Our Day with Duran Duran

By Heather Hagler

I have had many significant days in my life: my wedding day, the days my children were born, the day I finished graduate school. But I wouldn't classify those days as "fun". I can honestly say that April 4, 2011 was the Most Fun Day of My Life.

I'm not a blogger - no one wants to read the dry details of my average life. Since I have lived over half my life as a fan of all things Duran Duran, I wanted to tell you the story of my amazing day.

My adventure started when I discovered Duran was booked to play in Atlanta, GA, our closest city, the day after my birthday. What a gift! I decided to treat myself to my first live show (I know, and I’ve been a fan since 1980!) and to bring my daughter along. At eleven years old, she was the same age I was when I bought my first Duran LP.

The birthday gifts grew when I won 2 tickets in a radio contest for an acoustic mini concert and a Q & A with the band! Funny, but the first person I called to tell I had won the tickets was my mom; only she could appreciate the significance of those tickets, after all the posters, albums, videos, and general hysteria of the last 30 years.

My daughter and I started with the challenge of driving into downtown Atlanta and finding our hotel – country girls loose in the big city. We checked in, parked the car, and bought tickets for the train to the hotel for the mini concert.

Our train took us to the ultra swanky W Hotel where we gathered with the other contest winners. Because I am insane, we were 45 minutes early and one of the first people in line. We had a great time chatting with other fans. Another mom brought her 9 year old daughter, so my daughter had a friend for the event.

Thanks to my craziness we were one of the first through the elevators to the fourth floor to meet the radio staff. There we learned the "Q" part of the Q & A time with the band would be from the fans, and I was selected to submit a question to ask the band.

I gave the emcee of the event my question, but after a bit of discussion, we decided my daughter would be the one to have the microphone and talk with the band – I thought it would be a better memory for her and, frankly, I wasn't sure I would be able to speak.

We were ushered in to a large meeting room with a small stage set with guitars, microphones, and stools. Of course we chose a seat on the left, next to the bass guitar (all the closer to JT). In a few minutes the room filled with about 75 people, and the band was introduced. Inside I was having a huge squee moment when I saw John, Simon, Dom, and Anna up so close, but I behaved myself – no fainting spells or screaming! But, of course, I had my eyes on John most of the time...

At the Q&A time, an employee from the radio station carried a mic around the room to each person when it came their turn ask their question. When they called out for our turn, I pushed my daughter up to stand at the mic. My eyes were on John when they called my name, but I felt my daughter reach out nervously for me to hold her hand and stand up with her. John looked at me and smiled when my daughter reached to hold my hand with one hand and hold the mic with the other. Sigh! A definite highlight!

My question: If you couldn't be a musician, what would you be? Simon answered Brad Pitt! John said he would be an RAF fighter pilot in World War II.

After my daughter asked the question and we were returning to our seats, Simon said, "That was a very good question, my dear.”

The band sang 3 songs and had a very informal and funny time of talking in between. I am amazed at how smooth and clear Simon's voice was, and we had a laugh at John’s socks! After 45 minutes it was time to go. Too much fun and sad for our time to end.

After a train ride back to the hotel and some time to rest, I thought we could go early to concert, park and have dinner before getting in line for the concert (the tickets were General Admission). But I was wrong. When we arrived, the line for the concert was already around the block! Girl Panic! We quickly found a parking lot and got in line at 5:00 for the 8:00 show! My daughter was such a trooper, she stood in line without complaining, even without dinner!

I had a great time in line talking with other fans. Everyone was very nice, and we all had stories to tell about growing up with Duran. Some were trying to be impressive by naming off obscure bonus tracks and B sides they know and love.

We got into the show at 7:00. And thanks again to the insanity we had seats right in front – five rows from the floor and on the aisle.

We had over an hour to wait, but we were patient. As we waited a reporter from the Atlanta Journal Constitution who was working on a story about parents taking their kids to concerts asked us questions, wrote down our names and took our pictures. The story ended up on the paper’s web site.  I'll either the cool mom for taking her daughter to the concert, or on the Family Services list for observation.

After an hour and a half wait finally the concert started! Breathtaking! We were shoulder to shoulder with 1300 other crazy people screaming and dancing and having the time of our lives. My daughter took over the aisle for her dance floor, and fans who came by gave her high fives all evening!

The set was a mix of old and new songs, and the audience was a mix of men and women, old and young. The best new song – my opinion and the opinion of the guy next to me – was Girl Panic; best oldie was Rio (you could hardly hear Simon singing over the crowd belting out the tune!).

At the end Simon introduced the band with traditional chants and an awesome drum solo from Roger that had the crowd roaring his name.

We were delirious and exhausted as we walked to the car with our ears ringing. God bless GPS to get us back to the hotel.

My daughter had dinner out of the vending machine (another strike for Family Services) and we sat up talking until midnight.

When I told Jillian it was time for bed, she said, "But I don't want to go to bed, Mom. This day was so perfect; I don't want it to end." That was the ultimate thrill for me – not swooning over JT or dancing with 1300 of my closest friends to the greatest band of all time – but having a very memorable day with my wonderful daughter. A day to remember, indeed.

Heather Hagler lives in a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia, where she is a children's program director and frustrated novelist. Happily married with two children, she shows her 80s style by proudly wearing her Duran Duran concert t-shirt to the grocery store and leading karaoke sessions with her kids in the mini van.

My Moment in the Sun: The Day I Met the Band

At some point recently, it occurred to me that I've never really blogged about the one and only time I met the band.  This was at the Los Angeles Virgin Megastore signing for Astronaut in October of 2004, and yes - it's the only time I've ever really met them.

I had heard murmurs of a record store signing when I was at the Duran Duran Fan convention in New Orleans, but I knew the signing was in Los Angeles, and in the middle of the week. I told myself there was no way I was driving up there, that I had too much going on, and that was that. At some point over the weekend though, a story someone told me just clicked. That "someone" was my friend Machelle, and I don't even know if she remembers telling me the story of when she first ran into John Taylor. (No really, I don't honestly know if she remembers.  It was one of those weekends!) I really can't even remember the details of the story, other than she had me almost crying I was laughing so hard, and that at the very end of it all I mentioned the signing and she said to me "Rhonda, you have to go. You'll continue to kick yourself forever if you don't." She said those words with such a declarative tone...who was I to argue?

I really don't know if I would have ever gone to the signing if it hadn't been for that weekend and of course my conversation with Machelle. Just the act of going to the convention had been a huge step in the direction of finding myself once again after many years of just being "Mom". But, on the way home in the plane from the convention, I gave the idea of going a lot of thought. Part of me was completely willing to put that part of myself: The Fan, back on it's appropriate shelf when I got home. Being just "Rhonda" wasn't especially comfortable on me yet, and absolutely not in the presence of my husband or children. I also worried about how I'd feel meeting the band. At the time (and is frequently discussed in the community), I suppose I really did have the band on their prospective pedestals. In October of 2004 I hadn't yet heard the Astronaut album, gone to Chicago to see them with friends...or really seen them with anyone but my husband. I know that I gave thought to the idea that if I truly went to the signing and actually got past the door, that perhaps in some way the fantasies I'd had about all of them from the time I was a child would somehow change. That concerned me.  By the time the plane had landed though, I had made up my mind that yes, I would go to the signing...and I'd take my daughter with me.

That's right, not only had I decided to take my chances and go, I wanted my oldest to go along with me. There were a number of reasons I'd made that decision, but most importantly - I wanted my oldest to know her mother. I wanted her to see and maybe get a tiny taste of what I was really like as a person. After all, I wasn't an awful lot older than she was when Duran Duran first came into my life. (She was 7 years old at the time we went to the signing.  She's now 15.  Time flies!!!) After convincing my husband that I wasn't crazy and that she and I would both be perfectly safe, we put our plans into place. She was so excited to be going along with mom, and I have to tell all of you - if I had to do it all over, I wouldn't hesitate for a single second in asking her to go with me.

