__1.html
http://wallofsound.go.com/news/stories/duranreunion050701.html
The latest incarnation
of Duran Duran is history — but the trio's demise may clear the way for a
reunion of the original five-member band. The band has split with Hollywood
Records, after last year's Pop Trash
sold a disappointing 41,689 copies in the United States. Guitarist Warren
Cuccurullo, who joined Duran Duran after its most successful run in the 1980s,
has officially left the band for a reunion with his old act, Missing Persons —
another new wave group from the '80s. Cuccurullo spokeswoman Cyndi Glass posted
this statement on fan site lizardkingduran.com: "That version of Duran
Duran doesn't exist anymore. That's the last chapter of the trio. There's going
to be a reunion of the original band very soon. Everybody's still very close
friends, and Warren, Nick, and Simon are off to Japan in June to play the dates
that they booked." Though the trio's demise is certain, the reunion of the
original members is not yet set in stone. Keyboardist Nick Rhodes has been
working in the studio with vocalist Stephen "Tin Tin" Duffy — a
member of the band before it scored its biggest hits — according to the band's
official Web site. Meanwhile, a representative for former guitarist John Taylor
writes, "Simon [LeBon], John [Taylor], Nick [Rhodes], Andy [Taylor], and
Roger [Taylor] have all met various times to discuss reunion plans. As John
recently mentioned, he, Andy, and Roger were in the studio working on new
material together." Those five members were the most successful lineup of
the band — and even if they don't iron out reunion plans, fans will have
something to collect: Capitol Records plans to re-release the group's
top-selling album, Rio. The
disc, which spawned hits with the title track and "Hungry Like the
Wolf," will hit stores July 3 in a standard jewel box and with a
limited-edition design. The disc will also include the three music videos that
helped propel the album to success with their constant play on MTV,
"Hungry Like the Wolf," "Rio," and "Save a
Prayer."
DURAN DURAN
REUNITE REUNITE, by Tami Heide
KROQ.com, May 8, 2001
http://www.kroq.com/musicnews/musicnewshome.html
British MTV darlings Duran Duran are moving
forward into the past. The current incarnation of the band -- consisting of
original members Simon LeBon (vocals0 and Nick Rhodes (keyboards) plus
guitarist Warren Cuccurullo will amicably call it a day after playing some
dates in Japan in June. As Cuccurullo moves on to a reunion of his 19890's band
Missing Persons, another sort of reunion may be taking place in the Duran Duran
camp. LeBon and Rhodes are in talks with three other former members (the
non-related Taylors -- John, Andy and Roger) about getting back together.
Nothing is set in stone, however, and Rhodes has also been working in the
studio with Stephen Duffy, a member of Duran Duran before its hit-making run.
Duffy went on to success under the moniker Tin Tin with hits such as "Kiss
Me." Duran Duran fans can look forward to a specially enhanced reissue of
the Rio album on July 3rd.
Original
Duran Duran lineup to reunite
By JAM! Music Canoe Jam! Showbiz
http://www.canoe.ca/JamMusicArtistsD/duran.html
Tuesday May 8, 2001
The latest incarnation of Duran Duran is over,
and from its ashes will come the resurrection of two early MTV icons. The
original lineup of Duran Duran and Missing Persons will both be reuniting in
the wake of the late-model Duran split, according to reports from the Web.
Guitarist Warren Cuccurullo told his fanclub site that the trio version of
Duran Duran -- consisting of himself, singer Simon LeBon, and keyboardist Nick
Rhodes -- have parted ways after last year's album "Pop Trash." That
clears the deck for Cuccurullo to reunite with quirky '80s pop hitmakers
Missing Persons, and for LeBon and Rhodes to get back together with former
bandmates John, Andy and Roger Taylor and reassemble the Duran Duran lineup
that enjoyed their greatest commercial success. "That (trio) version of
Duran Duran doesn't exist anymore," Cuccurullo said at his fanclub site,
adding that the trio version will, however, perform some final Japanese dates
later this summer that had already been committed to. The guitarist has already
been writing new material with Missing Persons (Cuccurullo, drummer Terry
Bozzio, bassist Patrick O'Hearn and lead vocalist Dale Bozzio),the site said.
"That's the last chapter of the trio. There's going to be a reunion of the
original band (Duran Duran) very soon. Everybody's still very close friends."
