Duran Duran to Begin US Tour in February

Following a run of Japanese dates early next year that will kick off their Astronaut world tour, Duran Duran will hit US shores for the North American leg in February 2005, with 40 dates currently scheduled and more planned. The North American tour is set to launch in Puerto Rico on February 8, hit Los Angeles on February 26, and wrap up at New York’s Madison Square Garden on April 13.

Duran Duran previously played dates in the US in fall 2003 with the 25th anniversary “78-03” tour, routinely selling out their shows in a matter of minutes. The Washington Post called the D.C. 2003 Duran Duran show “a raucous, sweaty screamathon.” The tour dates marked the first time the original members had played together since Live Aid in 1985.

The New York Post said of the momentous NYC Webster Hall show, “The hungry crowd … went nuts even before the band played the first notes… . As[Duran Duran] tore through hit singles … raw rock guitars punctuated their signature dance-pop keyboards.” Newsday called the show “powerful [and] inventive.” The Village Voice said on behalf of the audience “[Duran Duran] swooned us to altitudes ecclesiastic.”

Astronaut,Duran Duran’s new Epic Records album, has seen a wave of critical acclaim. Rolling Stone lauded the disc for its “radiant melodies,” announcing, “‘Astronaut’ revitalizes Duran’s early synth-pop magic.” People Magazine declared the album to be “pure new-wave bliss.” The Washington Post called it “a raver’s dream, complete with lush imagery.”

To celebrate their tremendous success in the live arena, in spring ’05, a live DVD/CD package will be released that was shot at the band’s final London Wembley Arena concert in May 2004. The show – which broke the house record for attendance – was one of 17 sold out arena shows in the UK. Accompanied by a live CD from the same show, the DVD will include Duran Duran’s classic hits plus material from Astronaut, interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. The DVD/CD was produced by Coming Home Studios and will be distributed in the U.S. through Rounder/Zoe.

In November, Capitol Records/EMI Music Catalog Marketing released Duran Duran’s Singles Box, Volume 2 (1986-1995), an 81-track collection including single, alternate, and rare versions of the band’s smash hits “Notorious,” “Ordinary World,” “Come Undone,” and “All She Wants Is.” Housed in a flip-top box with 14-page booklet, the new compilation features remastered versions of all of the band’s 7″ singles from ’86 to ’95, including b-sides, live performances and 12″ extended mixes, many of which make their CD debut.