The wild boys are returning to Birmingham as part of their UK tour on Friday (May 5). It’s set to be a grand homecoming for the band - who originated in the city - with thousands of fans attending the show.
From working part-time in the former Rum Runner club on Broad Street to becoming a New Romantic singing sensation in the 1980s, while continuing to be a beloved band for millions across the world - Duran Duran have seen it all.
They have had a phenomenal journey and have inspired a whole generation of fashionistas with their unique looks, in addition to their music. Duran Duran knew how to stand apart and make their voices heard.
They have lived out much of their lives in public and most fans would know about their various shenanigans. However, you’d have to be a hardcore Duran Duran fan to know all the strange and wonderful things they have been up to over the years.
So, here are 12 things you probably didn’t know about Duran Duran:
5. Duran Duran were Princess Diana’s favourite band
The late Princess Diana was a huge fan of Duran Duran. Simon Le Bon, who spoke at Diana’s memorial concert in 2006, said: “We are honoured that she always referred to Duran Duran as her favourite band as she was certainly our favourite princess.” (Photo - Getty Images) | Getty Images
6. Duran Duran’s name is inspired from Barbarella
The band’s name was inspired by a character in the film Barbarella: Dr. Durand Durand. They were watching the sci-fic pic starring Jane Fonda when they decided that this name would an interesting one to have. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images) | Getty Images
7. Duran Duran worked at the Rum Runner club which was on Broad Street
Their first live performance was at the Rum Runner club in Birmingham and during that time they worked there part-time. Their first managers were the owners of the club. (Photo - Bread Birmingham) | Bread Birmingham
8. Duran Duran Girls on Film video was banned on BBC & MTV
The erotic interpretation of the band’s third UK single was banned by BBC and MTV and a different version of it was cut and shared. (Photo - Duran Duran/YouTube screengrab) | Duran Duran/YouTube screengrab