At Duran Duran's official site, they confirm the Missing Persons reunion, but
tease fans about their own plans. "What does this mean for the future of
Duran Duran? Watch this space!," reads the Duran Duran posting, dated last
Sunday. The site also reports that Rhodes has lately been in the recording
studio with fellow '80s artist Stephen "Tin-Tin" Duffy, recording a
new album. Meanwhile, in a fortuitous bit of timing, Duran Duran's biggest
album, "Rio," is to be reissued on July 3, with enhanced videos for
their hits "Hungry Like The Wolf," “Save A Prayer" and the title
track included.
Warren
Cuccurullo Speaks Out On Duran Duran Shake-Up
Allstar/CD Now, May 8, 2001, 1:25 p.m.
by Carrie Borzillo-Vrenna
http://www.cdnow.com/cgi-bin/mserver/redirect/leaf=allstararticle/fid=266440/from=sr-117124
Warren Cuccurullo, of Duran Duran and Missing
Persons fame, has confirmed the news allstar
reported in March that the original lineup of Duran Duran is staging a reunion.
In March, the original lineup of the band –- Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John
Taylor, Andy Taylor, and Roger Taylor –- were said to be in rehearsals for a
20th anniversary tour (allstar,
Miss Truth, March 19). Now, Cuccurullo has posted some information about the
reunion on his Web site, saying, "That version of Duran Duran [the trio]
doesn't exist anymore. That's the last chapter of the trio. There's going to be
a reunion of the original band very soon. Everybody's still very close friends,
and Warren, Nick, and Simon are off to Japan in June to play the dates that
they booked." As for Cuccurullo, he's participating in the much-talked
about Missing Persons reunion, featuring the original members -- drummer Terry
Bozzio, bassist Patrick O'Hearn, and lead vocalist Dale Bozzio.
simon & nick announce the next phase of duran duran
Duranduran.com, May 10, 2001
As many fans have speculated over recent months, a profound change
has occurred at the heart of the band as the story of Duran Duran moves into a
new chapter. The trio of Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes & Warren Cuccurullo is
coming to an end; the upcoming Japanese dates will be their last together after
which Warren will be bound for America and a new project with his pre-Duran
band, Missing Persons. Simon & Nick are to be reunited with original band
members Roger, Andy and John Taylor for the first time in 15 years. "It's something we are very much
looking forward to. There has always been an incredible chemistry and musical
energy when we have got together. We are all very excited about the prospect of
seeing what we can create." An album will be scheduled for release some
time in 2002
Duran Duran's Simon Le Bon
& Nick Rhodes Issue Statement About Reunion
CD Now/Miss Truth, May 11, 2001
http://www.cdnow.com/cgi-bin/mserver/SID=1538981671/pagename=/RP/CDN/FIND/discography.html/ArtistID=DURAN+DURAN/docid=483809/select=news
Duran Duran
Duran's Simon Le Bon and Nick Rhodes have finally stepped up to the plate to
officially announce what everyone's known for months now -- the original five
members are back together. The
two posted this on the band's official Web site at www.duranduran.com
on Thursday (May 10): "As many fans have speculated over recent months, a
profound change has occurred at the heart of the band as the story of Duran
Duran moves into a new chapter. The trio of Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, and
Warren Cuccurullo is coming to an end; the upcoming Japanese dates will be
their last together after which Warren will be bound for America and a new
project with his pre-Duran band, Missing Persons (allstar, May 8).
"Simon and Nick are to be reunited with original band members Roger, Andy,
and John Taylor for the first time in 15 years. "'It's something we are
very much looking forward to. There has always been an incredible chemistry and
musical energy when we have got together. We are all very excited about the
prospect of seeing what we can create.'" The reunion has been in the works
since at least March (allstar, Miss Truth, March 19).
MTV.Com/VH1.com, May 10, 2001
Original Duran Duran Lineup Reunite For New Album
by Joe D'Angelo and Jennifer Vineyard
http://www.mtv.com
Lock
up your women. Original wild boys Duran Duran are back. Founding members Simon
Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, Roger Taylor, Andy Taylor and John Taylor will enter the
studio together for the first time in 15 years to record their first
original-lineup album since 1984's live LP Arena, according to a group spokesperson. The reformation's
result is expected to surface next year. "It's something we are very much
looking forward to," Rhodes said in a post on the band's official Web site
(www.duranduran.com). "There has always been an
incredible chemistry and musical energy when we have gotten together. We are
all very excited about the prospect of seeing what we can create."