That's the real story here. Sure, meeting the band was something I'll never forget and I'll get into that in a second, but the real story is how much just taking my oldest child with me changed our relationship as mother and daughter. She was just a little thing, but she has always been far more mature than her years. I wanted her to understand that it is OK to have other interests that are outside the boundaries of family or career, even as a woman. I wanted her to understand that it's OK to love a rock band, and it's even OK to do crazy things once in a while - even when you're grown up. Honestly, I just wanted her to see that living can really be a lot of fun sometimes! I really think just standing in line the night that Astronaut went on sale (you had to buy an album at midnight when it went on sale, and then a wristband came with the purchase for you to come back later in the week for the signing) really taught her a lot about who I am. She listened intently as I told her stories of going to the grocery store to buy magazines each week or how crushed I was when my parents wouldn't allow me to go to see them in concert back in 1984 for the Sing Blue Silver tour. If that weren't enough, people around me chimed in with their own personal stories, and it became very clear to my daughter that while plenty of other people around us had met the band, gone to shows, and even traveled for them - her mom had done next to nothing. The closest I'd ever come to actually meeting the band prior to this signing was back in the summer of about 1985 when Power Station was touring. John Taylor had done some sort of an appearance at a Tower Records store in Van Nuys, and my cousin and I begged to go. Her parents took us, but the line was what seemed like miles long, and after about an hour of standing in 100 degree heat outside, John Taylor left in a limousine...taking our dreams of meeting him right along with him. So this signing for me was about finally seizing my own moment.  Somehow, I was able to properly convey, in terms she would understand at the age of seven and yet still remember quite clearly at the age of fifteen, just how important it was for me to be in that line with her that evening.

The moments to midnight seemed to take forever.  I was so proud of my little girl though, because she was a real trooper that night.  Never once did she ask me to pick her up or tell me she was tired, even though I knew she had to have been.  We talked and joked up until the time we got up to the door of Virgin Megastore, and then once inside they had Duran Duran videos running along with the music from the new album playing in the background.  I was still nervous until we got up to the register though, because I recognized that there were probably only so many wristbands - and that line sure did seem long outside, stretching for a least a couple blocks up Sunset Boulevard.  We did make it to the register though, and I remember her huge grin when she handed the salesperson her money and got her wristband for the signing.  I was just as excited when I got my own!

In the few days leading up to the signing, she had listened to the album nearly non-stop, making sure she knew each song. (Or wait - was that me??) She'd already announced that Sunrise was her favorite, and she was really thrilled to have the chance to see the band and have them sign her CD. We spent several hours over the course of the days leading up to the signing talking about how my room looked as a kid, and what I did to find out what the band was up to. (No internet in those days!) She was surprised at how much work it took to be a fan back then. (Me too!!) We talked about which band member was my favorite, and how much her dad - my husband Walt - looked like Roger Taylor. (Huh. Interesting coincidence I suppose. He doesn't really look THAT much like him any longer, but the olive skin, dark eyes and dark hair seems to be a common theme. Go figure.) In fact, one night she asked me aloud at dinner when her REAL dad would be coming to pick her up. Of course, she said this just to yank her dad's chain - and to her surprise Walt responded "Well, whenever he does show up here I'm going to show him the bill for your dance classes. 'Bout time that man starts paying up!" She collapsed in a fit of giggles that night, I'll never forget it.  (Of course we were all joking and nobody, least of all ME, thinks Roger Taylor is my oldest's father!!!!)

The day finally arrived and after driving up to Los Angeles, we waited in another very long line.  After what felt like an eternity, the line slowly began to creep up Sunset, getting ever so slightly closer to the side door of Virgin Megastore. I could feel my nerves heighten as we crawled closer to the door, and I got very quiet. Mostly, I was doing some serious "self-talk" before I got anywhere near that door. Wanna know what I was saying to myself?

Rhonda Lynn (My middle name and how my mother still refers to me to this very day).  You have been waiting for this moment for over twenty-five years now. You will not make a fool out of yourself.  There will be no giggling, no requests for a hug, marriage proposals or anything else that will make you appear stupid. You will smile, speak with intelligence, and most of all - there will be absolutely no fainting. NONE. Furthermore, under no circumstances will you forget that your oldest child - your only daughter (at the time) is with you. She will remember every silly thing you say or do and use it against you later, so do not let that happen!!!  (I was totally right about that, by the way.)

Once we'd gotten to the door, my daughter stood in front of me and I had my hands on her shoulders, both to keep her from running in there as well as to steady myself. I could see all of them, huddled over the table hurriedly scribbling their signatures over the albums and CD's put in front of them. Nick looked up, gave a big smile to my daughter and called her over. I could have died right then. We both went over, and he took her CD and signed it - sending her down the line. Then he looked at me and asked if she was mine. I said yes, that I was doing my part to raise her right, and he smiled. Next was John. John didn't even see us - he was doing what *I* would have done had I been on his side of the table, which was keeping his head down, signing the damn CD's as they went by, and not looking up to see the wall of people closing in on him. I did say that the album was beautiful, and to that he did look up - but he had no idea who had said it and just said "Thank you" to the air. Next was Simon. Now, I'd heard outside that Simon arrived in a somewhat pissy mood that day (by this point in time the stories of Simon's moods had made it to my little spot in the community), but he'd had some red wine and seemed to be a bit better by the time I got to him.  Hey...he's a scorpio. So am I. I get the moods. Anyway, he was busy quizzing my daughter when I turned to look at him. She had carried her book in with her, and he wanted to know what she was reading.  So, she showed him and then he guessed her age. (Good guess, Simon. She was dully impressed.) Then he narrowed his eyes at her and asked what her favorite song off of the album was. I think Simon thought he was going to catch her, but guess what Simon?  My daughter is wicked smart! She smiled with her "You think you've got something on me, but actually I am way over your head" smile and said, "Sunrise is my favorite off of THIS album, Simon." She even used his name, I was so proud. He grinned and pushed the CD down to Andy. Oh, Simon didn't even bother looking up at me. Andy was amazing though  Easily the best reaction of the night because he literally jumped out of his chair and practically dove across the table to shake hands with my daughter. She was giggling like crazy and saying hi. I loved it. He seemed so happy to see a little girl there, and it warmed my heart. To this day she remembers Andy, and he is still her favorite. Finally, there was Roger.  This was the one *I* had been waiting for. My daughter knew this, and she stood off to the side of the table waiting for me. I asked him if he was tired, and he looked at me and said "Yes", but quietly as though he didn't want to make a fuss. Then I thanked him for doing the signing, explaining that I'd never had the chance to see them as a kid and that I was really glad they were back together as the original 5 member band. Then I lost all of my senses (no, I still don't have them back, I guess) and told him that he had always been my favorite for all of that time, and that he still was.

Hey!  Hey!!! I hear the groaning back there!!  Knock it off!

Time stopped at that moment, as Roger looked up at me, smiled the *best* smile ever, and said thank you, that it was really sweet of me to say. Then I said goodbye, collected my daughter and floating out of the Virgin Megastore.

As we got out of the store and I regained the feeling in my body, my daughter leans over and says "Wow mom, thought for sure you were just going to propose marriage to the guy right then and there."

She was just seven then....  Just imagine how much worse she is now at fifteen and you'll know why I travel so often.

All of that aside, I'll never forget that experience. Meeting the band was amazing even though I was just one face of hundreds that night, it meant the world to me. My daughter and I still talk about that week from time to time because as she puts it - it was the first time she got to really know me. Since then I've taken her to see them in Vegas (odd place to take a kid to see a band, but we were already there for a dance convention!), and out of everyone in this family, she is the one who understands me most. She still thinks I'm insane, but I know somewhere behind those teenage eye-rolls and sighs of annoyance - she thinks I'm pretty cool.

At least, that's what I tell myself.  :)

-R

How Much My Eyes Have Darkened...

First, let me apologize for the absolute lateness of this blog.  I have been traveling home (about a 5 hour drive) and am under the weather.  Luckily, I knew exactly what I was going to write about after seeing a comment from a Duranie friend about Duran's music.  The statement was basically how their music is "bright" and does not contain the negatives of other music.  This statement combined with some research I have been doing about how Duran was advertised as "escapist", especially back in the 1980s, formed today's blog.  So, let's dive into the question of whether or not Duran's music is upbeat, bright, positive. 

