Rio Album Released
2028-05-10, 2029-05-10, 2030-05-10
HAPPY BIRTHDAY RIO!
Rio, the second studio album by Duran Duran, debuted on May 10, 1982, through EMI. Produced by Colin Thurston, the band recorded the album at AIR Studios in London between January and March 1982. Expanding their sound from the debut album, they experimented with instruments like vibraphone and marimba, alongside unique effects such as lit cigarettes and cracking ice. The saxophone solo on “Rio” was played by Andy Hamilton, adding a distinctive flair to the track.
Blending synth-pop, new wave, and pop rock with elements of disco and funk, Rio features energetic tracks balanced by slower, atmospheric ballads. Simon Le Bon’s lyrics explore themes of ambition, romance, and dreams, while the album’s vibrant title reflects its exotic and optimistic tone. The iconic cover art, designed by Patrick Nagel, is celebrated as a hallmark of 1980s style.
The band embraced the power of music videos to accompany Rio’s singles, which helped define the MTV generation and contributed to the album’s global success. With hits like “Hungry Like the Wolf” and “Save a Prayer,” Rio reached number two on the UK charts and stayed for 110 weeks. Although initially slow to gain traction in the US, a remixed version tailored to American radio eventually climbed to number six on the Billboard chart, spending 129 weeks there.
The album is often praised for its innovative instrumentation, infectious melodies, and timeless appeal, solidifying its place as one of Duran Duran’s most celebrated works and a cornerstone of the Second British Invasion. Rio continues to be recognized on best-of lists and has been reissued multiple times.

Nick Rhodes Birthday 2028
2028-06-08
Happy birthday Nick!
Nick Rhodes, born Nicholas James Bates on June 8, 1962, in Moseley, Birmingham, England, is best known as the co-founder and keyboardist of the iconic band Duran Duran. Learn more about Nick here

Dom Brown Birthday 2028
2028-06-14 00:00 UTC
Happy Birthday Dom!
BIRTHDAY June 14, 1972
Learn more about Duran Duran here
BIRTH SIGN Gemini
BIRTHPLACE England
Dom is not an official member of Duran Duran but has been touring with the band for many years and contributes to studio recordings. Dom first appeared with Duran Duran in December 2004 as a stand-in for Andy Taylor. He was hired to record guitar parts for their next album, Red Carpet Massacre (2007), and perform on the supporting world tour. He co-wrote 13 of the 15 tracks on the band’s 2011 album All You Need Is Now and 4 of the 12 tracks on their 2015 album Paper Gods.
Dom has co-written six released songs with Mark Ronson and shares other writing credits with Anamatronic (Scissor Sisters), Mr Hudson, Kelis, Jahméne Douglas (X Factor 2012 runner-up), Sandi Thom, Tom Grennan (BBC Introducing 2017 nominee) and Nick Hodgson (Kaiser Chiefs).
Dom composed and produced the music for an hour-long episode of BBC1 drama, The Canterbury Tales. He has performed on TV with Elton John, Rod Stewart, Lionel Richie, Take That, Robin Gibb, Christina Aguilera, Enrique Iglesias, Eddie Grant, Eagle Eye Cherry and Girls Aloud. He also released three critically acclaimed solo albums (the latest, In my Bones in 2021) and a critically acclaimed blues album with Blue to Brown (featuring his voice artist father Rob Brown).
He began playing guitar at the age of 14. He started a band called Nexus when he was 16. He went on tour with his father, musician Rob Brown.

Duran Duran First Album Released
2028-06-15, 2029-06-15, 2030-06-15
HAPPY DURAN DURAN RELEASE DAY JUNE 15!
Duran Duran’s self-titled debut album, released on June 15, 1981, marked the beginning of the English pop rock band’s career. Produced by Colin Thurston, the album was recorded between December 1980 and January 1981 in London and Oxfordshire. Instrumental tracks came together quickly, but lead singer Simon Le Bon faced challenges in the studio, sparking brief discussions about replacing him before EMI’s Dave Ambrose stepped in to resolve the situation.
Drawing inspiration from artists like David Bowie, the Human League, Japan, and Chic, the album blends synthesizer-driven pop with atmospheric elements of disco, punk, and dance. Simon Le Bon’s enigmatic lyrics explore themes of youthful struggles and the band’s ambitions. Visuals for the album and its singles were crafted by designer Malcolm Garrett.
The album spawned three singles, each supported by music videos that played a significant role in its success. The provocative video for “Girls on Film” stirred controversy but also boosted visibility for MTV in the United States.
The album has been recognized for its innovative sound, helping to define the New Romantic movement. It was remastered and reissued in 2010 as a special edition featuring additional demos and live recordings.
See Duran Duran’s first video, Planet Earth and learn more here

