It’s the learning of this journey: An interview with Andrew Golub (Durandy), Duran Duran Archivist Part Two

For the past several years, Andy has been secretly working on a huge project that he just announced with full support from Duran Duran. “We are releasing a book that charts Duran’s trajectory through selected posters from my archive. Titled Beautiful Colors: The Posters of Duran Duran, the book is filled with brilliant designs, vintage promotions, record company releases, corporate advertisements, and of course plenty of gig posters paint a portrait of the band’s evolution and worldwide presence. Highlights include great insights from artists and graphic designers on their creations – it was very cool to learn of the inspirations and process behind posters that many fans hae seen for years. There are also unreleased posters from an esteemed graphic designer familiar to the band and the fans, and a sweetly tender foreword by Nick.” (Rhodes…of course!) “That alone is one of my life’s greatest achievements, and I will be forever grateful for his encouraging words.”  

I can honestly say that as a fan, I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of this book. Not only will I forever treasure it because it is imagery of the band’s history – this book was done by a fellow fan. His passion is OUR passion. I want to foster and support that passion however possible, now as well as in the future. Taking on a project of such magnitude feels completely overwhelming – how on earth did Andy do it all? “From exhibitions to my website, I believe every step I’ve taken with the archive has slowly moved me in this direction. A book was the next natural progression, and I”ve had friends suggesting one for years. It was hard to pick and choose the posters to include, but when I settled on only official promotions for the content, it became easier. However, I think of all the other gems left behind that deserve their own spotlight…perhaps someday a book of posters from the band members’ individual endeavors!” If my vote counts at all – count it as a solid “YES!”

Passion, perseverance, persistence….

Andy continues,“Christine and I have been working on the book for over six years. I’m not entirely sure either of us (especially her) realized how much work would be involved, or how much the experience would change us. Weekend after weekend was spent behind the camera, in front of the computer, or transporting posters to and from the archive. Foot rubs and back rubs often became the most popular currency, used to squeeze just a little more photography out of Christine before the end of a day. I had no shame. The color correction process was possibly most arduous, as Christine worked to make each poster image accurately represent its true colors. I think she had some words for the band when it came to matching all the pinks from the last album campaign!  In the end, she did a spectacular job and we made sure the colors were popping off the printed pages.” Hmm. Maybe I should have interviewed Christine as well. I wonder how she feels about the journey she’s taken and committing herself to a project with such fortitude. She sounds like the perfect partner, and what I love most about this story is that it is clear that Andy’s passion became shared by Christine – in a huge way. Fandom in action, most definitely.

Nine pallets…1000 books!!! Well done!

The book is not quite ready for purchase, but I have been told that they are getting Durandy’s site ready to handle sales. “There will be 1000 copies of the book produced. The price and all details related to sales will be released when the book is closer to being ready for purchase. I will say that careful consideration went into the decision on price. I would like to see this book end up in the hands of every fan who has reveled in the Duran Duran concert experience or felt their life enriched by the band’s music.”

As someone who is in full-support of this project, I can and will personally attest to Andy’s words. Let’s face it, we all know of a recently mentioned book project that is clearly out of this world, price-wise. Unattainable by all but the wealthy amongst us. This is not something that Andy wishes for his book. He didn’t take on this project as a way to finance his passion for collecting, but rather as a way to share his collection with all fellow fans. In fact, I had a phone conversation with Andy a month or so back, and I know it has taken convincing on the part of not only well-intentioned friends and people such as myself, but also Christine to not decide to give this book away…which I will reiterate: he absolutely should not do! I do not know the pricing on the book, but as I said before, given my discussions with Andy, I will still put my own vinyl collection on the line when I say it will be far more affordable and reasonably priced than other recently mentioned books. It was no exaggeration that Andy had to be talked into charging for it at all…and besides the plain and simple fact that he shouldn’t give his books away, there was other reasoning to take into account.

Andy has spent far, far more than any of us will ever know to attain (and maintain) this collection. Storing an archive is not a simple, inexpensive investment. However, Andy does this willingly, and happily. While many of us spend our life savings to go on road trips and tours, vying for front row tickets, meet and greets and photos…Andy collects objects that, without his care, would simply disappear. Then he takes meticulous care of them, ensuring their preservation from the moment they enter his guardianship. That alone costs far more than the face value of any book. When one day in the future the touring stops and there is nothing but music and memories left behind, these posters will not only be a telling tale of the band’s history, but also of our own. I hope to one day see Andy’s work in a museum. Who knows, maybe there will be a Museum of Fandom somewhere….

Which brought me to asking what is next? After Andy’s book, the sky is the limit, isn’t it?  Traveling exhibits? A museum?? An appearance at a future Durandemonium??? What more can be done?? “My two exhibitions were absolutely thrilling events that I’m incredibly grateful for achieving.  While I’ve envisioned a traveling exhibit since the beginning, such an endeavor is simply cost-prohibitive. I’ve given a lot of thought to alternative ways an exhibit might work, such as digital collections of posters set to music or even narration – by me, or the band. Now that a book has been released, the door is wide open.  Having my archive housed in a permanent facility for people to visit anytime they please is certainly an ultimate goal. Unfortunately, financial resources will always be a determining factor with ambitions like this. How cool would it be to have a museum dedicated to the New Romantic movement, specifically highlighting Duran Duran and their influence on pop culture over decades. I have approached sites like the Birmingham Heritage Forum and museums that have hosted special exhibits in the past, but I understand my proposal can be a bit daunting to consider. I believe having an open mind, perfect timing and a fundamental appreciation for the band’s impact on music will provide the right recipe someday. Until then, my archive will always have a ‘Welcome!’ mat.”

Things like this start the wheels turning in my head. Surely there must be a way to house the band’s history, and even our history as fans. Perhaps in a setting that is not solely dedicated to Duran Duran, if need be. The arts – pop culture, high culture, or otherwise, must be preserved, otherwise we really face becoming known to future generations as the “throw away society” in every possible way. Fandom is something to be treasured, to be saved, and to be admired. There has to be a way to achieve this goal so that it not only supports itself, but thrives…and I don’t give up easily, so watch this space!

The fan community at large is lucky to have a fan like Durandy. Hopefully this interview gives just a little more insight to who he really is and where his love, dedication and commitment reside. So much of what the band has done over the years would be completely lost otherwise, and here we have in our midst someone that has taken great care in cataloging and archiving these stunning slices of the band’s history.  None of that is by accident – our community is filled with talents that have been somehow uncovered, polished or even ignited by our love for this band. We are not all the same by any means. Some of us are drawn to writing, some to drawing or graphics, still others honed in onto their love of fashion, design, hair, make-up or beauty, still others of us found inspiration in bringing people together. It is up to each of us to find how to use our inspiration and create our own beautiful colors. I look forward to seeing Andy and Christine’s finished product. It is these projects that I become infinitely proud of supporting in some small way – because we are a community bound by a shared love of music. Five guys from Birmingham paved the way, and the journey has been incomparable thus far.

Special thanks to Andy Golub and Christine Born – best of luck ahead!

-R