ICONS DURAN DURAN STILL DOING THE REFLEX

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THE WEB GOSSIP
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Simon Le Bon



REFLEXING --- I imagine I first heard Duran Duran in the early 80’s when they first burst forth on the music scene; funnily enough as part of the so-called New Romantic bands; alongside groups like Spandau Ballet and ABC. I immediately fell head first into their luscious music and lead singer Simon Le Bon’s positively angelic voice. They were arguably the first band to benefit greatly from something new back then, called MTV and, literally did 5-7 minute videos for almost every song the did; all of them high-end and beautiful! Since the 1980s, they have placed 14 singles in the Top 10 of the UK singles chart and 21 in the Billboard Hot 100, and have, according to the Sunday Mercury, sold more than 100 million records. Songs like “Rio,” “Hungry Like The Wolf,” “Notorious” and “The Reflex” have become staples in the pop music continuum. They worked with some of the best producers out there, including Nile Rodgers and his partner in Chic, Bernard Edwards. In fact, Edwards was involved in a DD-spin off called The Power Station. I lost track of the band during the 90’s and really didn’t give them a second thought until someone gave me a copy of the 2004 album Astronaut; which I just adored - particularly the title track and “Finest Hour.” One listen convinced me all over again about their talents as each of the album’s tracks was sensational. I’ll admit, I always like DD’s softer songs, like “Ordinary World,” because it showed off so well what talent was there. They released a new album earlier this year called All You Need Is Now, produced by the producer-of-the-moment Mark Ronson. This past Tuesday there was an anniversary celebration for WPLJ’s Scott Shannon and Todd Pettengill that began at NY’s Hard Rock Café and ended up at DD’s concert at Madison Square Garden. Needless to say, I was there in a flash. As I walked into the newly-renovated Madison Square (at a reported cost of $850 million!), I wondered to myself was this concert going to live up to almost 20 years worth of anticipation – you know what they say about meeting your heroes! OK, so, here goes: It was a great show, but somewhat uneven. They must have played at least six tracks from their new album; and, especially impressive were “Hold Back The Rain” and “Is There Something I Should Know.” Of course, I should have previewed it beforehand. They did “World,” “Reflex,” and a terrific “View To A Kill” which was very, very warmly received by the SRO crowd. The stage was very minimal, save for 4 masks which were hung above the band and changed throughout the concert. It was a canny move, but somewhat dwarfed by the hugeness of the room. The show was sold out and their fans are of the kind that worships the band. Le Bon (who had a birthday that night – 52!) was in fine form and keyboardist Nick Rhodes was brilliant; also, producer Ronson showed up for a number, as did Scissor Sister-Ana Matronic, who appears on the new album too. When I thought about it, there’s a good sampling of their music that is totally keyboard-driven and Rhodes holds it all together beautifully. I got to know bassist John Taylor in the 80’s when he was seemingly dating every NY-model on the scene and though they were indeed crazy times back then, I was always amazed by his knowledge of music. Whatever you thought of him; he knew his stuff. All in all, a somewhat mixed bag; it was great to see them … finally, but I think I expected a bit more. Check out that album Astronaut too. As for me … I’ll be getting that new album!


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Stevie Nicks



BUCKINGHAM-ING -- Rock’n’roll Hall Of Famer Lindsey Buckingham just may be one of the very few Americans who most changed the face of British Rock. As the male lead singer for Fleetwood Mac, this singer/songwriter/guitarist/producer took an underground blues band and helped make it into one of the most respected and best-selling bands in the universe. His voice…his intricate guitar playing (especially on his “Big Love”) …his compositional prowess, they’re all instantly recognizable. And he’s still going strong. On November 1, Eagle Rock Entertainment will release a DVD of Lindsey Buckingham’s Song From The Small Machine: Live in L.A., which was filmed in high-definition with DTS Surround-Sound, Dolby Digital 5.1, and Dolby Digital Stereo at The Saban Theater in Beverly Hills. The two-hour 19-song show will be released on DVD, Blu-ray, and as a DVD/CD set. Personally, we can’t get enough the artist; we loved the Mac before he ever joined up, with some singer named Stevie Nicks (LOL!). They were essentially a blues band back then, but with these two, they became front page news. His very first solo hit “Go Insane,” remains a quirky gem and when we last caught the Mac, were delighted that he performed it with a new arrangement. Subsequent solo albums Under The Skin and the more recent Gift Of Screws just sensational; his song, “Bel Air Rain” just stellar. Can’t wait for this one! My favorite Buckingham story: When he left the Mac for the first time; it took two guitarists to replace him! No greater praise needed!


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Maria Bello



GREAT GUY, YET: DEAD --- Maria Bello’s Prime Suspect (NBC) just got a full order for the rest of the season; or, as is said in the business: the back nine! An episode that first ran last week and was repeated last night, was just as enjoyable watching the second time around. Titled Great Guy, Yet: Dead, it concerned the apparent murder of a Wall Street trader. Yes, he had girlfriends, which his wife didn’t seem to mind; friends; money … but, was borrowing big-time …. even from the Russian mafia! Turns out he was murdered by a friend … but, everyone interviewed, including the wife, couldn’t say anything bad about him. If he was at a party, he was the life of it! As the show ended, the wife was interviewed by Bello one last time and she admitted: it was too quiet without him around. Great show!


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Micky Dolenz



MONKEE MONKEE-- Monkee-lead singer Micky Dolenz will join the all-star band on the first annual James River Jam which will be held Friday, November 11, 2011, at Busch Gardens’ Royal Palace Theatre in Williamsburg, Virginia. The charity jam session, put together by producer Jeffrey Foskett, is presented by Tempus Jets and Busch Gardens, and will benefit An Achievable Dream Academy, Folds of Honor Foundation and Eastern Congo Initiative, organizations dedicated to improving educational opportunities for children and young adults. Dolenz, who is in the midst of a solo tour (after touring with the re-united Monkees this past summer) was contacted by producer Foskett, who produced his solo album from last year King For A Day (Gigatone). Says Dolenz, “A great cause, a great band, on a great day. A perfect event.” Also performing will be John Oates; former Eagle Don Felder; singer/songwriter J.D. Souther; and former Marshall Tucker band member Jerry Eubanks.


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Christine Richie



CHRISTINE EXITS --- We were surprised to hear that air-personality Christine Richie has left NY’s WPLJ. Just a stellar talent and a riot to be with, we’ll miss her early-evening nightly broadcasts. We have no doubt she’ll be back soon, but we miss her already!


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