Guitarist Warren Cuccurullo, who has been playing with the glam-pop group since
1988's Big Thing, won't be left
in the lurch because of the reunion. He'll reunite with the original members of
his former band Missing Persons — drummer Terry Bozzio, bassist Patrick O'Hearn
and singer Dale Bozzio — for a tour expected to begin this summer.
PopBitch.com
newsletter
May 10, 2001
Out on the tar plains... Nick Rhodes is
moving... The Duran Duran revival is happening, but it's not what you think it
is: Nick Rhodes and original Duran vocalist Stephen Tin Tin Duffy have recorded
a new album together. They've been seen buying cosmetics at Harvey Nichols
together - so they must be serious. (FYI: Insiders describe the new album as
"sh*t", but we hold out hope for another Arcadia). But as one door
opens, another closes: guitarist Warren Cuccurullo has apparently left the
band, to reform his old outfit Missing Persons. Could his departure be in any
way related to the extraordinary pornographic photos he posed for in a
Brazilian gay magazine? Perhaps Simon and Nick were pissed off by all the fans
who've been holding up the photos at gigs? Gaze in wonder at Warren's parts:
http://hometown.aol.com/gqsioux/warren.html John Taylor's photos of Duran
Duran's early days: http://www.trusttheprocess.com/Growingupdd.html
AndyTaylor.com,
May 11, 2001
Received word from Andy
about the reunion and here is what he had to say...IN LIGHT OF RECENT MEDIA
SPECULATION I WOULD LIKE TO CONFIRM TO YOU THAT... TAYLOR, TAYLOR, TAYLOR,
RHODES & LEBON....ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON WRITING ORIGINAL MATERIAL FOR A
NEW DURAN DURAN ALBUM DUE 2002. WE WILL ALSO BE PLAYING A NUMBER OF LIVE
CONCERTS THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER OF 2002, DATES AS YET TO BE CONFIRMED. AND AS AN
IRONIC COINCIDENCE, OUR 1982 ALBUM "RIO" IS TO BE RE-RELEASED THIS
SUMMER 2001, DIGITALLY RE-MASTERED AND WITH A NEW VIDEO PACKAGE. UNTIL THEN I WILL TRY TO KEEP YOU
INFORMED OF EVENTS AS THEY UNFOLD. WATCH THIS SPACE!!!!!!!!!! PERSONAL REGARDS,
ANDY TAYLOR.
Daily Music
News
Billboard.com, May 11, 2001
Edited by Jonathan Cohen, written by Lars Brandle, London
http://www.billboard.com/billboard/daily/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=864732
The original five members of Duran Duran are
reforming for the first time in more than 15 years. Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes,
John Taylor, Roger Taylor, and Andy Taylor have not recorded together since
1985, when they scored a hit single with "A View to a Kill"
(Capitol), the title song to the James Bond film. That lineup last performed
live at the Live Aid concert that same year. A group spokesperson confirms the
band plans to write and record an album of new material, which will be
supported by a tour. "We are all very excited at the prospect of seeing
what we can create," Rhodes said in a statement. On its official Web site,
the band said, "There has always been an incredible chemistry and musical
energy when we have got together. It's something we are very much looking
forward to." Duran Duran is currently without a label after parting
company with Hollywood in March. The group released just one album for the
label, "Pop Trash," which peaked at a disappointing No. 135 on The
Billboard 200. Until recently, Duran
Duran was comprised of Le Bon, Rhodes, and guitarist Warren Cuccurullo.
Upcoming dates in Japan will be the last by the scaled-down version of the
band, after which Cuccurullo will return to Los Angeles to rejoin his former
act, Missing Persons.
