Duran Duran tribute bands aren’t just about playing the hits—they’re about capturing the spirit, style, and energy of a band that defined an era. And if you ask Eric Vassy, bass player for The ReFlex, it’s also about honoring one of the most innovative and enduring bands in music history. Based out of Atlanta, The ReFlex has been lighting up stages across the Southeast, bringing fans a meticulously crafted, high-energy tribute to the Fab Five.
“The original idea came from our lead singer,” Vassy explains. “He was talking with some folks about forming a tribute band, and Duran Duran came up as an option. After a few lineup changes, we settled into the band we have now.”
Eric Vassy, The ReFlex Duran Duran Tribute Band
A Bass-Driven Passion
Vassy has been drawn to music since childhood. He picked up the guitar in elementary school and quickly fell in love with the instrument, dedicating countless hours to practice. In seventh grade, his musical world shifted when he discovered Rush. Their complex, dynamic sound fascinated him, and he became captivated by the bass guitar. He soon made the switch from guitar to bass, immersing himself in the world of prog rock and new wave.
During middle and high school, Eric also played trumpet in concert and marching bands, further honing his musical abilities. After graduating, he turned his passion into a career, performing professionally throughout the Southeast as the lead singer and bassist for an original band. Along the way, he shared the stage with legendary acts such as Joan Jett, Cheap Trick, Hootie and the Blowfish, and Sister Hazel.
Eric’s love of new wave and John Taylor’s signature mix of punk, new wave, and disco bass made him a perfect fit for The ReFlex. “I grew up playing bass through the ’80s, into both prog rock and new wave. When Duran Duran hit, it was like a lightning bolt! John Taylor’s pulsating and funky style was the perfect counterpoint to the smooth new wave sound. I was hooked from the first time I heard ‘Planet Earth.’” He relishes the opportunity to bring Taylor’s fantastic bass lines to life and deliver soaring background vocals for Duran Duran fans.
Despite never meeting the band, Vassy dreams of talking shop with John Taylor. “I’d love to meet him and talk about his style and influences.”
More Than Just the Hits
The ReFlex delivers a setlist packed with fan favorites, but they’re not afraid to dig deeper. “For our two-hour shows, we definitely throw in some lesser-known songs and B-sides alongside the hits,” Vassy says. “We even mix in some Power Station now and then, just to give fans a little extra.”
And while some songs are pure fun, others present serious challenges. “‘Rio’ is always fun but tough, especially after two hours of Duran Duran material. ‘Ordinary World’ has a tricky section where I’m singing backup vocals while playing a completely different bassline. That one always requires focus.”
The Look, The Sound, The Experience
Tribute bands walk a fine line between faithful recreation and personal interpretation. For The ReFlex, the goal is both. “We want people to have the experience they came for,” Vassy says. “That means matching Duran Duran’s feel, tone, and style, but we’ve also put our own arrangements into a few songs so we can stretch out musically and show our versatility.”
That attention to detail extends beyond sound. “We model our look after ‘modern’ Duran Duran—stylish and elegant, but always with a hint of ’80s flair.”
[Photo courtesy of The ReFlex, Hamer Visuals]
The Fans and the Magic of Live Shows
Tribute bands thrive on fan interaction, and Vassey has no shortage of memorable moments. One that stands out happened at a bar before a show. “I wasn’t in my ‘gear’ yet, and I saw a woman wearing a ‘The Chauffeur’ T-shirt. I asked if she liked the song, and she said it was her favorite but doubted the band would play it. We made a friendly wager—if we played it, she owed me a ReFlex T-shirt, and if we didn’t, I owed her one. When I got on stage, she recognized me and started smiling. We dedicated the song to her, and she got her shirt for being a good sport.”
Paying Tribute to an Enduring Legacy
Duran Duran’s influence spans decades, and The ReFlex honors every era. “For me, the ‘Rio’-‘Notorious’ era is peak bass-playing territory. But I love the new stuff too—‘Danse Macabre’ is fantastic, and ‘Black Moonlight’ is as good as anything they’ve ever done.”
As for their dream setlist if the real Duran Duran were in the audience? “I think our version of ‘Girls on Film’ is really great—we’ve added an extended ending that’s outstanding. And our ‘View to a Kill’ closer is unique too.”
With an immersive live show that combines music with stunning visuals, The ReFlex isn’t just playing Duran Duran’s songs—they’re creating an experience. “It’s a multimedia extravaganza,” Vassy says. “It’s a feast for the ears and the eyes.”
Where to See The ReFlex
The band has upcoming shows in Charlotte, NC; Athens, GA; Destin, FL; and Trussville, AL, as well as local gigs in the Atlanta area. Fans can check out their tour dates, watch performances, and learn more about the band at www.thereflextribute.com.
Follow The ReFlex on social media:
Instagram: @thereflextribute
Facebook: facebook.com/thereflextribute