John Taylor Birthday 2028
2028-06-20
Happy Birthday John!
John Taylor, born Nigel John Taylor on June 20, 1960, in England. Learn more about John here

Born:
Monday, June 20, 1960 (time unknown)

In:
Birmingham (United Kingdom)

Sun:
29°06′ Gemini

Moon:
18°34′ Taurus

Dominants:
Taurus, Gemini, Cancer
Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury
Earth, Air / Mutable

Chinese Astrology:
Metal Rat

Numerology:
Birth Path 6

Height:
John Taylor (guitarist) is 6′ 2″ (1m88) tall

Duran Duran Appreciation Day 2028
2028-08-10
Duran Duran Appreciation Day, celebrated annually on August 10th, is a day dedicated to honoring and celebrating the iconic British band, Duran Duran. Fans around the world come together to celebrate the band’s music, legacy, and impact on popular culture. The day is marked by various events and activities organized by fans, including listening parties, tribute concerts, online fan gatherings, and social media tributes. It’s a time for fans to share their love for Duran Duran’s music, reminisce about their favorite songs and memories, and connect with other fans who share their passion for the band. Duran Duran Appreciation Day is a testament to the enduring influence and appeal of one of the most iconic bands in music history.

Simon Le Bon Birthday 2028
2028-10-27
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIMON JOHN CHARLES LE BON (CHARLIE)
Simon Le Bon was born on October 27, 1958. Bushey, United Kingdom
Learn more about Simon here

Spouse: Yasmin Le Bon (m. 1985)
Music groups: Duran Duran (Since 1980), Arcadia, Band Aid (1984 – 1984)
Children: Amber Le Bon, Saffron Le Bon, Tallulah Le Bon
Grandchildren: Taro, Skye, plus on on the way via Amber
Parents: John Le Bon, Ann-Marie Le Bon
Height: 6′ 2″
Simon Le Bon is estimated to have a net worth of around $60 million (£45.6m).
Throughout his career, Le Bon has been awarded three Ivor Novello Awards by the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers, and Authors. He was also honored with an MBE award.

SIMON’S BIRTHCHART / ASTROLOGY

Born:
Monday, October 27, 1958, 9:00 PM

In:
Bushey, Hertfordshire (United Kingdom)

Sun:
3°56′ Scorpio
AS:
19°30′ Cancer

Moon:
6°20′ Taurus
MC:
19°29′ Pisces

Dominants:
Scorpio, Taurus, Cancer
Moon, Neptune, Pluto
Houses 5, 11, 3 / Water, Earth / Fixed

Chinese Astrology:
Earth Dog

Numerology:
Birth Path 6

Durangiving 2028
2028-11-21
Held every year on November 21st—the anniversary of the release of Seven and the Ragged Tiger—Durangiving encourages fans to support charitable organizations, either through donations or volunteer hours, and help make the world a better place.
Learn more here

Seven and the Ragged Tiger Album Released 45 Years Ago
2028-11-21
Seven and the Ragged Tiger is the third album from Duran Duran, released on November 21, 1983. The date is also the annual celebration of DURANGIVING, an annual charity day of giving organized by Duran Duran’s fan.
Learn more here

Track Listing
All tracks written by Simon Le Bon, Andy Taylor, John Taylor, Roger Taylor, and Nick Rhodes unless noted.
Side A

“The Reflex” – 5:26
“New Moon on Monday” – 4:15
“(I’m Looking for) Cracks in the Pavement” – 3:38
“I Take the Dice” – 3:15
“Of Crime and Passion” – 3:48

