‘We owe everything to this great city’ - Duran Duran react to latest award in Birmingham

Duran Duran had its humble beginnings in Birmingham, and the band never forgets that. They started off at the Rum Runner club in the 1980s and their success story is one for the ages.

From young men living in Birmingham to mega stars with beautiful families and fans around the world, they have come a long way. The Wild Boys, as they are known, might be well into their 60s but their love for their city has not dimmed. And, the city’s love for them has only gone up.

Their Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony Act in 2022 was well received by the thousands who watched them live in person and on TV. And, when they returned to Birmingham to perform at Utilita Arena on May 5, it was to an almost full house.

Duran Duran was officially honoured for their outstanding achievement and exceptional service to Birmingham and its people through inspirational and dedicated work as world-renowned musicians, writers, and producers of music, which has raised the city’s reputation for music and creativity.

They received the Lord Mayor’s Award last Friday (May 5) before their homecoming gig at Utilita Arena. Frontman Simon Le Bon, John Taylor, Roger Taylor and Nick Rhodes - who are now the Rock and Roll Hall of Hame inductees - accepted the award from Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Cllr Maureen Cornish. And they have mighty praise for Brum, with one band member commenting: “We owe everything to this great city.”

The band members opened up about their love for the diverse city they started off in. Roger Taylor, the band’s drummer, said: “It is such an honour to receive this highly prestigious award from the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Maureen Cornish.

“We owe everything to this great city of diverse music and culture, and it will always occupy a huge place in all of our hearts. We also accept this on behalf of all our fans across the globe who have been there by our side for over four decades”

Bassist John Taylor added: “We were all very moved by the Lord Mayor’s award, and her words. We are proud to be a Birmingham band, proud to be Brummies and proud to be Midlanders, and no band-member more so than Mr Le Bon, despite his being from Middlesex!

“Birmingham raised us and made us and still informs our values. The show last week was one of our best, and we can’t wait to return.”