Obviously, in many ways, Duran's music is bright and upbeat.  After all, this is the band designed to make you party as Simon LeBon still belts out at almost every show.  This is the band that wanted to reintroduce color into the music world after the drab black, white and grey world of punk and post-punk.  Goodness, I think about videos like My Own Way and how bright and cheerful that seemed with dancing and even a parrot!  What other videos come to mind when talking about the cheerfulness of Duran?  I guess most people would immediately think of Rio, Save a Prayer and even the Reflex.  Rio was pure fun mixed with humor and the Reflex focused on how the band's performance makes fans happy.  Save a Prayer, though very different from the other two, seemed peaceful at the very least.  So, what about the lyrics to accompany those positive videos?  Did they give the same feeling?  My Own Way speaks of independence and a carefree attitude.  Rio definitely had that fun vibe, especially when the words, "You make me feel alive, alive, alive," are sung.  Save a Prayer, on the other hand, deals with a one night stand.  While it is deemed a "paradise" on one moment, prayers are also needed the morning after.  Is that as positive a message?  While Duran isn't advocating violence there or swearing up a storm, they are exactly encouraging monogamy, are they?  The Reflex, obviously, is very much left up to the imagination in terms of its meaning.  It does speak of a game...so maybe it is all about fun.  ;)

How about the rest of the early videos and songs?  Were they as positive?  The first video that popped in my head was Girls on Film.  It is clear in both the video and the song that it is focusing on the exploitation of female models.  I don't see a lot of bright there even when Simon sings, "I'm shooting a star".  He might be shooting a star but an unhappy one at that.  Careless Memories is rather dark and deals with a breakup and a bad one at that.  Whenever gun violence is mentioned, it ceases to be bright and happy.  Nightboat was clearly supposed to be scary as the band, for the most part, gets overtaken by zombies or something like zombies.  Anyone Out There touches on loneliness and rejection.  Friends of Mine focuses on betrayal and even asks the question, "Why don't they drop the bomb".  Again, that does not scream happiness and light to me.  Maybe some people want to argue that the albums that followed were more upbeat.  While I can think of examples of songs on Rio that are happy and positive, I can also think of New Religion or The Chauffeur, which seems dark to me.

What about recent albums?  Yeah, songs like Sunrise are upbeat.  What Happens Tomorrow is absolutely positive.  Still Breathing seems less so.  What about Bedroom Toys?  Where is the positive message in that?  What about the songs off Red Carpet Massacre and All You Need is Now?  Red Carpet Massacre is anything but positive.  Skin Divers seems kinda naughty to me.  Dirty Great Monster deals with sexual abuse.  Even songs that are more upbeat have a twist to them.  Tempted may get people moving but it also refers to the devil tempting someone.  As far as AYNIN goes, yes, the title track is very positive and gives a really good message.  Does Leopard, though?  That seems to be about obsession.  What about songs like Other People's Lives, which absolutely is a commentary on society and the joy people seem to experience by watching celebrities crash and burn.

I guess my point here is simple.  Duran is much more complex than simply being positive or negative.  I, for one, appreciate that they make me think and that there is often way more than what is on the surface of a song, a video, a product of theirs.  They seem to touch on humanity and everything that comes with being human.  Do I think that Duran advocates a very straight and narrow lifestyle?  Absolutely not.  Even the songs and videos that are fun seem to have something extra to it to make people think.  As for how they make us, the fans, feel, they can and do bring joy into our lives (most of the time).  I suggest, though, they do this through honesty and analysis of people and what makes them tick, which is way more complex than a simple good/bad, positive/negative dichotomy. 

-A

Olympics Reactions

Yesterday was the big day for Duran Duran as they represented England in the Olympics concert in Hyde Park. I was lucky enough to hear some of Duran's performance through an Absolute Radio app on my phone as I drove to Minneapolis. Later, I had to chance to see some of the songs on youtube and checked to see reactions from Duranies who were there. Based on everything I heard, saw and read, Duran absolutely rocked it! I didn't see one negative statement in regards to their performance, including from the press. Heck, I even read an article from the Daily Mail that indicated how good of a job Duran did!!!

In some ways, it seems like we have been talking about this performance forever! First, we had the rumors flying. Will Duran be playing? Won't they? Then, the announcement came and all of the reactions that came with it. The media, for the most part, was horrified and thought Duran was a terrible choice. The fans, of course, were thrilled and very proud! Some of us were anxious as well as being pleased. After all, this was a big deal and the pressure would be on. We wanted so badly for Duran to perform well--not only to silence the critics but to also make the fans proud and maybe even get some new ones. Throughout Duran's history, the big gigs have not always gone so well. I heard horror stories about some gig they played in front of Princess Diana. We all know about Live Aid and the bum note heard around the world. Even now, I feel like they don't do so well during the important TV performances and I have heard that their shows in Birmingham are not as good as others due to anxiety or whatever. Perhaps, this kind of thing also has to do with expectations. Sometimes, fan expectations are so high that no one could meet those expectations. Anyway, whatever the deal is with important gigs, I worried. Would they prove the media right or would they show the world how fabulous they truly can be? Again, based on what I heard, saw and read, they absolutely proved their talent and skill!

Duran played for about 50 minutes for what I heard. They seemed to play a greatest hits set with a couple of new tracks. While I suspect that we all knew they would play a setlist like this, I still saw a few complaints about it. I'm sure we all understand why they would play songs that were familiar to most people. After all, it wasn't a show just for fans. It was a showcase--to show what Duran has done. While we might be sick of those songs, casual fans and non-fans aren't. Besides, it sounds like some of the more frequently played tracks did really well. For example, I heard that Ordinary World and Save a Prayer really captured attention. The fact that the audience, for the most part, joined in to sing the chorus to Save a Prayer shows that they really were able to connect with the audience. Good for them!

This show, of course, marked the last day of the European leg of the tour. Now, the band gets some time to relax before the last and final leg happens in the States. I hope that this Olympics show renewed the band some as I can imagine how tired they must be. A big victory like this one might energize them and us enough to finish this era of All You Need Is Now well!!!

-A

'Cos Now We're Online

As I am sure you all know, today is the day Duran Duran plays at the Olympics. While some lucky fans are getting ready to go see them perform live, others are going to be glued to their computers to hear the audio streamed via Absolute Radio. Some might be waiting to see if any/all clips show up on youtube. I will probably be in the later camp as I'm leaving in a bit to go to Minneapolis for the weekend to visit a friend and will be in the car at the time the band performs. Nonetheless, whatever I find or hear, I'll do my best to report here tomorrow. Until then, I wanted to comment on a short clip with Nick and Roger that Duran's Facebook posted yesterday, which you can find here.

It focused on the positives and negatives of internet for the music business. Nick explained about how Duran embraced the internet by having one of the first websites (back in 1997) and that they are able to connect with their audience. No arguments there. Then, he went on to talk about how online piracy was an "enormous problem" for the music industry, especially young artists who need the "investment" to be able to continue to make music. This caught my attention. Now, I openly admit that I know nothing about how much artists get for selling copies of albums or songs. I don't. Yet, I wonder how much this pattern of make an album, release an album, tour to get people to buy the album in order to make another album still applies. It feels to me that this isn't the pattern anymore. Even Simon said recently in an interview that things have shifted for Duran. They now make an album to tour as oppose to touring to make an album. My point here is that I suspect that touring is where the money really comes from these days. I know that John has said on more than one occasion that nothing can replace the live show and I completely agree with that. Thus, it isn't as important to sell copies of songs and/or albums.

Of course, I'm not saying that people shouldn't buy official material. Yet, I understand the urge, especially when young to get a song or album that you can't get out of your head. I recorded many songs on those good old cassette tapes back in my childhood because I just HAD to have it. I will also admit that I borrowed records from places like the library and recorded those onto those trusty cassette tapes. I also recorded music from and for my friends. Everyone did. I'm sure Nick would point out to me that the quality was lacking with copies off the radio or on cassette tapes. That's true, but many people would argue the same is true with downloads and mp3s. It just seems to me that in this day and age, everything, including music, is immediate. Kids don't have to wait until the song comes on the radio or MTV to hear it again. They can go on youtube and hear it instantly. Patience for music is one thing they lack because they have never needed it. I might think something has been lost because of it, but we aren't going to change this. We aren't. Thus, instead of fighting it, why not focus on things that can't be instantly possessed and cheaply gotten? Why not encourage those young artists to perfect their live performance? Why not offer products that are not available to download? I think it is time to be more creative rather than just complain about it. There are so many products Duran could do that people would love to buy. They could be leaders showing the young bands how to make enough money to keep going and isn't that what being a rock star is all about?

-A

We Can Call it Paradise!

Last week I hinted (Ok.  You got me. I didn't really hint...I flat out told you.) that I had been doing some research on the idea of fandoms as utopian societies. In Henry Jenkins' book, Textual Poachers, he talks quite a bit about the idea. For many, fandom is a personal paradise. It's the place where we each can go to escape our everyday doldrums for sunshine and roses. (or yachts, good looking men and champagne if that works better for you!)

Jenkins doesn't just stop there. He explains that even the way fandom is organized and handled (the fans create and enforce the "rules"), this too mimics the way a perfect society would operate. Having been a fan for most of my life, I don't think I've ever considered our fandom as a perfect society. (That thought is staggering to me today. I have been a fan of Duran Duran for most. of my. life. I really have very thin, very vague memories of life before Roger Taylor stepped into my memories...yet I have memories of Duran before I ever started wearing make-up!! That's crazy when I take the time to think of it in this way.... And they wonder why we're so loyal?? We have virtually no idea of what life is like without them.  THAT'S WHY) It would seem to me that this, like nearly everything else in life, seems pretty perfect until you scratch the surface. Most of us have already peered in way, WAY past the surface at this point, haven't we?