Ceefax
Duran Duran, one of
Britain's biggest 1980s pop acts, are to reform in their original line-up. The
group will make release an album and tour in 2002. A spokeswoman for the band
told BBC News Online: "It's early days yet, but they're going to go in the
studio quite soon. "Fans can expect a new record early in the new
year." Keyboard player Nick Rhodes said: "We are all very excited at
the prospect of seeing what we can create." The band had a total of 13
British top 10 hits between 1981 and 1993, including two number ones, Is There
Something I Should Know and The Reflex. A series of lavish videos such as Rio,
in which the band chilled out on a huge luxury yacht, and Wild Boys - a vision
of a post-apocalyptic fantasy world - were perceived to have caught the 1980s
zeitgeist. But drummer Roger Taylor quit the band in 1985 and turned his back
on the music business. He was followed by guitarist Andy Taylor who had a brief
solo career before going into production. Bass player John Taylor - no relation
to Andy Taylor - finally left the group in 1997. John Taylor has since played
with ex-Sex Pistol Steve Jones and members of Guns N' Roses in the band
Neurotic Outsiders, and tried his hand at acting. The departures left Rhodes
and singer Simon Le Bon - the only remaining members from the glory days -
working under band's name along with US guitarist Warren Cuccurullo, with mixed
success. The band, who were inspired by Roxy Music, first got together in 1978
with a line-up which included Stephen "Tin Tin" Duffy who went on to
have his own solo career. In January the band's original heroes Roxy Music also
agreed to reform - and plan to tour this summer.
NEW ROMANTIC HITMAKERS SET TO REFORM
BBC Teletext
Friday, 11 May, 2001, 20:52 GMT 21:52 UK
The classic line-up of eighties hit band Duran Duran is to reform and start
recording again, it has been announced. Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, Roger Taylor
and John Taylor are to release an album and go on tour again - more than 15
years after they parted company. The band enjoyed a string of chart hits in the
80s such as The Reflex and Planet Earth, until Roger Taylor quit back in 1985.
Le Bon and Rhodes have remained in the band, but with only modest success.
Duran Duran to reform
BBC
Friday, 11 May, 2001, 20:52 GMT 21:52 UK
Simon le Bon and Nick Rhodes kept the group name alive Duran Duran, one of
Britain's biggest 1980s pop acts, are to reform in their original line-up. The
group will make release an album and tour in 2002. A spokeswoman for the band
told BBC News Online: "It's early days yet, but they're going to go in the
studio quite soon. "Fans can expect a new record early in the new
year." Keyboard player Nick Rhodes said: "We are all very excited at
the prospect of seeing what we can create." Zeitgeist The band had a total
of 13 British top 10 hits between 1981 and 1993, including two number ones, Is
There Something I Should Know and The Reflex. > Full of 1980s zeitgeist:
Duran Duran A series of lavish videos such as Rio, in which the band chilled
out on a huge luxury yacht, and Wild Boys - a vision of a post-apocalyptic
fantasy world - were perceived to have caught the 1980s zeitgeist. But drummer
Roger Taylor quit the band in 1985 and turned his back on the music business. He
was followed by guitarist Andy Taylor who had a brief solo career before going
into production. Bass player John Taylor - no relation to Andy Taylor - finally
left the group in 1997. Departures John Taylor has since played with ex-Sex
Pistol Steve Jones and members of Guns N' Roses in the band Neurotic Outsiders,
and tried his hand at acting. The departures left Rhodes and singer Simon Le
Bon - the only remaining members from the glory days - working under band's
name along with US guitarist Warren Cuccurullo, with mixed success. The band,
who were inspired by Roxy Music, first got together in 1978 with a line-up
which included Stephen "Tin Tin" Duffy who went on to have his own
solo career. In January the band's original heros Roxy Music also agreed to reform
- and plan to tour this summer.
The 42nd Return of Duran Duran
by Beth Wawerna
Spin Magazine.com, May 11, 2001
http://www.spin.com/new/daily/news/20010511-1.html
If you're anything like
me you've been wondering who the hell that stocky quirky-looking bald guy is
that's been playing guitar with Duran Duran recently. He obviously didn't
"fit" the "profile" and would not look particularly saucy in
pastel war paint (a la "Hungry Like the Wolf"). Nor is his last name
Taylor. In fact, it's Cuccurullo. Warren Cuccurillo, that is, who has been
playing with the band for over a decade. But it was really just a matter of
time before the band ditched the late-comer and brought back the old
line-up-for the first time since the release of 1984's live album, Arena. I'm talking Simon Le Bon, Nick
Rhodes, and, back in full effect, Roger Taylor, Andy Taylor and John Taylor. The
five are even going back into the studio together to record a new album,
expected out next year. This is a real "Friday treat," isn't it?
"It's something we are very much looking forward to," said Rhodes via
a message posted on the band's official website. "There has always been an
incredible chemistry and musical energy when we have gotten together. We are
all very excited about the prospect of seeing what we can create." In
related news, Warren Cuccurullo was a member of the Missing Persons, and he reportedly
has plans to get back with those guys for a tour this summer. He has been
playing with Duran Duran since 1988's Big
Thing. Duran Duran's last studio effort was Pop Trash, the follow-up to 1997's Medazzaland, both of which featured the 6-string stylings of
Cuccurullo.
