San Francisco California, USA
More than a tribute act, New Moon on Monday emerges from the San Francisco Bay Area as a vibrant celebration of Duran Duran’s enduring music. For this collective of dedicated musicians, the mission transcends simply playing the notes; it’s about channeling the very essence of the New Romantic pioneers. Their electrifying setlists are a carefully curated journey through the band’s legendary catalog, seamlessly weaving iconic anthems like “Girls on Film” with cherished deep cuts such as “Hold Back the Rain,” all delivered with both fervent passion and exacting precision.
But New Moon on Monday understands that Duran Duran’s impact was as much visual as it was sound. Inspired by the band’s deep connection to high fashion, including collaborations with visionary designers like Vivienne Westwood, they embrace the sophisticated aesthetic that helped define an era. Eschewing cheap imitations and relying instead on an informed understanding of Duran Duran’s sartorial elegance, the band delivers an authentic, high-energy performance that ignites the stage with the fire, charm, and undeniable artistry of the real thing.
For lead vocalist Bray Gurnar and the rest of the ensemble, this project is born from genuine fandom. They meticulously study the band’s style, sound, and stage presence to craft an immersive and authentic experience for their audience. Lead singer Bray’s natural vocal timbre and even a passing resemblance to a young, blond Simon Le Bon further solidify their commitment to capturing the spirit of the original. While acknowledging Duran Duran’s potential ambivalence towards tribute acts, New Moon on Monday approaches their endeavor with profound respect, aiming not to mimic, but to honor the artistry and innovation of the band they so admire. Their performances across Northern California, with upcoming dates extending to Canada, Michigan, Chicago, and New York, are a testament to this deep-seated devotion.
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Get to know New Moon on Monday Tribute Band
How did your band come together? Where are you from and where do you perform?
We are based in the SF Bay Area, and the lead singer (Bray) and I (background singer) were original members of the band Duran Duran Duran. Our band, New Moon on Monday, has been performing all over Northern California, with upcoming shows in Canada, Michigan, Chicago, and New York. Though this lineup has been together for just over a year, we’ve all played together in various projects for the past 15 years. After our iteration of Duran Duran Duran ended, we worked on other musical projects before finally coming together to form a new Duran Duran tribute act.
What’s your personal Duran Duran origin story? When did you first become a fan?
I’m the biggest Duran Duran fan in the band—I’ve been one since I was a teenager. While I’ve never met them, I’ve had the honor of playing at some of the same venues they’ve performed at. From what I understand, they’re not huge fans of tribute acts, and we respect that. That said, we take our tribute seriously—not just playing the music, but studying their style, sound, and energy to create an authentic experience.
Our lead singer, Bray, is naturally suited to the role. He has a high, strong voice and even resembles early-’80s Simon Le Bon when he was blond. While he doesn’t try to imitate Simon, his voice and presence make for a great fit.
Which Duran Duran song is the most fun to play live, and which one is the most challenging?
As for favorites, Bray’s top pick is Union of the Snake (though he’s not a fan of A View to a Kill), while mine is Friends of Mine (and I’m not too fond of Come Undone).
Do you try to sound exactly like Duran Duran or do you put your own special spin on the sound and vibe?
We don’t aim to sound exactly like Duran Duran, but we rehearse extensively to make sure our sound is tight and true to the original. We don’t rely on wigs, cheap white jackets, or generic “’80s” apparel. It’s clear when a band is doing this just to make a buck versus truly understanding and respecting Duran Duran’s music and aesthetic.
If you could play just one Duran Duran album live in its entirety, which one would it be and why?
When we were Duran Duran Duran, we performed the album Rio in its entirety at Red Devil Lounge in SF. One of my favorite moments is playing The Chauffeur because I get to bring in the ocarina. Our players are hand picked to suit their roles. Duran Duran’s music is technically complex, especially the rhythm section. Many people do not know how challenging their music is to play.
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?
Our favorite era is New Romantic and the first album, hands down. The fans we’ve met along the way are incredible—many have followed us from our previous band and other projects. One of our most memorable experiences was being given front-row seats to see Duran Duran at the Mountain Winery in Saratoga.
Have you had any memorable fan interactions?
We haven’t had any truly wild fan requests yet, but we’re deeply familiar with the entire Duran Duran catalogue, so we’re always ready for unexpected song requests. No matter how long our set is, someone will inevitably ask for a song we didn’t play that night.
What’s the biggest or most exciting venue you’ve played as a tribute band?
The largest venue we’ve played so far was the Regency Ballroom in San Francisco, and we’ve performed at several festivals, including Fisherman’s Wharf in SF, where we played to thousands. It’s tough to pick just one underrated Duran Duran song—personally, I’d say the entire first album deserves more recognition. If we ever had the chance to perform for Duran Duran themselves, Bray would choose Union of the Snake, and I’d go with New Religion.
What’s one thing you’d love Duran Duran fans to know about your tribute band?
Ultimately, we want people to know that we are true Duran Duran fans. We believe that dedication shines through in everything we do—our attention to detail, our performance, our style, and even our online presence.
Learn more about New Moon on Monday tribute band and find tour dates on their website
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