Keep in mind, this isn't a commentary on the band, so don't send me hate mail - I'm talking about being a fan. Fandom is a curious thing. From the outside, it seems so pure and good.  We love the band, we support their efforts. We see our meet-ups and our gatherings as a way to celebrate the band we love, our connections and friendships that have been fostered through years of being a fan. That all sounds wonderful. Scratch that surface though, and we might see something completely different.

What about the arguments and missteps on message boards about anything from VIP tickets to meet and greets? How about those moments in the GA line when you realize that although you did your time fair and square, the girl ahead of you also did her time...for herself and the ten of her friends that showed up a half hour before doors opened? What about the times where you make plans with a group of friends after a show, only to have one of those friends get a mysterious text. She begs off saying she'll see you all later, and the next day you find out that she ended up getting some information that she couldn't "possibly" share.  Those annoyances aren't necessarily symbolic of a utopian society where everyone is treated equally under rays of sunshine and the perfumed scent of roses, that is certain.

So many times I find myself reading updates from fellow fans that are full of anger. These are people who have been fans for many years in most cases. They love the band, they thoroughly enjoy the music, but the act of being a fan and dealing with other fans finally drives them to the brink. I know of people who have completely walked away from the community aspect(s) of being a fan - they go to the shows, they still keep track of what the band is doing, but they no longer wish to fraternize. On the other hand, I adore the bright-eyed, bushy-tailed view of fandom from those who have only just recently found their way to the community. They love the idea of meet-ups, of being included, of rejoicing in the spirit that this band freely flows upon the community. There is nothing ugly or chipped in the reflection of the fan community to these people. So what makes the view change?

I think the answer is easy to see, not nearly as easy to accept. I agree with Jenkins that fandom is an escape of sorts. For me, just listening to music is an escape. Even when I'm getting ready to write - the first thing I do is pop in my earbuds, turn on Spotify and prepare to find "motivational writing music" (A moment of honesty? I turn up the earbuds so that I block out the general noise of my household.  Shh...don't tell my kids!!)  There are the times when I announce to my husband that I'm going to the grocery store, run out to my car before a small child can follow and then turn up the tunes along the way. Sometimes, I just need those tiny moments. I remember quite clearly when I first began to feel as though I really belonged somewhere in this community. For me it was a message board, but for you it might be a Facebook group, a circle of friends that you keep in touch with, a blog, or something different entirely. I thought fandom was wonderful and it really did feel utopian to me. When I attended the convention in New Orleans back in 2004, I remember feeling almost a complete sigh of relief when I was there. It was as though I finally relaxed into being myself again.  I felt whole.  I didn't notice people being catty, or insipid arguments about GA lines, band members, or much of anything. I was thoroughly convinced I'd found my paradise, and I'm sure I wasn't alone. It was only over time as I became more involved in the community that I started to see the cracks in the pavement, er...reflection. (yes, the pun is intended!)

Naturally, our blog takes aim at those cracks and we try to expose them. It's not to point fingers as much as it is that we figure by acknowledging and talking about them, they're less of a dirty little secret we try to hide and more like "character lines"...things we'd prefer not to have, but you know, they make the community what it is.

Like anything, fandom looks great from the outside. It's a place to be included and revel in the knowledge that there are others with similar cares and interest. Just don't scratch the surface....

-R

Taste the Summer (vacation coming!)

This is my last "in person" post before my vacation. (and even this is being written on Tuesday midday)  I just realized last night that I will miss the Olympics in its entirety (our family vacation timing is IMPECCABLE), not to mention Duran Duran at the Mountain Winery and even in Costa Mesa.  That one is probably going to sting a bit because I live less than 20 minutes from there, and that's in traffic.  Like I said - our timing?  Really, really bad.

All of that aside, I'm looking forward to the trip.  I really do feel as though I need a long breather in order to clear my head.  I don't plan to check Facebook (much), I don't plan to tweet (much), and I don't plan to blog (no really, I don't!!!).  What's even more shocking is that while I'm gone, I don't plan to listen to Duran Duran.  *gasp*  (It is true!)  Every now and then I take a Duran break.  While that might be sacrilege to most of you, I find that I need that break sometimes, if for no other reason to than to truly appreciate their music when I come back.  I think it is sometimes a matter of just keeping it all feeling fresh.  Right about now it is getting to the point where their music is becoming more about background noise (apologies to the band!) than it is about appreciating their art, so I know it's time.

I hate to say it, but I would expect the band is getting to that point as well.  They still have a month of touring ahead, and I am hoping for some fantastic shows here in the states, but the road has been long and I'll bet they are anticipating a wonderful break before they begin the process of writing and recording next year. While on one hand it is tough to imagine that we've nearly come to the end of an album cycle once again, I don't think I'm alone when I say that for all the good this album has brought to the fan community (I think it has helped to breathe new life into a community that I felt was dwindling rapidly.), it was not without difficulty.  Of course as I type that, I'm also thinking that when I play All You Need is Now, it still feels new to me. (background noise-ish at times...but new background noise!)

By the time I get back, the band will already be halfway through their month of dates in the US.  When I leave to see the band in Biloxi, Atlanta, Durham and Portsmouth, it will be bittersweet.  I am looking forward to seeing them again and I welcome the hours that I'll spend dancing and singing along like we're old friends.  I'll also be sad when it's over, because I will know that it will be quite some time before we're all together once again.

Breaks are good though.  They keep us all fresh, healthy and appreciative of one another.  So with that, I'm off to get ready for my own break.  I trust you all will be fine without me and in Amanda's capable hands - and if you really miss me, you can find me on Facebook or Twitter, although I won't be checking (much).  :D  (typed like the true social media addict I really am....)

-R

"I hate to bite the hand that feeds me"..how about that Olympic concert?

I have to be honest, I never thought I'd see or hear of Duran Duran playing in the Olympics.  It's just not something I ever gave any real consideration, and not because I didn't think they were worthy.  (They certainly are!)  I guess I chalk that up with being in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, in that I suppose it would be a nice gesture, but there's something a little "establishment" about it all at the same time. Don't get me wrong, I think it really is outstanding that they are playing on Friday in London, and they should be very proud of themselves. I certainly am a proud fan. I just never expected such things, in the same way that I never expected MTV to get off of their high horse and give them the credit they deserved for helping make that stupid station what it became (and then lost in a blaze of ignorance) for all music history.  When it became apparent that rumor was to be reality and the band was truly going to be playing at the Olympics, one of my first comments was "I'll be damned.  That band really *does* matter to someone other than the fans. Who knew?"

One question that has been asked MANY times to Daily Duranie is if we know whether the concert is to be televised.  On one hand, I appreciate that so many think that Amanda and I are really that in the know.  I'm also completely humbled when I have to tell those people that I have absolutely no idea, but that I doubt it.  I wish I had better info, but I just don't unless I myself do the research to find the answer.  So, research is what I have attempted to do.  I've searched online only to see that the concert is being held at what is called the Olympic Festival - and that the opening ceremonies will be broadcast on giant screens at what appears to be the same time as the ceremony itself.  That leads me to believe that either the concert will be shown at a different time, or it will not be televised at all.  I've checked my own  television stations, NBC (in America that is who is coordinating the Olympic broadcasts)....and I've found absolutely nothing.  A few fans are saying that the concert will be streaming online, but so far all I have found on that have been reports that the Olympic Ceremonies will be streaming, not the concert at Hyde Park.

More than a few fans have posted nastygrams to the band's Facebook page, wondering why no information for viewing has been posted, and quite honestly some of them have been rather pointed in their assumptions that management isn't doing their job or doesn't care.  It is probably a little more rare than it should be that I find myself standing up for management. In this case - I feel it necessary.  To begin with, I highly doubt that the organizers for the concert have taken the trouble to let the band's management know how fans in each country of the world can tune in to see the concert in their particular set of circumstances - if in fact the concert is even going to be shown, whether streaming online or otherwise.  Call me crazy, but I would imagine they have quite a bit going on at this moment in time.  It's probably one of those things that might get mentioned at some point, but I feel pretty confident that if in fact the band's management knew - they'd gladly share the information.  I also feel confident in saying that while yes, it would be nice to have management come out and say "Hey, we aren't sure about broadcast information just yet" just so that way we all know and recognize there's no conspiracy here....I suspect they'd have to be posting that nearly continually in order to satisfy Duran fans.  Sometimes it is just better to say nothing than continually say "We don't know.  We STILL don't know." I try very hard to remind myself that while I am fairly good about managing a household (My kids might say otherwise....), I have never managed a band before. I don't know what their job is like, and to be honest, I don't want to know.  It makes my head hurt to even consider what it might be like at times. It's not always easy to remind myself to hold my tongue or fingers when I think something should be done better, but I try.  Most of the time, I fail miserably.  I think we would all agree that it is far easier to sit on the sidelines and find fault than it probably is to be on the inside actually doing the work.

