Duran Duran @ Utilita Arena Birmingham, 5th May 2023
The Utilita Arena was packed to the rafters as Brummie legends Duran Duran took to the stage for their Future Past tour. While some of the gig-goers may have been too young to remember the band’s heyday, everyone was in for a treat as the band proved that they are still at the top of their game, even after more than 40 years in the business.
Opening the night for Duran Duran was none other than Jake Shears, better known as the lead singer of the pop-rock band Scissor Sisters, and Lia Lia. Wearing a sparkling black outfit that would make anyone at a dance competition proud, Jake thrilled the audience with a blend of solo material and hits from Scissor Sisters, including tracks from his upcoming solo album “Last Man Dancing”.
His performance was energetic and engaging, with plenty of hip thrusting and shaking to keep the crowd entertained. While not everyone may have been familiar with his solo work, Jake managed to win over the audience with his undeniable charisma and showmanship. Absolut bangers that couldn’t be missed were “I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’”, “Filthy / Gorgeous” and “Take Your Mama”, which had the crowd singing and shouting from the top of their lungs.
Shears announced that it wasn’t the first time he shared the stage with Duran Duran, as Scissor Sisters played with them 20 years ago, so it meant a lot for him to be on this tour together.
Lia Lia’s opening act was nothing short of electrifying, although not everyone’s cup of tea. The young Berlin-based artist commanded the stage with a magnetic energy that had the crowd entranced from the very first note. Lia Lia’s sound was unique, blending elements of grunge, pop, and electronic music to create a one-of-a-kind sonic landscape, as she effortlessly switched between emotional ballads and high-energy rock anthems.
The crowd was particularly enthusiastic during her performance of “I’m a Moth,” with its infectious guitar riffs and catchy chorus. Lia Lia’s undeniable talent and confidence make her an artist to watch in the coming years, and I’m looking forward to seeing what she does next.
As the lights dimmed again, Duran Duran took the stage and “Night Boat” kicked off the show, the first single from their self-titled debut album from 1981. This was followed by the crowd-pleasers “The Wild Boys” and “Hungry Like the Wolf”, with their aggressive drumming, soaring choruses and driving guitar riffs, which had the audience singing along to every word.
Other hits like “Last Chance on the Stairway”, “Is There Something I Should Know?” and “Friends of Mine” were also played, bringing back the nostalgia of the ’80s with their infectious pop beats and catchy lyrics. The band members looked as stylish and youthful as ever, clad in an array of glittering outfits that sparkled under the bright lights.
The setlist was a perfect balance between their classic hits and new tracks from their latest album “Future Past”, that wouldn’t be complete without the mesmerizing visuals and light effects. The band also treated the crowd to their Bond theme song “A View to a Kill”, with its dramatic, orchestral intro and driving bass line, and the electrifying “Notorious”, a funky guitar-driven track with a danceable beat. Another highlight was “Planet Earth” with its groovy bass line and catchy chorus that got everyone dancing on their feet.
But it wasn’t just the classics that stood out. The newer tracks proved that Duran Duran is still going strong, with their latest album pushing the boundaries of their sound. Newer tracks like the modern, electronic “INVISIBLE”, the laid-back introspective “GIVE IT ALL UP” and the experimental “ANNIVERSARY” were also well-received, proving that Duran Duran still have the ability to create new music that resonates with their fans, while also pushing the boundaries of their sound.
Lead singer Simon Le Bon was in fine form, engaging the audience with his trademark charm and banter. “You remind me of a great big ice cream”, Le Bon joked on stage. His vocals were as captivating as ever and John Taylor’s bass lines kept the energy level high throughout the show. Nick Rhodes’ keyboards added an undeniable layer of depth to the music, while Roger Taylor’s drumming provided a steady foundation for the band’s sound.
Andy Taylor’s absence was notable, but the band made up for it with their powerful performance. Even without Taylor’s guitar riffs, the band sounded heavy and full, delivering a sound that was even better than their studio recordings.
The crowd went wild during the hard rockin’ “Friends of Mine” and “Careless Memories.” Le Bon worked the stage with his signature moves and energy, while the other band members remained focused on their instruments.
As the show came to a close, the band delivered a top-notch encore of “Come Undone,” “Save a Prayer,” and “Rio,” leaving the audience buzzing with energy. The band’s timeless music and electrifying performance proved that Duran Duran will always be one of the greatest bands of all time. Their Future Past tour is a must-see for fans old and new, and a testament to the band’s enduring legacy.
Setlist:
Night Boat
The Wild Boys
Hungry Like the Wolf
INVISIBLE
A View to a Kill
Notorious
GIVE IT ALL UP
Last Chance on the Stairway
Lonely in Your Nightmare / Super Freak
Is There Something I Should Know?
Friends of Mine
Careless Memories
Ordinary World
ANNIVERSARY
Planet Earth
White Lines (Don’t Don’t Do It) (Grandmaster Melle Mel cover)
The Reflex
Girls on Film / Acceptable in the 80’s
Encore:
Come Undone
Save a Prayer
Rio
Review and photographs: Andra Tudoran
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