September 23, 2023 – Ovation Hall in Ocean Casino Resort, Atlantic City NJ
Review by Chris Yates // Photography by Estelle Massry
Duran Duran Takes Atlantic City by Storm: A Night to Remember at Ocean Casino Resort
Literally, not deterred by coastal Tropical Storm Ophelia which ravaged the East Coast on this day, fans made it out in droves to pack the house of Ovation Hall in Atlantic City. Despite high winds, torrential rain and flooding, it was the place to be on this electric Saturday night as the legendary British rock band, Duran Duran, took Atlantic City by storm and graced the stage in a spectacular live concert that left the audience in absolute awe.
I have been a Duran Duran fan since their self-titled debut album in 1981 accompanied by their iconic and controversial music video Girls On Film which was their first major hit premiering on MTV. The anticipation to finally see them live had been building inside of me all these years without me even knowing it. I was beyond thrilled and excited to not only be seeing them play live but to have the opportunity to review this show. It seems like only yesterday I was pretending to be a journalist and reporter interviewing them on my hand held tape recorder as I pretended to not only be the journalist, but every band member answering questions with a British accent as I put on my best Simon Le Bon and Jon Taylor impersonation and then played it back to my family for their entertainment.
Duran Duran was formed in Birmingham in 1978 by singer and bassist Stephen Duffy, keyboardist Nick Rhodes and guitarist/bassist John Taylor. With the addition of drummer Roger Taylor the following year, the band went through numerous personnel changes before May 1980, when they settled on their most famous line-up by adding guitarist Andy Taylor and lead vocalist Simon Le Bon. Emerging as members of the New Romantic scene, Duran Duran were innovators of the music video and a leading band in the MTV-driven Second British Invasion of the US in the 1980s. By 1984, the band had achieved levels of fame similar to Beatlemania.
According to Billboard, Duran Duran have sold over 100 million records. They achieved 30 top 40 singles in the UK Singles Chart (14 of them top 10) and 21 top 40 singles in the US Billboard Hot 100. The band have won numerous awards throughout their career: two Brit Awards including the 2004 award for Outstanding Contribution to Music, two Grammy Awards, an MTV Video Music Award for Lifetime Achievement and a Video Visionary Award from the MTV Europe Music Awards. They were also awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The band were also inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.
As the lights dimmed in the venue and the iconic style of the bands silhouettes appeared atop the steps of an elevated platform, it was clear that this was going to be a night to remember.
From the very first notes, it was evident that Duran Duran had lost none of their musical prowess or stage presence over the years. The crowd erupted with cheers as Simon Le Bon, the charismatic frontman, strutted onto the stage with his signature swagger, belting out the lyrics with a voice that seemed untouched by time.
The setlist was a nostalgic journey through the band’s illustrious career. They played all the “essentials” featuring their iconic hits, from “Hungry Like the Wolf” to “The Wild Boys”, “Notorious”, “The Reflex” and “Ordinary World”. Each song was met with a wave of nostalgia and excitement, as fans sang along to every word. It was a testament to the enduring appeal of Duran Duran’s music that it could bring together a powerful, musical generation of fans in one place.
The band’s musicianship was flawless, with John Taylor’s bass lines pulsating through the venue, the ever stylish and fashion icon Nick Rhodes creating ethereal atmospheres with his synthesizers, and Roger Taylor’s powerful drumming driving the rhythm. The addition of Dom Brown on guitar added a fresh energy to the classics while staying true to the original spirit of the songs. One of the standout moments of the night came during one of their two encore songs, “Save a Prayer” when thousands of cell phone lights illuminated the arena, creating a breathtaking sea of stars that mirrored the night sky. It was a poignant and beautiful tribute to the enduring power of music to connect people and create shared experiences.
Simon Le Bon’s banter with the audience was equally engaging, as he expressed his gratitude for the fans’ loyalty over the years and their dedication to the band’s music. He encouraged the crowd to dance and sing as if there were no tomorrow, and the audience happily obliged, turning the venue into a massive dance party.
As the night drew to a close with the encore also featuring “RIO” the energy in the room reached its peak. Duran Duran had delivered an unforgettable performance, proving once again why they are considered one of the greatest bands in pop & rock history.
Leaving Atlantic City that night, it was clear that Duran Duran’s music still had the power to transport people to another time and place, where the music video days brought life and visual personality to fans and where memories were made and dreams were born. It was a night of pure musical magic, and the audience left with hearts full of gratitude and continued love for the timeless music of Duran Duran.
For more info please visit http://www.duranduran.com
Setlist
- Night Boat
- The Wild Boys
- Hungry Like the Wolf
- A View to a Kill
- Notorious
- GIVE IT ALL UP
- Lonely in Your Nightmare/Super Freak
- Is There Something I Should Know?
- ANNIVERSARY
- Friends of Mine
- Careless Memories
- Ordinary World
- Come Undone
- DANSE MACABRE
- Planet Earth
- White Lines
- The Reflex
- Girls on Film
- Save a Prayer (Encore)
- Rio (Encore)