In the meantime, if you find good information on where we can all watch the concert - post it on our Daily Duranie Facebook page or tweet us - we'll gladly repost it!!

Friends of Mine ... the story behind our book!

Last week we were asked a question regarding our book and how we settled on the topic of fandom.

The long story is that from the very weekend Amanda and I met, we joked about writing a book about being Duranies.  We just thought it would make a great story!  To catch everyone up, Amanda and I first came in contact with one another on a now defunct message board called duranduranfans.com.  I was involved in a group that planned a US convention in 2004, aptly named 78-04: Friends of Mine Duran Duran Fan Convention. My contribution to the process was handling registration and customer service. I was in contact with each person who registered.  My job was simply to make registration easy, and to make people happy if they were having trouble. Anyway, at the time I never really talked much to Amanda.  She was busy, presumably working, and so I actually "spoke" more to the friend that she was traveling with to the convention.  It wasn't until we actually got to the convention, and even more specifically not until the night of our buffet/dance party that I had much of a chance to meet and talk with Amanda.  I don't know what it was - the fact that we tended to laugh about the same things or the fact that she didn't make fun of me when I reacted to "Arcadia" era Simon, but we hit it off immediately.  (This is starting to sound more like meeting a future spouse than a best friend, but stay with me...)  That night, we did a bar crawl down and around Bourbon Street along with many of our friends, ending up in a little 'ole club called Howl at the Moon. (which has since changed names)  It was at this club that the bunch of us were requested onstage to sing none other than Rio.  It was a sight (and sound) to behold.  I know that the video still exists, and once again I admonish those that hold the video - should it ever end up on Facebook or YouTube, I will come for you. Just as I will never, ever Ta Na Na Na with Simon during the opening of The Reflex (no matter how much Dom coaxes...), I feel strongly that the video of the Duranies singing Rio should never see the light of day.  Some things just never need to be heard or shared.  Thank you.

Where was I???  Ah yes...

After that evening, Amanda and I continued to be in contact, and we even made plans to room together in Chicago at the Duranie Dorm (O'Hare Doubletree, which has also since changed names).  It was at that show that we realized we worked well together, and continued to tease one another relentlessly about what should "go in the book".  We would laugh and continue on our way, but I think both of us had the idea firmly planted in the back(s) of our mind(s). I suppose you could say that between the two of us, we have a lot of stories that could either be used to entertain...or as blackmail should the need ever arise!

It was at some point between the Astronaut tour and the release of Red Carpet Massacre that we really started thinking that we could write a book, but at the time we really didn't have any firm idea of how the book should read.  I don't think either of us wanted to do a tell-all, we certainly didn't want to do a super-smooshy love note to the band, but we couldn't decide where to start.  We agreed that we would have an entire road trip (From Pittsburgh to Connecticut, Atlantic City, Montclair New Jersey and back to Pittsburgh) to sort out what we were going to write, and it was during that trip that the book started taking form, although since then it has changed shape entirely.

During our numerous discussions, Amanda and l agreed that while our fan community was loyal and strong, it was not especially large, and our goal was to write a book that would have appeal beyond our fan base.  We wanted to write the kind of book that would translate well from casual reader to academia and pop culture enthusiast.  Our original idea was simply to write about what it is like to be fans of a rock band...what is it really like to function as a part of this fan community?  After many discussions, we determined that what we really wanted to do was examine the Duran Duran fan base or use it as a type of case study on fandom.  The most basic question our book attempts to examine and answer is simply why people become fans, why they continue to be fans for great lengths of time, and how it is all accomplished.  Not easy questions, and definitely not with one simple answer. We've continued to learn a lot about ourselves, other people and even the band along the way.

I won't speak for Amanda, but I have to say that this one project has taught me more about myself than going through college and grad school combined, and I'm not quite finished yet.  We have the band to thank for providing us with the motivation to start, and the persistence to keep going.  We're nearly finished and we have ideas for other books and projects ahead.

The blog of course came as a by-product of writing the book.  The more we wrote, the more we could see that our community was missing some of the very things that we all needed.  The blog came about simply as a way to communicate the thoughts that were floating in our heads, especially as our "home" message board became quieter and quieter.  The blog is not necessarily a carbon copy of our book - we might introduce topics here that we're currently writing about, but the blog is really more of the fluffy fun stuff that makes fandom fun.  We still try very hard not to make this place too gushy though, because I think the band has heard "I JUST LOVE YOU_______(enter band member name here)______" enough.  I'd like to think that the band is curious about what makes their fans really tick and why on earth we find the time to follow them as (mostly now) middle-aged people. I'd also like to think that we fans have enough brain power to get past their looks and really talk about the fun and maybe even the not-so-fun things about being a fan.  The goal is to bring fans together as a community, one blog at a time.  We'll just keep our heads down and continue writing, and we hope you keep reading.

-R

Insane? Driven? Selfish? All of the above?

I have a big, fat headache.  I'm not sure why.  I keep thinking that it will go away but it hasn't so far and I think it might be getting worse.  Thus, I haven't been very productive today.  Maybe the headache is a hangover from yesterday's activities.  No, I didn't drink too much.  It isn't that kind of hangover.  Nope, this hangover is due to the stress from focusing on tickets.  Why?  Well, it isn't surprising to find out that we want the best seats possible.  Frankly, we got spoiled during our UK shows, especially that final show in Glasgow where we were second row center.  It was an almost ideal spot.  Center is key since I'm kinda a fan of Mr. John Taylor and Rhonda kinda likes that Mr. Dom Brown guy.  Center makes us both happy. The only thing that would have made those seats better would have been to in front. 

The point of this blog post isn't so much about those seats in Glasgow as it is about our insanity or drive or both to get the best seats possible.  Is it normal for us to want to have the best seats?  I like to think so.  Do other fans try for better seats?  Again, I have seen others attempt to improve their seats.  Here's the thing.  Rhonda and I have both been to many shows.  We are well into double digits of shows.  Yet, we have yet to get front row seats.  We have gotten to see them play in their hometown but have never had front row.  We were close as I mentioned in Glasgow and we were close to the dreaded Voodoo Festival in 2006.  Interestingly enough, we see many, many, many friends of ours now only have front row but front row MANY times.  Obviously, we are happy for all of them.  We, too, want to experience this, though.  That isn't asking too much, is it?  Of course, I'm probably opening ourselves up to much ridicule here as I can imagine our readers who never get a show thinking how lucky we are to be able to go to so many shows.  I get that.  I know that we are lucky.  We also sacrifice for our shows.  Make no mistake there--we go to shows instead of doing other things or buying other things.  We have made the shows a priority in our lives. 

I guess my point is that I don't think our desire for front row or close to it is rare.  I think that most fans would understand and have probably had the same hope.  Based on our experiences compared to others, I wonder what the heck we are doing wrong or what are our friends doing right?  How come they have gotten front row and we still can't?  I feel like I'm missing some information or that information has been kept from us.  One answer that I'm sure will be coming is the chance for front row goes up with general admission.  Okay.  That might be true.  There are many other reasons that I HATE GA but...I can buy that explanation.  Even so, I still don't feel like I know the secret to that.  How early do you get in line for front row?  Do you have to have VIP early access for that?  Maybe, getting up front has to do with people you know.  I don't know.  If that's the case, clearly, we don't know the right people. 

Rhonda and I are not going to give up on this dream.  We are driven to have the best tour we can have.  While we both realize that our spot at the show isn't the only element leading to our enjoyment, we both know the benefits of having good seats.  So, I'm openly asking...what suggestions can you all give for us to get those front row seats?

-A

"I Know the Answer...but...I'm Asking You the Question"

For the last month or so, our "daily" questions have become weekly ones.  Specifically, we have been asking people what they would like to ask the various band members if they had a chance to do a serious interview.  I went with this theme for a couple of reasons.  First, we are always complaining about how lame most questions are in an actual interview.  Heck, I think a lot of thought that of the non-fan questions asked during the Diamond in the Mind premiere were boring.  Second, this would give people an opportunity to think, seriously, about what they would like to know.  Unfortunately, the band has not asked us to present these questions to them.  (Have no fear, though, I have saved them...in case, pigs fly, and they do ask!)  Thus, we are not able to get the actual answers but, like everything else, this theme has taught me about our fandom, which is always a good thing! 

