Chelmsford Chaos Didn’t Stop Duran Duran from Delivering a Stunning Show

VIPs stuck in lines but the band’s gratitude and powerhouse set flipped the frustration, reminding fans why they were worth the wait.

Fans Delayed, Spirits Tested

Saturday’s Chelmsford City Live event was off to a rough start before Duran Duran ever hit the stage. VIP ticketholders—some of whom paid hundreds for premium access—were still stuck in entrance lines well past the 2 p.m. opening time. General admission gates, slated for 3 p.m., moved at a crawl.

To make matters worse, this came just 24 hours after a chaotic Friday night that saw thousands of Justin Timberlake fans trapped in gridlocked traffic. A car fire on the A131 added to the delays, and some fans reported being “stranded in a field” as they waited hours to leave the site.

By Saturday afternoon, social media was already filling with posts from confused, hungry, and increasingly frustrated fans trying to figure out where the “live” part of Chelmsford City Live had gone.

Duran Duran Response to the Delays? Put on a Kick Ass Show

This Was Not On the Band

The band, who recently joined Sabrina Carpenter on stage, arrived ready to play only to find thousands of their fans stuck in queues, navigating fences and security checkpoints rather than merch tents or cocktail bars. VIPs expecting fast-lane service ended up in the same holding pattern as everyone else. “Premium” meant little beyond the price tag.

Essex Police later called the situation “avoidable.” Chelmsford City Live organizers issued a public apology and confirmed that a full investigation is underway to review what went wrong and how to fix it. According to a statement, Friday’s traffic collapse “did not meet the standards we aimed for,” despite nine months of planning and coordination with police, NHS, and other emergency services.

A Night That Proved the Band’s Enduring Bond with Their Fans: Fans Said the Band Made It All Worthwhile

Despite the logistical nightmare, Duran Duran did what they do best: brought the crowd back to life.

Opening with the haunting deep cut “Secret Oktober,” the band moved like masters through decades of hits — “A View to a Kill,” “Ordinary World,” “Girls on Film,” and “Rio” — reminding the crowd exactly why they’d shown up, waited, and endured.

Duran Duran’s deep respect for their audience has always been a hallmark of their shows. Simon Le Bon once said, “We’re lucky to have fans who’ve stayed with us across decades. You never take that kind of loyalty for granted.” (Source: The Telegraph, 2015)

That bond was on full display in Chelmsford. Frustrated fans turned forgiving once the music began. What could’ve ended in grumbling instead became a reminder of why live music matters, and why Duran Duran remains one of the most loved and loyal acts in the industry.

Chaos vs Connection

Chelmsford City Live organizers and Essex Police acknowledged the widespread entry delays that marred the weekend experience. Racecourse officials admitted that despite nine months of planning (and collaboration with Essex Police, Fire & Rescue, NHS, and traffic experts). Organizers offered a “sincere apology” and pledged a full investigation into why contingency plans failed, and crucially, how they will prevent a repeat for future gigs.

Faulty Gates, Flawless Band

Sure, Chelmsford City Live has some serious logistical lessons to learn. But Duran Duran? They were a masterclass in grace under pressure. In a weekend full of missteps, their performance was the saving grace — and the reason thousands left smiling, despite it all.

At the end of the night, no one remembered how long they waited — just how much they belonged.

Read more: Duran Duran Storm The Castle at Malahide

Looking for the Chelmsford Live Duran Duran Setlist? Here it is!

Duran Duran Setlist – Chelmsford City Live

• VELVET NEWTON (Video intro)
• Night Boat
• The Wild Boys
• Hungry Like the Wolf
• The James Bond Theme (John Barry song)
• A View to a Kill
• Notorious
• Nite-Runner / All She Wants Is
• Evil Woman (Electric Light Orchestra cover)
• Careless Memories
• Ordinary World
• Come Undone (Duet with Anna Ross)
• (Reach Up for the) Sunrise
• Planet Earth (Preceded by band introductions)
• The Reflex
• White Lines (Don’t Don’t Do It) (Grandmaster Melle Mel cover)
• Girls on Film / Psycho Killer

Encore:

• Save a Prayer
• Rio