Original Duran Duran To Return
by Andrew Dansby
RollingStone.com, May 11, 2001
http://www.rollingstone.com/news/newsarticle.asp?nid=13880&cf=334
The original Duran
Duran lineup -- which dominated Eighties pop charts and (even more so) MTV's
rotation with their cutting edge videos set in exotic locales -- will be
getting back together to record for the first time in fifteen years. Late-era
guitarist Warren Cuccurullo -- who played on most of the group's Nineties
output with original members singer Simon LeBon and keyboardist Nick Rhodes --
will leave the band following a short string of Japanese tour dates and rejoin
Missing Persons, his pre-DD unit. The split follows a lukewarm reception to the
band's Pop Trash, which also marked the end of the band's brief run with
Hollywood Records. Returning to the fold will be the three (unrelated) Taylors:
guitarist Andy Taylor and drummer Roger, who both left the band in 1986, and
John Taylor, who left a decade later. "It's something we are very much
looking forward to," wrote LeBon and Rhodes in a Web post. "There has
always been an incredible chemistry and musical energy when we have got
together. We are all very excited about the prospect of seeing what we can
create." The album is due next year. Fans looking forward to glam pop from
the classic DD lineup can delay their hunger with the July 3rd reissue of their
second album, Rio. The reissue will be digitally remastered and enhanced with
videos, a discography and a photo gallery.
DotMusic.com
May 11, 2001
http://www.dotmusic.com/news/May2001/news19766.asp
New romantic heroes
Duran Duran have announced that they are planning to reunite with all five
original members for the first time in 15 years. Simon Le Bon and Nick Rhodes
will be joining forces once again with bass player John Taylor, guitarist Andy
Taylor and drummer Roger Taylor later this year and they have promised that
their creative juices will be flowing. It'll be the first time that the
original line-up have been in a studio together since mixing 1984's live
long-player 'Arena' and according to their spokesperson new material should
surface some time in 2002. Keyboard player Rhodes has posted a message on the
band's official website www.duranduran.com. It reads: "It's
something we are very much looking forward to. There has always been an
incredible chemistry and musical energy when we have got together. We are all
very excited about the prospect of seeing what we can create." The news
has followed the announcement that the newest member, guitarist Warren
Cuccurullo who joined in 1988, is leaving to launch a brand new project with
his pre-Duran band Missing Persons. The trio's forthcoming Japanese dates will
be his last. It's also been rumoured that all five original members will be
embarking on a full-scale tour to celebrate their 20th anniversary.
Dotmusic.com
May 12, 2001
http://www.dotmusic.com/news/May2001/news19791.asp
Duran Duran have
reformed with their original line-up for the first time in 15 years and are
planning to release an album. Simon Le Bon and Nick Rhodes (pictured) are being
reunited with Roger Taylor (drums), Andy Taylor (guitar) and John Taylor
(bass). Frontman Le Bon, keyboard player Rhodes and guitarist Warren Cuccurullo
have been performing under the band's name. Cuccurullo is leaving for the US to
return to his old band, Missing Persons. According to a message posted on the
official band website Le Bon said: "It's something we are very much
looking forward to. "There has always been an incredible chemistry and
musical energy when we have got together." Duran Duran's album is due out
next year. Meanwhile, EMI Records are to reissue the band's classic
double-platinum selling 'Rio' album next month. Originally released in May
1982, the Number Two album -which features 'Save A Prayer', 'Hungry Like The Wolf'
and 'My Own Way'- has been remastered and enhanced with video tracks, complete
discography, photo gallery and more. It is released in the UK on Monday June
11.