Each week, I asked what 10 questions people would like to ask a band member and I named that band member.  When it got to this week, which was the guitarist spot, I played it safe by allowing questions for any of the guitarists (Andy, Warren or Dom) or a combination of two or all three.  What was fascinating to me was which member received the most questions (John) and which one received the least (Simon).  Why is that?  Of course, not every question I got was of a serious nature no matter how many times I emphasized that.  Thus, I did not count things like, "Can I have your baby?" or "Will you marry me?" or things like that.  I definitely understand the instinct to do that.  Trust me, I do.  Nonetheless, I didn't include those as I would never ask that for real and doubt that most fans would.  So, why did John receive the most questions and Simon the least?  I don't really know but I could make some conclusions based on the responses I did get and based on our fandom.  First, people have gotten pretty comfortable asking John questions since he joined Twitter.  In fact, in most cases, when John is on, he is responding to questions or comments directed at him.  Simon, on the other hand, doesn't use Twitter in the same way.  While he might respond to people every once in awhile, he doesn't do it consistently like John does.  Second, people either seem to believe that Simon wouldn't be serious in an interview or that they would not be able to ask him a question due to nerves, excitement, etc.  I can definitely understand being nervous!  I would be ridiculously nervous as well if I ever had the chance to ask them one question...never mind 10!  Again, though, I find it fascinating that people would be more nervous with Simon over John, Roger, Nick, Andy/Warren/Dom.  Why is that?  As for Simon not taking the interview seriously, I actually disagree with this.  Yes, I have seen Simon be "silly" but, for the most part, Simon is very pleasant and personable in interviews, at least in the ones I have seen.  Maybe, someone can point out interviews in which he doesn't take them or the interviewers seriously. 

Beyond who got the most and least questions, I was also fascinated about what topics each band member was asked about.  Roger's questions focused a lot on his decisions to leave the band and rejoin the band as well as the time in between.  I get wanting to know about that.  Of course, there were other topics touched on, including his family, touring, fans, music in general, health and DJing.  Nick's questions, on the other hand, focused a lot more about art, fashion, photography, and traveling.  Nick was asked about Andy but Roger wasn't.  Why is that?  Of course, Nick was also asked some questions about TV Mania, occupations, keyboarding and more.  John's questions focused a lot on his life experiences, touring and Duran's music.  In fact, John got the most questions about Duran's music.  That fascinates me.  After all, John wasn't there for an album and a half and there are many fans out there that feel like Nick and Simon are at the heart of the band (I don't agree with this, by the way.) but they weren't asked about Duran's music nearly as much.  In fact, John was asked 21 different questions relating to their music and career.  Nick was asked 5 and Simon was asked 4.  What does this mean?  Does it mean that John is more about their music whereas Nick is more about the art/fashion/image that goes with the music, or so people think?  I don't know, but I do find it interesting. 

Then, of course, when I asked about the guitarist, people responded in a fairly predictable way.  People's preferences for one guitarist came through loud and clear.  Many seemed annoyed at the band for not making Dom an official member.  Others seemed irritated that Andy left and still others pointed out Warren's contributions to the band.  I was not trying to stir the pot or bringing up old wounds.  I just wanted the guitarist spot to be treated equally, no matter who was occupying that position.  Obviously, what I was reminded of is how strongly people in our fan community feel about their guitarist of choice.  We aren't united on this issue at all.  While some would welcome Andy back in a heartbeat, others now prefer Dom.  Yet, Warren would make others happy, if he returned.  It is not surprising to me that we are all so passionate about the guitarist.  After all, they have their own unique styles and represent very important times in the band.  It is difficult to separate the player from the music he was involved with.  For example, Andy will always be part of the Fab 5 and those early albums that many of us fell in love with.  Warren, on the other hand, was part of the album that brought the band back into the spotlight and many can argue that saved the band's career with the Wedding Album.  Some prefer where the band is now with their latest, All You Need is Now, and would never want to replace Dom because of it. 

This weekly question theme was not as popular as our daily questions, but I am glad that I asked them.  Some things I knew about our community was reinforced, like how people are divided over guitarists.  I learned other things that surprised me, including that people would focus on Duran's music and history with John.  Starting on Monday, we will go back to daily questions.  In fact, we will be doing brackets for Duran songs as influenced by one of our guest bloggers and guest blog, which you can read here.  I doubt the responses will be as insightful as these have been but I'm hoping that they are fun for all involved!

-A

No Time for Worry Cause We're on the Roam Again...

Well, we aren't on the roam again yet, but will be soon enough!  I have just gotten back from visiting my brother in Boston.  After a nice but very hot trip, I realize that Rhonda and I have less than a month before we go on tour.  Before I go any further, I have to explain that phrase "go on tour" as some of our readers might be confused by that.  When we say that we are going on tour, this doesn't mean that we are going with the band.  Hardly.  They take a private plane to their gigs.  We drive.  When they do drive, someone drives for them.  We drive ourselves.  They get food no matter what.  We are lucky if we remember to eat.  They can request special food and beverages.  Sometimes, we drive or walk around for hours trying to find something that would work.  So, why do we say we are going on tour if we aren't going with the band and we certainly aren't playing ourselves?  Honestly, it is phrase that we have used for years and so have a lot of our friends.  To us, to go on tour means that you are going to multiple shows and that those multiple shows require traveling of some sort (usually a plane).  It means seeing Duran perform in more than one city, state or country in a very short period of time, like a week.  We are sorry if our use of the term bothers people but we like it and plan on using it still.  :)

Back to the topic at hand, I just got back from a trip and Rhonda leaves on her family vacation very soon.  We leave to go on tour in less than a month.  What does this mean for the Daily Duranie?  It means that we have things to do, details to sort out!  Now, this isn't our first tour and (hopefully) won't be our last.  Thus, we have gotten pretty good at getting everything together.  We have quite a few of the big things sorted, including flights, hotels, and car rental.  The general information for the meetups are set with some minor details to fill in.  For example, we have to message the people going to the Biloxi meetup.  We also have to reserve the car service for Atlanta.  Speaking of that, if you are going to the Atlanta show and want to ride the party bus to and from the venue, let us know!  We are looking for more people!!!  It will be a good way to avoid parking, traffic or getting a taxi!  Plus, it will be a heck of a lot more fun!  We are also trying to find fun places to go after shows.  If you know of any fun, open late places in Atlanta, Durham and Portsmouth, please share!

Now that most of our "tour" is planned, I have the job of organizing it.  I have a binder, which has been affectionately named the "tour binder".  It is obnoxiously anal as there are various dividers in the binder, including a section for plane information, hotel information, ticket information, restaurants and clubs, city information like maps, a place to keep track of costs and more.  In the very front, I will have a typed agenda, which includes dates and times and a general plan of activity.  Some might say that all of this organization is overkill and unnecessary.  Others might say that it takes all the fun out of a trip.  I disagree.  Let me explain.  First, everything important is kept in one location, which makes it that much easier to keep track of, which can save time.  This is very important when you are traveling on a daily basis or when you have consumed an adult beverage or four.  Second, this allows complete freedom while actually on the tour.  I'm sure many of you are questioning how this allows for that, especially with an agenda.  The agenda, while including times and dates, isn't that specific.  It is detailed enough so that we know when we have to get on the road in order to be on time for the next activity or when we have to be at the airport, but it is open enough to allow choices.  That said, the more research done ahead of time the better.  For example, the agenda might say, "Get dinner".  That's logical, right?  Well, then, one just has to go over to the restaurants section to find a list of places that people recommended or looked good.  Thus, time would not be wasted on finding a place.  The agenda gives an outline, nothing more and nothing less. 

Here's the thing.  No one wants to think on vacation.  No one wants to waste time on vacation with such limited time.  The more prepared we are ahead of time, the less thinking and wasting time happens during the actual trip.  Less thinking equals more fun.  At least, it does for us.  Of course, I'm sure that there are a lot of other ways people get ready for a tour.  How do you do it?  Do you just get the big things taken care of and will by the seat of your pants for the rest?  Do you map every minute out?  I would honestly like to know.  While we think we have a good system set up, I'm sure that there are other ways of getting ready that we could learn from. 

