Key Points
- Duran Duran continues to tour with most original members, still selling out shows.
- The band help pioneer the MTV era, with a focus on visual presentation that still stands today.
- Fans up close to bassist John Taylor were left in awe 40 years later. Keep reading to find out why.
It’s rare for an ’80s New Wave band to still be touring today, with most of its original members performing together, but Duran Duran has proved its staying power throughout the ages. Currently on tour and set for a Las Vegas residency at the Fontainebleau, Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, Roger Taylor, and John Taylor are selling out crowds and leaving fans swooning in the process. At a recent Palm Springs tour stop, bassist John Taylor, 65, defied time with his boyish looks and energy. Fans rushed to the comment section, gushing about getting up close with the charming ’80s icon.
A Viral Performance Moment
In a video shared to our social media feed, John Taylor can be seen mid-set playing the band’s 1982 smash “Save A Prayer.” With Le Bon nearby effortlessly belting out the song’s lyrics and Rhodes behind the keyboards, multitasking by taking video of the crowd while playing, Taylor appears fit and energetic, still sporting his spiky locks (platinum, at least for now).
Though 40 years have passed since the song’s release, Taylor and the band perform as if it’s still the early ’80s. Fans love to see it.
“I was so in love with John Taylor,” confessed one fan.
“I’m glad I got to see them in concert,” shared another.
“Switched my seats from far back to right up to the stage just by walking up to empty seats. John Taylor was so close I was having an out-of-body experience. Talented and breathtaking.”
Defining the MTV Era
One of the defining acts of the 1980s, Duran Duran has proved itself to be more than a one-decade wonder. Part of the “Second British Invasion” of the U.S., the band were trailblazers in the ’80s. They didn’t just make music; they defined how it was presented and were among the first popular music bands to focus as much on visual performance as on the music.
Known for their chic style, Duran Duran took the MTV era to the next level, releasing music videos like “Rio” and “Hungry Like the Wolf” that more closely resembled short films than traditional music videos. The band’s emphasis on style and presentation helped pave the way for artists like Madonna, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, and Harry Styles, all of whom are known for using visuals in video and on stage to enhance their listeners’ experience.
John Taylor’s Influence and Legacy
John Taylor, known for his boyish good looks, is widely regarded as one of the most influential bassists in pop and new wave. He helped define Duran Duran’s signature groove-driven sound and introduced funk-inspired basslines that elevated popular music beyond providing simple backing rhythms. With his fashion-forward image, he also helped shape the band’s stylish identity that became so popular in the 1980s.
A Band That Transcends Decades
Still touring, selling out crowds, and leaving fans blushing, John Taylor’s recent appearance proves he’s more than a pretty face and that Duran Duran isn’t just an ’80s band—it’s a band for the ages.
About the author
Trending News Writer, Parade
Meredith is a celebrity news writer on the trending news team for Parade. She has been a content creator and strategist, creating viral content celebrating celebrity news, athlete’s lifestyle and families, since 2010.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source parade.com ’
