Duran Duran frontman is hailed as “Most Appreciated” Recognition by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Duran Duran frontman Simon Le Bon said the band’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is a “special and highly appreciated way of recognizing” their lifelong commitment to new music.
Acclaimed British new wave group have been voted into this year’s cohort along with a host of global stars including Dolly Parton, Eminem and Lionel Richie.
The band, consisting of vocalist Le Bon, keyboardist Nick Rhodes, bassist John Taylor and drummer Roger Taylor, received the most fan votes of all the nominated musicians.
As they continued their European tour, Le Bon of France said: “Well, crikey O’Reilly, hit me in the face and call me Charley.
“I think here in the wild, beautiful world of Duran Duran, we’re all a little dazed about it.
“It’s one thing to be nominated – but quite another to actually be elected for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which I think is the closest thing to a rock & roll knighthood.
“This is truly a special and highly appreciated way of recognizing our lifelong commitment to new music.”
He also commended the fans who voted, saying: “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to all our fans and everyone else who kept us number one throughout most of the RockHall 2022 public voting period.
“We are honored and truly excited by the depth of your support and want to share this momentous day for Duran Duran with all of you.”
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Duran Duran was founded in Birmingham in 1978 (Niall Carson/PA)
Bassist Taylor said the recording was “quite an honor” and one the band never anticipated.
He added, “We never saw ourselves as a rock ‘n’ roll band, more as an ‘ongoing art project’, but I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the recognition this award represents.
“We are delighted to have some of our contemporaries joining us this year, particularly Annie and Dave, and would like to thank each and every one of you who took the time to register and vote for us.
“The overwhelming support that enabled us to win the popular vote was incredible.”
In addition to the public vote, more than 1,000 artists, historians and music industry professionals voted on the award winners.
Rock Hall chairman John Sykes said, “Each had a profound impact on the sound of youth culture and helped change the course of rock ‘n’ roll.”
Pop duo Eurythmics, consisting of Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart, were also among the 2022 nominees in the performer category, as were Pat Benatar and Carly Simon.
Formed in Birmingham in 1978, Duran Duran was one of the biggest acts of the 1980s with hits such as Hungry Like The Wolf, Rio, Girls On Film, Wild Boys and the Bond-themed A View To A Kill.
The band will play their first London headlining show in six years when they take the stage in Hyde Park during British Summer Time.
After playing a string of shows in the UK and Europe, they will embark on their long-awaited North American headlining tour in August, which will include performances at Madison Square Garden in New York City and the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
The 37th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held on November 5 at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California.
https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/duran-duran-frontman-hails-most-valued-recognition-by-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-41615087.html Duran Duran frontman is hailed as “Most Appreciated” Recognition by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