Reuters News Service, May 12
Pop Band Duran Duran Regroups with Original Members
LONDON (Reuters) - British pop band Duran Duran, whose million-selling hits
“Rio” and “Hungry Like the Wolf” launched them to superstardom in the 1980s,
are reforming with their original lineup, the group said Friday. Simon Le Bon
and Nick Rhodes will join Roger Taylor, Andy Taylor and John Taylor for the
first time in 15 years to record a new album and possibly tour. ”It's something
we are very much looking forward to,'' said founding member and keyboardist
Rhodes in a statement. “There has always been an incredible chemistry and
musical energy when we have got together,” he said. Duran Duran, who helped
define pop and fashion in the 1980s with their coifed hair, slick sound and
exotic videos, released their first album in 1981. They scored top 10 hits with
“Hungry Like the Wolf,'' “Save a Prayer'' and “Rio'' and have sold 60 million
records. Duran Duran's elaborate videos, which became fan favorites on music
television station MTV, made them international superstars. After world tours
and more hit albums, drummer Roger Taylor and guitarist Andy Taylor quit the
group in 1985. Bassist and founding member John Taylor left in 1996. Current
Duran Duran guitarist Warren Cuccurullo, who is leaving the group, hinted
earlier in the week on his Web site that the original members would embark on a
small tour together. Rhodes said: “We are all very excited about the prospect
of seeing what we can create.''
Duran Duran To Reunite
CNN.com ShowbizToday, May 12, 2001
http://www.cnn.com/2001/SHOWBIZ/Music/05/11/duran.duran/index.html
The famous 1980s line-up of the British pop band Duran Duran are to reform for the
first time in 15 years. The band never went away, with Nick Rhodes and singer
Simon Le Bon -- the only remaining members from the glory days -- continuing in
recent years with U.S. guitarist Warren Cuccurullo. But they struggled to
recapture the big hits, which ended in 1993 with Ordinary World, and Cuccurullo
has announced he is leaving the band. Now Rhodes and Le Bon have announced
Roger Taylor, John Taylor and Andy Taylor are rejoining for a new album and
tour. Keyboard player Rhodes said on Friday: "We are all very excited at
the prospect of seeing what we can create." A spokeswoman for the group's
production company confirmed that the five would be performing together again.
"They are going to make a record this year which will be out next
year," she said. "The tour hasn't been lined up but it will probably
be around the time the record is released. "I guess they thought that
after all these years they would give it a try. It felt like a good idea but I
don't think there's any one reason behind it." Duran Duran -- named after
a character in the Jane Fonda fantasy film Barbarella -- first got together in
1978 with a line-up derived from Birmingham, in the UK midlands, and inspired
by Roxy Music. The band's original pre-fame singer was Stephen "Tin
Tin" Duffy, who left to have his own solo career. Le Bon joined the band
in 1980 and within a year they were in the charts with first single Planet
Earth, riding the New Romantic wave. A series of lavish videos for hits
including Rio, Blue Moon on Monday, Save A Prayer and Wild Boys helped the
success. The band also notched up a pair of number one singles, Is There
Something I Should Know in 1983 and 1984's The Reflex, and appeared on the bill
of the U.S. leg of Live Aid. Drummer Roger Taylor was the first to quit the
band in 1985 and turned his back on the music business. He was followed by
guitarist Andy Taylor who tried out a solo career before going into production.
Bass player John Taylor -- who helped form Power Station with Andy Taylor and
Robert Palmer in the mid-80s -- finally left the group in 1997. Formerly
married to British television presenter Amanda De Cadenet, he has since played
with ex-Sex Pistol Steve Jones and members of Guns N' Roses in the band
Neurotic Outsiders and tried his hand at acting. Duran Duran's reformation
follows similar moves by their 80s' contemporaries, including Blondie, Soft
Cell, The Eurythmics and Culture Club.
Duran 5 are back
The Sun (UK tabloid), May 12, 2001
http://www.thesun.co.uk/bizarre/archive/13680688
DURAN DURAN have reformed with their original line-up for the
first time in 15 years and are planning to release an album. Simon Le Bon and
Nick Rhodes are being reunited with Roger Taylor, Andy Taylor and John Taylor.
Simon said: "It's something we are very much looking forward to. There has
always been an incredible chemistry and musical energy when we have got
together." Simon, Nick and Warren Cuccurullo have been performing under
the band's name. Warren is leaving for the States to return to his old band,
Missing Persons. Duran Duran's album is due out next year.