No matter what method or what system is used, the same thing is true.  Planning and organizing a tour means that a tour will happen.  Now, that I, officially, have the binder out, it means that it is serious now.  The tour is quickly approaching!  I cannot wait!!!

-A

Be My Icon

So far, today has been one of those mornings for me. I have my mind spinning in about a thousand different directions and have a full "to-do" list that needs tackling. That must be why I attempted to slide a small dish of cat food in front of my 4 year old for breakfast (she was not amused when I told her it was time to eat and I was even less so when she started whining that she was NOT going to be eating cat food!), and also why I poured cream in my coffee cup...without putting coffee in it first.  I'm feeling the panic of needing to get a lot of things accomplished in a fairly short amount of time, because during the month of August I will be at home a total of ten days. There are just four days that I have set aside to deal with school shopping for my oldest, and if I don't stop now I'll be stressing out before I really even begin my day.

So a couple of reminders:  we are still looking for some good blogs to post during my absence.  The two topics we are looking for are:  meeting the band, and a favorite concert experience (a song, a show...whatever you would like!)  I know that there are many people out there that love to tell their own "band" story - here is your chance!  Please send us your work by next weekend - July 28-29.  Looking forward to reading some great blogs!!

I took some time this morning to catch up on some of the little video "vlogs" that the band has been posting on Facebook.  These have got to be a lot simpler to accomplish than writing a blog and if I weren't so concerned about scaring people with my morning appearance - I might just start doing the Daily Duranie blog as a "vlog"!!  In any case, I've enjoyed these small little "snapshots" the band has given during their tour, which I know must be feeling incredibly long to them by this point.  Not only have we seen sights of where they've been, but they seem to like giving a tiny taste of what they've seen and done culturally, which I really enjoy. I have added a few things to my own personal "Must see before I die" Bucket List this week as a result of these little videos.  For instance, Nick mentioned my most favorite word in the video I saw this morning:  Jewelry.  He was speaking of the Ottoman Empire jewelry collection from Turkey...a collection I studied pretty extensively in my antique jewelry courses, and I made a note that yes, someday I need to see that in person.  I find myself doing that quite a bit these days.  Dom posted a photo of the famous Trevi fountain in Rome, and that is something else I've yet to see, and so it too was added to the list.  Eventually, I'll make it to these far off places. As it is, I accomplished a couple of things on my Bucket List:  I saw Duran Duran in their own country.  That was one thing I really didn't think I'd ever do, and I still have plans to return for the convention later this year in Birmingham.  I can't wait.

It's funny how we all have these "lists", whether they are in our heads or actually down on paper.  Amanda and I have this crazy (and probably unlikely) goal of seeing the band in every US state.  I don't know exactly when we agreed to make this a goal for ourselves - I am sure she knows - but we're making some head way now.  It's difficult though because there are states that the band has never even gone, so it's unlikely that they'll travel to those places.  Like Hawaii for instance.  What's up with that?? Let me say this: if they ever go to Hawaii - I'll definitely be making THAT trip and I will be making it an extended trip!  I suppose the issue there is shipping all of the equipment must be a fortune, and it's not like they can do several shows easily.  The same probably holds true for Alaska.  Oh well.  Maui will have to make due as "just" a family vacation once again.

What is really funny about our state goal is that as time has worn on, I'm finding that I'm less and less interested in seeing them here in my own country - I would rather travel abroad to see them so that I can experience something completely different and see friends that we've made online over the years.  There are a few places I'd love to see the band, should they tour again.  I'd like to go to the UK, meet up with our friends there and travel into Europe with them, I'd really like to go to Australia, and I'd also really love to see the band in South America.  Wistfully, I recognize that the years are somewhat limited. I don't know that the band has plans to out do The Rolling Stones in the length of their career, so the chances that I will be able to do everything are slim.  Amanda and I will have to make choices as to where we should go, and I'm truly hopeful that the band really will go back into the studio and be successful writing and recording another album.

I've read several times this past week that the band is very tired.  These statements come from the band.  They've been mentioned to people, and let's be honest - our community is small.  Word gets 'round.  There has been some irritation "voiced" more than once that fans aren't giving the band space and privacy as they desperately need, and that the band is pretty sick of touring. Fair enough. A year and a half is a long time, to be sure.  Everyone needs an extended recharge now and then, and I don't think that fact comes to light nearly as brightly as it does when you are in a place where privacy is non-existant, as is personal space.  I think it's one thing to be in the same hotel as the band.  I prefer to stay at nice hotels myself and I'm willing to pay for them, but once again I feel it necessary to remind fans that these band members ARE PEOPLE.  It is simply not acceptable to interrupt their meals, their peace or their downtime. It is not OK to run up and grab them as though they are your long lost best friend.  The band probably doesn't know you, no matter how long you've been a fan. It's RUDE no matter where you are from or what your culture.  If they are out and about and make the attempt to hang out with fans in the bar, that's one thing.  If they are out by the pool trying to relax, why is it so difficult to recognize the situation for what it is and leave them be? I have to believe that if we fans allow them a little dignity and space, that the respect will be returned.  

The band still have a busy month of touring ahead, and they'll finish supporting All You Need is Now here in the US.  I don't mind saying that I saw them a few times at the very end of the tour for Red Carpet Massacre when they were in the Northeast US. It was beyond obvious that they were sick to death of touring, of playing and unfortunately of fans bombarding them. I am hoping that this won't end up being a repeat of that finish for them because they are completely burnt out.  We fans can help them by giving them some respect, privacy and space when we see them.

-R

(If you're wondering why I chose that particular title...read the lyrics.)

For your reading pleasure....

Who here is excited to get their hands on John?

Ok, OK....I was just kidding.  Trying to wake y'all up on a Wednesday!  (Note to the readers: I really don't say "y'all" much in real life.  Like ever.  I don't know what made me type that. Things happen sometimes.)


We were treated to both the UK/Australia and US press releases for John's book today, In the Pleasure Groove: Love, Death & Duran Duran.  I hear that at least for the US, it's coming out on October 16th.  So we've got one fairly "dry" month to get through before we will get the tactile pleasure of having John between our fingers and whispering in our ears. (audio version...get it?)

Wow.  I'm just going down a road on this blog today that I probably shouldn't really travel.  Something must have been in my coffee this morning.  <insert evil grin here>

One thing I have to say about this book is that...well, actually there are a few things...in the little bits and pieces that I've seen/read/etc. is that the big selling points for everyone who is NOT a Duran Duran fan seem to be the sex and drug highlights.  I've read about how the band had a number printed on the morning "This is what date it is, where you are, and what we're doing here" paper that they received each morning.  That number told them what the age of consent was in that particular place.

My comment?  Nice.  I guess there really WAS a reason I wasn't allowed to go to concerts alone back then.

All joking aside, I really hope that the book is less "tell-all sensational" than the press seems to be making it out to be.  I really hope to gain some insight beyond John's drug of choice and why.  I mean, that's all fine and good - but I really want to know about him.  I don't think I'm alone in that desire, but I also completely recognize what sells books.  It is just business, even though I'm still hoping for that cathartic moment when I read or write - where it all just becomes clear.  I kind of think this is one of those many situations where you can go into it just expecting far, far too much.  I've seen so many fans hoping that he's just going to open up the flood gates and tell us everything - from why he changed his name to what exactly happened (and all the dirt contained within) in his marriage to Amanda, and just why it is that he and Andy seem so incredibly bitter towards one another.  I suppose that from my point of view, I just think John has to keep something for himself.  I have no idea what he does or doesn't reveal in this book - but if I had to guess, there is plenty that he simply chooses not to say at all.  While it might drive fans crazy, I can't really blame him.  There's a saying I've heard amongst musicians and even some actors/actresses.  They leave it all on the stage for our enjoyment, and whatever is left over is theirs, and theirs alone.

Seems fair to me, even if my natural curiosity about people makes me wonder what's beyond that glossy sheen we see in the photos, in the music and on the stage.

Here are the press releases, for your reading and gawking pleasure.

UK/Australia

North America

I personally can't wait to have John telling me his story....I'm definitely getting that audio book and I dare say it might even sell better than the printed version.

-R

Lonely In Our Nightmares: Fantasy, Reality & Arcadia

Good morning from cloudy Southern California. I've been taking some time this morning to catch up, and as I did I kept thinking that I smelled a campfire. At first I thought I was imagining it - maybe I was daydreaming a little too carefully about our upcoming trip! When I got up to put a dish in the sink I could really smell smoke outside. This is the time of year when typically if I smell smoke that means there's a fire in the canyon near my house. (Our neighborhood does back up to the canyon, but the fire would have to climb up the ravine and ravage an entire neighborhood including the elementary school and cross a street before it got to my house. Even so, no one wants anything like that.)  We haven't had a fire down there in the canyon for a few years, so I'm really hoping it's nothing serious, and of course sense it's cloudy here (The July version of June Gloom!), I can't see smoke. It's been a fairly dry year, and that is never a good thing. I haven't heard/seen anything on the internet yet, but I will keep checking. Never a dull moment, right?  (The update is that the fire is actually in Camp Pendleton, which is a Marine base about 15 miles south of me.)