Side B

“Union of the Snake” – 4:20
“Shadows on Your Side” – 4:03
“Tiger Tiger” – 3:20
“The Seventh Stranger” – 5:24

2010 Limited Edition CD 2

“Is There Something I Should Know?” – 4:11
“Faith in This Colour” – 4:07
“Faith in This Colour” (alternate slow mix) – 4:06
“Secret Oktober” – 2:45
“Tiger Tiger” (Ian Little remix) – 3:25
“The Reflex” (single version) – 4:25
“Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)” (live) – Steve Harley – 4:58
“New Religion” (live at the LA Forum 9/2/84) – 5:47
“The Reflex” (live at the LA Forum 9/2/84) – 5:59
“Is There Something I Should Know?” (monster mix) – 6:40
“Union of the Snake” (monkey mix) – 6:26
“New Moon on Monday” (dance mix) – 6:03
“The Reflex” (dance mix) – 6:35

Personnel
Duran Duran

Simon Le Bon – lead vocals
Andy Taylor – guitar
John Taylor – bass
Roger Taylor – drums
Nick Rhodes – keyboards

Additional Musicians

Andy Hamilton – soprano and tenor saxophone
Rafael de Jesus – percussion
Mark Kennedy – percussion
Michelle Cobbs – backing vocals on “Union of the Snake” and “The Reflex”
B. J. Nelson – backing vocals on “Union of the Snake” and “The Reflex”

Production

Alex Sadkin – producer
Ian Little – associate producer
Duran Duran – associate producers
Phil Thornalley – recording and mixing engineer
Peter Wade-Schwier – recording engineer
Jim Taig – tape operator
Malcolm Garrett – graphic design
Keith Breeden – illustration

Ordinary World Released Dec 19 1992
2028-12-19, 2029-12-19
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ORDINARY WORLD
“Ordinary World” was released on 19 December 1992 as the first single from Duran Duran’s Wedding Album. It peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100, number 2 is Iceland and Sweden, and number 6 on the UK Singles Chart.
Read more

All You Need Is Now Released Dec. 21, 2010
2028-12-21, 2029-12-21
On December 21, 2010, Duran Duran unveiled their thirteenth studio album, All You Need is Now, as a 9-track exclusive on iTunes. In March 2011, the full physical 14-song album hit the shelves—March 21 in Europe and March 22 in North America.
READ MORE HERE

Tracks
Digital Release

“All You Need Is Now”
“Blame the Machines”
“Being Followed”
“Leave a Light On”
“Safe (In the Heat of the Moment)” (featuring Ana Matronic)
“Girl Panic!”
“The Man Who Stole a Leopard” (featuring Kelis)
“Runway Runaway”
“Before the Rain”
Read more

Roger Taylor Birthday 2029
2029-04-26
Roger Taylor was born April 26, 1960 in Birmingham, England.
Learn more about Roger here
Spouse: Gisella Bernales (m. 2007), Giovanna Cantone (m. 1984–2005)
Music groups: Duran Duran, Arcadia (1985 – 1986)
Children: 4

Height: 5′ 8″

Nick Rhodes Birthday 2029
2029-06-08

Dom Brown Birthday 2029
2029-06-14

John Taylor Birthday 2029
2029-06-20

Duran Duran Appreciation Day 2029
2029-08-10

Simon Le Bon Birthday 2029
2029-10-27

Durangiving 2029
2029-11-21

Seven and the Ragged Tiger Album Released 46 Years Ago
2029-11-21

Andy Taylor Birthday 2030
2030-02-16
Happy Birthday Andy!
Andrew James Taylor (born 16 February 1961), he lives in Ibizia Spain.
Learn more about Duran Duran here

Born: 1961 (age 63 years), Cullercoats, United Kingdom

Spouse: Tracey Wilson (m. 1982)

Music groups: Duran Duran, The Power Station (1984 – 1985)

Height: 5′ 6″

Formerly of: Duran Duran; The Power Station
Birth Sign Aquarius
Andy played the guitar on Belinda Carlisle’s hit single “Mad About You.”

Roger Taylor Birthday 2030
2030-04-26

Nick Rhodes Birthday 2030
2030-06-08

Dom Brown Birthday 2030
2030-06-14

John Taylor Birthday 2030
2030-06-20
