Los Angeles, USA
RIO: The Ultimate Duran Duran Tribute Experience
Since 2008, RIO (the ultimate Duran Duran tribute experience) has celebrated the music and style of Duran Duran, channeling the magic of our boys from Birmingham (and thereabouts…) for a devoted fanbase. Hailing from Los Angeles, RIO doesn’t just play the hits; they embody the kinetic energy, sonic architecture, and visual panache that defined the 1980s New Wave zenith. With the core ensemble of Gil, Jake, Danny, Robert, and Wes at its helm, RIO delivers performances that are both electrifying and funky, traversing the iconic discography from “Planet Earth” to “(Reach Up for the) Sunrise.”
As a preeminent force in the North American tribute scene, RIO has commanded stages across the continent, carving a niche as a full-time, high-profile act dedicated to faithfully recreating the Duran Duran experience. Their ethos centers on an unwavering commitment to authenticity, prioritizing note-perfect musical renditions that honor the intricate arrangements of the OG. While their setlists focus on chart-toppers, RIO also thoughtfully excavates deeper cuts, offering a richer tapestry for the discerning “Duranies.” (Hey, that’s us!)
Their journey has taken them to notable venues, from the expansive outdoor setting of Sea Terrace Park in Dana Point, CA, to the visceral energy of the House of Blues in Las Vegas, solidifying their reputation as a top-tier tribute. RIO understands that Duran Duran’s impact extends beyond the auditory; their visual presentation was integral to their mystique. This dedication stems from years of deep immersion in Duran Duran’s music and countless hours honing their craft, allowing them to recapture the nuances of Simon Le Bon’s vocal delivery, Nick Rhodes’s atmospheric synthscapes, Roger Taylor’s bop bop bop beat, and John Taylor’s signature bass grooves.
Beyond the stage, RIO fosters a genuine connection with their audience, viewing each fan interaction as a significant part of their mission. They readily embrace the requests of the dedicated, even incorporating unexpected gems like “Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)” into their repertoire. Their ultimate aim is to provide a conduit for the timeless music of Duran Duran, offering a compelling live experience for those who may not have the opportunity to witness the legends themselves.
Band Members
- Lead vocals: Jason “Jake” Jacobs as Simon Le Bon
- Bass: Gil Barron as John Taylor
- Drums: Danny Alfaro as Roger Taylor
- Keyboards: Rob Paterson as keyboardist Nick Rhodes
- Guitar: Wes Garren as Andy Taylor
Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube
Live Shows
Get to know RIO: The Ultimate Duran Duran Tribute Experience
Gil Barron, bassist and founder, shared more about his band Rio: A Tribute to Duran Duran exclusively with DuranDuranies.com
How did your band come together? Where are you from and where do you perform?
In San Diego and LA, pieced together via ads and word of mouth
What’s your personal Duran Duran origin story? When did you first become a fan?
Early 80’s via MTV and radio
Have you ever met the band or any of its members?
All except Andy
Was there a specific moment, album, or song that made you decide to start a tribute band?
I was impressed by a Beatles tribute and saw an ad for a DD tribute and decided to give it a go.
Which Duran Duran song is the most fun to play live, and which one is the most challenging?
Most fun to play live is Careless Memories; most challenging is Shadows On Your Side
Do you try to sound exactly like Duran Duran or do you put your own special spin on the sound and vibe?
We try to perform faithful versions of their music. Not much room for improv.
Do you ever mix up your setlist with deep cuts or lesser-known B-sides, or do you focus on the big hits?
Mainly hits with deep cuts mixed in.
If you could play just one Duran Duran album live in its entirety, which one would it be and why?
Rio, as it’s their crowning achievement as well as our namesake.
Duran Duran is known for its incredible style—do you try to capture their fashion and stage presence in your performances?
We work hard on the appearance as DD is a highly fashionable and visual band.
How do you approach recreating their signature sound, from Simon’s vocals to Nick’s synths and John’s bass grooves?
Decades of exposure to their music and lots of practice
Which era of Duran Duran (Rio-era, New Romantics, Notorious funk, Wedding Album comeback, Paper Gods Danse Macabre, etc.) influences your tribute band the most?
The Arena (1984) era because of their iconic performances and stylish wardrobe.
Have you had any memorable fan interactions?
Every fan interaction is memorable!
What’s the most wild, surreal or unexpected experience you’ve had as a Duran Duran tribute band?
Wild: girls on stage during Girls On Film; surreal: being interviewed on a Phoenix morning news show; unexpected: some not too kind comments on social media. Duran Duran is our favorite band and we approach the tribute band concept with reverence and try to do it justice with each performance. We understand there is only one Duran Duran but not everyone has the chance to see them live. We hope to replicate that experience.
Have you ever had a Duranie request a song that caught you off guard or made you think, “Wow, we need to add that to the set”?
Yes, Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)…and we did!
What’s the biggest or most exciting venue you’ve played as a tribute band?
Largest was Sea Terrace Park in Dana Point, CA. Most exciting was House of Blues Las Vegas.
What’s your favorite Duran Duran deep cut that you think deserves more love?
The Seventh Stranger
If Duran Duran themselves were in the audience at one of your shows, what’s the one song you’d want to play for them?
Late Bar
What’s one thing you’d love Duran Duran fans to know about your tribute band?
Give it a chance. You’ll be glad you did!
Where can fans find your performances, and do you have any upcoming shows, special events, or anything you’d like to promote?
On our website or social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DDTribute/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/riodurantribute/
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