The band is apparently in Rome today (a special thanks to John Taylor for tweeting that - once again, I have lost track.  I would be completely useless to the band if I were supposed to be the one telling them where they're going.  When Amanda and I travel - I depend on her to tell me!)  So far I have heard that their Verona show was very good - in fact they put Mediterranea back on the set list and I really hope it stays there for the US. I love that song, and more distinctly, I love Dom's guitar on that song. I've also heard that the fans are pretty intense in Italy.

Intense is a curious word for me. Truthfully, I can't imagine what that really means. I've only seen shows here in the US (Crazy, loud...and as Roger has said...we can be raucous. It's true and it's something I'm not especially proud of, but sometimes you have to step away to really see yourself the way others see you.), and the UK. (Far more respectable and comfortable with the band and vice-versa) I don't think I ever really saw anything that came close to intense. So when I read yesterday that fans had literally swarmed the hotel that the band was staying at, and that they really couldn't move about freely, I was surprised. This is 2012, not 1984. I suppose part of the problem is that the band hasn't been to Italy for a while, and they are far overdue for those shows they missed last year, but I really don't know. I would imagine that for the band, it's a double edged sword. They probably enjoy being loved that much on one hand, but on the other - I would guess it's difficult to get used to once again. I'm not a celebrity (In fact it's even a little odd when someone recognizes me just from a message board!) and so I don't know what it's really like to never be able to leave my house without being followed, photographed or "loved" by fans. I guess it's part of the job, but even so, I don't think I'd enjoy it much. Truth be told, I've stayed at the same hotel as the band before, but even when it has happened - I haven't attempted to go wandering up to them as though we're buddies. They don't know me, and I really don't know them, either. I know them from the stage. Period. Not that I wouldn't welcome them if they wanted to talk, but the fact is - they're people. They aren't just the objects from our fantasies or our little piece of utopia when we tour. They deserve a little space, and you know - if they want to go downstairs for coffee or exercise in the morning I'm not going to bug them.

I know I'm definitely not the only fan who has stayed at the same hotel as the band - whether by chance or otherwise planned. The funny thing is, once we're at that hotel we are immediately branded as "FANS". I don't know if it's somehow stamped on our forehead, or if it's the way our eyes dart around the crowd as though we're constantly on the lookout for something, or if it's the way we tend to move around as though we're bees getting close to the beehive, but it is apparently obvious. This drives me crazy. I mean, there's not much more condescending than to have a band member or even a member of their entourage look at you with that painful look of disdain as though they're saying "Oh, of course you're staying here." I am truly surprised they don't roll their eyes when they see us. On one hand, I'm almost immediately sorry I booked at that hotel, and on the other - I'm completely offended that must think they're the only people on the planet that want  or can stay in such places, AND that they'd assume that because I appear to be a fan (that damn branding mark on my forehead again, apparently...) I would even think to go running up to them begging for attention. Of course, I am but one person of thousands, and as I've seen, although I will control myself, others will not. Sure, I get excited seeing John or Roger, but I'm not going to have a freak-out as they walk by. I would definitely smile to myself if I saw Dom (I have not ever seen him.), but I will not be the one running up to them or causing a scene.  That's embarrassing for all of us. I cringe for the fan, for the band, and for myself, because I know that once that happens (and it always does), the band is going to be chalking us all up to be exactly the same way. It's one thing to smile and nod or say "good morning" like I would to anybody else, it's another to throw myself upon them as though they are just as happy to see us as we are them. Maybe that's just me?

My husband reminds me of something when he talks about going to trade shows that I try to keep in my mind as I'm traveling - and that's when I've been with him after a long day and we make our way back to the hotel lobby, and we're stopped by yet another customer as we're headed upstairs. It's annoying. He's exhausted and the last thing he wants to do is talk more business, and I'm thinking in my head as I'm smiling and nodding "You know, you've had him all day. My turn now." That has got to be the way it really is for them, and I get it.

I've been writing a lot for my chapter on conventions this week, and I've been doing some research at the same time. One of the topics I use in the chapter is the idea of a "weekend only" utopian world. For those who don't really understand what a utopia is - it's basically paradise, our own personal Garden of Eden, so to speak. For most fans, our fandom is our escape, and in our case specifically - the band is our fantasy. We use our fandom as a way to sort of recharge, and when we go away, whether it's to conventions, a meetup or even gigs or shows, we are submerging ourselves, even if only briefly, into that utopian world.  Part of that fantasy is staying in great hotels, and living that pretentious lifestyle, if only for a weekend. Sure, part of the allure for many is the possibility of running into the band, but I also believe it has as much to do with being able to stay at the nicest hotels and truly escaping from our normally mundane and regular lives. I think that part of our problem with the band, especially when we run into them at a hotel or offstage, is that our brains expect for them to carry through the fantasy we've sorted them. Moreover, our brains do not recognize the fantasy for being the Arcadian place we go in our heads. Instead we see fandom as offering not an escape, but rather an alternative reality. (and one that I try to get to as often as possible!)

So, is fandom our Second Life?? What???

I'll let you all sort that one out while I return to my regular life and do some gardening.

-R

It's not quite Mediterranea...

While Duran Duran is in Italy this week, it would seem that many of my friends are packing up and getting ready to join them. I'm slightly envious and wish I could join the fun, alas I will live vicariously through their posts and things as they get a chance to update me with the current happenings. I might even live a bit through various band members as I did last week when Dom, John and even Simon would post pictures of their opportunities for tourism offstage!

My own vacation is creeping up now and I don't mean the one where I go galavanting across country with Amanda. My own family is going to be taking a vacation soon and I will be completely unplugged for a while. (I'm getting the shakes just thinking about it, so chances are I will cheat - yes I'm already planning to cheat - and I'll probably check in when I'm able to find an internet connection!)  Want to know where we're going? We are going camping up near Mount Shasta in Northern California. Trailer and all. (Somehow I suspect this might be along the lines of Nick Rhodes' personal version of hell, which makes me laugh!  The photo above is our camping trailer just after we'd arrived last year and barely settled in.) Five of us, including the 4 year old little girl, the 13 year old gamer son (just imagine his withdrawals because that computer is NOT coming along!) and the 15 year old teenager, in this trailer for two weeks.  Will we all survive? Why do I suddenly have the chills?? I might post pictures on twitter from time to time so you'll have to check in to see our madness. The good news is that once we're there, it's absolutely gorgeous and QUIET...which lately, I've found myself craving. There's a lake for the kids, a beach for me (see picture below), and my husband can do as much hiking and fishing as he'd like.

We did this last year for a week and I survived quite nicely, so I'm hopeful that I'll come back recharged once again just in time for my trip to meet up with Amanda (and many of you) to see the band. That's right: Rhonda needs a two week vacation just to get ready for this Daily Duranie tour! This week I'm busily looking around my house and realizing I don't have a moment to really spare. I have lists to make, a chapter to finish and blogs to prepare.

What I can tell you is that while I'm gone, you shouldn't notice any difference in Daily Duranie. We have been planning ahead for my absence because we certainly can't allow Daily Duranie to go dark - we publish DAILY. (Yes actually there are many, many moments when I question my...our...intelligence in naming the blog The Daily Duranie. I also question why I've followed a band for over thirty years. There seems to be a bit of a pattern there, no??)  What we do need though, is help from YOU, our readers.

While I am gone, we will be doing two weeks of themed blogs. The first week, we will be blogging about our favorite concert experience. This can be a blog about an entire show, one fleeting moment, or maybe a certain song that knocked your socks off. The second week, we are blogging about meeting the band. This can be one member, all members...at a signing, in the middle of a grocery store, at the record store, or out in front of their hotel or even their home(s) if you were ever that brave for that matter. We want to hear from you!

Send us your blogs no later than Saturday July 28th to our mailbox. Please include a thumbnail picture and a short bio to be included on the blog, and if you need ideas - just look in our archives under "guest bloggers". If for some reason you would prefer to submit your blog anonymously, feel free - just let Amanda and I know.

So, with that must get myself down to business here. I have spreadsheets to make, lists to go over....and a chapter to finish!!
-R