Duran Duran – Ian Fleming – James Bond – A View To A Kill – July 22nd 1985 – Original Press Photograph

Publisher: The Press Association
Price: £45.00
Date: July 22nd 1985
Photograph Size: 15.2cm x 20.4cm including margins
Format: Original Press Photograph
Condition: Very good
Edition: Not stated.

Details:

Shows members of Duran Duran after the release of their song ‘A View To A Kill’, the title song of the new James Bond film starring Roger Moore. Slightly creased, marked and rubbed but in very good condition. Scarce.

Duran Duran: A Short Biography

Duran Duran, one of Britain’s most iconic bands of the 1980s, formed in Birmingham in 1978. The band, originally featuring Nick Rhodes (keyboards), John Taylor (bass), and Stephen Duffy (vocals), quickly shifted personnel before settling on their classic line-up with Simon Le Bon (vocals), Roger Taylor (drums), Andy Taylor (guitar), and John Taylor (bass). Known for their fusion of synth-pop, new wave, and rock, Duran Duran became central to the “New Romantic” movement, aligning style with musical innovation.

Early Beginnings and Line-Up Changes (1978–1980)

The early days of Duran Duran saw several changes in the line-up and a search for their signature sound. The core duo of Rhodes and John Taylor experimented with different styles, influenced by glam rock, punk, and disco. After Duffy’s departure, Le Bon joined the band in 1980, bringing poetic, cryptic lyrics and a unique vocal style. The band honed their image and sound by playing at Birmingham’s Rum Runner nightclub, managed by Paul and Michael Berrow, who would become their managers.

Breakthrough Success and Rise to Fame (1981–1983)

In 1981, Duran Duran released their self-titled debut album, which included hits like Planet Earth and Girls on Film. The latter’s provocative music video, directed by Godley & Creme, attracted media attention and was initially banned by the BBC. The band’s image, enhanced by slick fashion and charismatic personas, quickly captured the attention of both the UK and US audiences. Their follow-up album, Rio (1982), was a massive success, featuring hits like Hungry Like the Wolf, Rio, and Save a Prayer. The band’s music videos, shot in exotic locations, became MTV staples, securing their global popularity.

The Height of Fame and Seven and the Ragged Tiger (1983–1985)

By the mid-1980s, Duran Duran had become international superstars, regularly appearing on magazine covers and embodying the stylish, hedonistic spirit of the decade. Their third album, Seven and the Ragged Tiger (1983), reached number one on the UK Albums Chart and included hits like Union of the Snake, New Moon on Monday, and The Reflex. The latter topped the US Billboard Hot 100, cementing their American success. They embarked on the “Sing Blue Silver” world tour, documented in a concert film, and performed at the historic Live Aid concert in 1985.

Side Projects and Departure of Members (1985–1986)

In 1985, the band split into side projects. Le Bon, Rhodes, and Roger Taylor formed Arcadia, while John and Andy Taylor joined Robert Palmer in The Power Station. These projects showcased their individual styles but sowed the seeds of tension within the group. Andy and Roger Taylor left Duran Duran shortly thereafter, with Roger citing exhaustion from the demanding lifestyle and Andy pursuing solo interests.

Reinvention with Notorious and the 1990s Comeback (1986–1999)

Continuing as a trio with Le Bon, Rhodes, and John Taylor, Duran Duran released Notorious (1986), adopting a funkier sound. The title track was a hit, though the album marked a stylistic departure. Their popularity waned in the late 1980s, but they staged a comeback with Ordinary World and Come Undone from the 1993 album Duran Duran (often called The Wedding Album due to its cover art). These songs renewed their appeal, especially in the US.

However, the late 1990s brought challenges, including the departure of John Taylor in 1997. Albums such as Medazzaland (1997) and Pop Trash (2000) received a lukewarm response, and Duran Duran seemed to lose commercial footing, though they retained a loyal fan base.

The Classic Line-Up Reunion and Continued Success (2000s–Present)

In 2001, the original five members reunited, rekindling interest in Duran Duran. Their 2004 album, Astronaut, was well-received, and they toured extensively. However, Andy Taylor left again in 2006, and the band continued as a quartet, releasing Red Carpet Massacre (2007) and All You Need is Now (2010). Both albums were celebrated for staying true to their roots while incorporating modern influences.

Their 2015 album Paper Gods saw collaborations with modern artists such as Janelle Monáe and Nile Rodgers, connecting them to a younger generation. The release was met with critical acclaim, reinforcing Duran Duran’s status as pop icons who had adapted across decades.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Duran Duran are recognised for their ground-breaking music videos, integration of fashion and music, and contributions to the New Romantic movement. Their fusion of rock, dance, and electronic elements has inspired countless bands, while their distinct style remains influential. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022, Duran Duran continue to tour and release music, their legacy a testament to their enduring appeal and adaptability in the ever-changing landscape of popular music.

‘A View To A Kill’: A Short Biography

“A View to a Kill” is not only a pivotal moment in Duran Duran’s career but also a unique entry in the James Bond franchise. Released in 1985 as the theme song for the Bond film of the same name, A View to a Kill made Duran Duran the only band at the time to have a James Bond theme reach number one on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song also charted highly worldwide, solidifying the band’s presence in pop culture and Bond history.

Origins and Collaboration with Bond

The story behind A View to a Kill started with a chance encounter between John Taylor, an avid James Bond fan, and Bond producer Cubby Broccoli. During a party, Taylor reportedly asked Broccoli when Bond would have a “decent theme song again.” This bold comment led to Duran Duran being considered to perform the theme for A View to a Kill, the fourteenth Bond film, starring Roger Moore in his final appearance as the iconic spy.

The band collaborated with composer John Barry, who had scored many Bond soundtracks, to craft a song that balanced Duran Duran’s signature sound with Barry’s orchestral style. The result was a high-energy, cinematic song featuring a haunting opening riff, intense basslines, and Le Bon’s dynamic vocals.

Music Video and Pop Culture Impact

Directed by Godley & Creme, the music video for A View to a Kill was shot around the Eiffel Tower in Paris, a key location in the film. The video mirrored the stylish, suspenseful essence of a Bond adventure, showing the band members involved in espionage-themed escapades, with Le Bon cheekily delivering the line, “Bon, Simon Le Bon.” The video’s sleek production and Bond-style visuals further cemented Duran Duran’s place in 1980s pop culture.

Legacy and Influence

A View to a Kill has retained its iconic status as one of the most memorable Bond themes. It’s celebrated for blending the glamour and excitement of Bond with Duran Duran’s new wave edge, helping to bridge the world of pop music with the cinematic mystique of 007. The song remains a highlight of Duran Duran’s career, frequently performed at concerts and embraced by fans of both the band and the Bond series.

This track stands as a testament to the band’s versatility and influence, representing a peak in their career and an enduring example of a perfect pop-cinema crossover.

Location: Map drawer C: Folder: 5004: 5004A 002501

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