Duran Duran, the iconic British band whose new wave sound defined the 1980s, made headlines once again as they returned to the Sanremo Music Festival after four decades. This historic moment occurred on February 13, 2025, when the group graced the stage at Teatro Ariston, reigniting the spark of their early career experiences. Initially catapulted to fame with hits like "The Wild Boys," the band’s participation highlights the enduring impact of their music.
During the press conference, lead singer Simon Le Bon, along with bandmates Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, and Roger Taylor, recounted their nostalgic memories from the 1985 festival. Le Bon humorously reminisced about his first appearance, saying, "We were crazy, we were famous but not for long, and there was this swarm of teenage girls chasing us on mopeds wherever we went." He added, "The event was hosted by Pippo Baudo, who I jokingly called 'Pippo Bello.' Is he still working?"
Reflecting on their past, Le Bon also shared the challenges he faced during their debut Sanremo performance, including an injury to his foot. "I broke my foot walking along the port. I was so pained I had to walk to the hospital, and the next day I performed with my foot in a cast. I thought vodka would help ease the pain, but it didn't quite work as planned," he recounted, bringing laughter to the room.
Fast forward to 2025, Duran Duran's essence as performers remains unchanged. "We love what we do, and when we perform, we bring joy with us. The audience deserves to have fun," Le Bon emphasized, underlining the band's commitment to providing high-energy performances filled with emotion and flair.
The group's legacy continues to grow, and their unbreakable bond is seen as the secret to their longevity. "We have three rules to stay united: we adore the music we create together, we share everything equally, including finances, and we laugh—especially when times are tough," Le Bon articulated. The camaraderie formed over decades keeps their spirits high and optimism glowing.
Among their myriad of memories and achievements, the band remains grounded, taking note of the younger generation's success. Le Bon expressed his admiration for the rising Italian rock band Måneskin, stating, "I'm a big fan of Måneskin, and you should be proud to have such talent representing Italy!" This acknowledgment bridges the gap between generations of musicians, showing the importance of supporting emergent artists.
Duran Duran is also not resting on their laurels. Following their electrifying performance at Sanremo, they announced several other concerts across Italy. They are set to perform at Circo Massimo in Rome on June 15 and 16. The band is excited about the upcoming shows, promising fans unforgettable experiences filled with their classic hits.
They noted the unique atmosphere of Sanremo, which harkens back to the musical vibes of the ‘70s and ‘80s. Le Bon shared, "Sanremo today is as stimulating and interesting as it was back then, which makes us very happy. It’s wonderful to see how the festival continues to thrive and celebrate music."
For this historic band, their second chance at Sanremo is more than just nostalgia; it revitalizes their connection with the Italian audience and reminds everyone of the eras they helped shape.
The excitement surrounding Duran Duran's return to Sanremo demonstrates not only their lasting appeal but also the power of music to connect generations. With upcoming performances and their classic hits still reverberant, the band continues to pave the way for future musical endeavors. Their unique bond as artists keeps them resilient, ready to bring joy and nostalgia to audiences eager for more.