DURAN DURAN TOUR NEWS : REUNION TOUR IN THE
WORKS FOR EIGHTIES SUPERGROUP
SFX.com, May 13, 2001
http://sfx.com/InsideScoopStory.asp?artistID=9906&docID=1721
It was only a matter of time—and the time is now. Nagel prints
might not be coming back in style, but Duran Duran is. In March, the original quintet of Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes,
John Taylor, Andy Taylor, and Roger Taylor began rehearsing for a 20th
anniversary tour. The plan is to unleash the reunion in early 2002, marking the
first time that the original gang of five has toured together since the mammoth
“Arena” tour of 1985. As for current Duran member Warren Cuccurullo? What will
become of the most recent Duran incarnation featuring him along with Le Bon and
Rhodes? "That version of Duran Duran doesn't exist anymore,” he announced
on his website. “That's the last chapter of the trio.” The site goes on to say
that “Everybody's still very close friends, and Warren, Nick and Simon are off
to Japan in June to play the dates that they booked." Just by coincidence (or not ), Cuccurullo has a reunion of
his own in the works. 21 years ago he founded the new wave unit Missing Persons
and he has been writing new music with former front-woman Dale Bozzio. Next,
the original members (drummer Terry Bozzio, bassist Patrick O'Hearn, Ms. Bozzio
and Mr. Cuccurullo) plan to hit the road together. “To see this band live is
not to be believed,” Cuccurullo’s web site proclaims. “Everyone in the group is
looking forward to playing all of their best stuff that was a staple of early
80's alternative rock radio and MTV.”
Duran Duran Return Return
By Stephen. M. Silverman
People Online, May 15, 2001
http://people.aol.com/people/news/now/0,10958,123301,00.html
British '80s superstar popsters
Duran Duran ("Rio," "Hungry Like the Wolf") are getting
back to their roots. The group announced in London on Friday that they are
reforming with their original lineup. Simon Le Bon and Nick Rhodes will join
Roger Taylor, Andy Taylor and John Taylor for the first time in 15 years to
record a new album. They may also tour. "It's something we are very much
looking forward to," founding member and keyboardist Rhodes said in a
statement. "There has always been an incredible chemistry and musical
energy when we have got together." After world tours and a slate of hit
albums, drummer Roger Taylor and guitarist Andy Taylor quit the group in 1985.
Bassist and founding member John Taylor exited in 1996.
Duran Duran Gets Together: The pop group is regrouping
with its original members.
Singapore Straits-Times Interactive, May 18, 2001
http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/life/story/0,1870,43554,00.html
British pop band Duran Duran, whose million-selling hits Rio
and Hungry Like The Wolf launched it to superstardom in the 1980s, is reforming
with its original lineup, the group said last Friday. Simon Le Bon and Nick
Rhodes will join Roger Taylor, Andy Taylor and John Taylor for the first time
in 15 years to record a new album and possibly tour. In a statement, founding
member and keyboardist Nick Rhodes said: “It’s something we are very much
looking forward to. There has always been an incredible chemistry and musical
energy when we have got together.” Duran Duran, who helped define pop and
fashion in the 1980s with its coiffed hair, slick sound and exotic videos,
released its first album in 1981. The group scored top 10 hits with Hungry Like
The Wolf, Save A Prayer and Rio and has sold 60 million records to date. Duran
Duran’s elaborate videos, which became fan favourites on music television
station MTV, made the members international superstars. After world tours and
more hit albums, drummer Roger Taylor and guitarist Andy Taylor quit in 1985.
Bassist and founding member John Taylor left in 1996. Current Duran Duran
guitarist Warren Cuccurullo, who is leaving the group, hinted earlier in the
week on his website that the original members would embark on a small tour
together. Rhodes said: “We are all very excited about the prospect of seeing
what we can create.”
Into The Groove: Original Members of Duran Duran and
Missing Persons Plan Reunions
by David Ciminelli
IN Magazine, June 19-July 2, 2001
It seems that recent reunions by ‘80s icons Culture
Club, Blondie, the Bangles and the Go-Go’s has inspired another band from the
awesome era to regroup. For the first time since 1985, Simon LeBon, Nick Rhodes
and John, Roger and Andy Taylor will jam together as Duran Duran. The fab five
have announced plans to meet at a studio this month to begin writing and
recording new material. Though LeBon and Rhodes (with ex-Missing Persons
guitarist Warren Cuccurullo) have continued to tour as Duran Duran, this is the
first time in 16 years that all five original Duranies will be working
together. Now that Cuccurullo is out of the band, he has plenty of time to play
“Mental Hopscotch.” He will be reuniting with his Missing Persons band mates –
singer Dale Bozzio, Terry Bozzio, and bassist Patrick O’Hearn – for a summer
reunion tour, which will be making a stop at the Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood
on July 18.
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