I suppose, as an adult, I’m the same way. We are so lucky that in 2013 we have access to SO much at the tips of our fingers. I am sure that I could easily produce a book just like that one in 1984 from a few hours of searching on the internet about any popular band or artist. Heck, even music is readily available. I no longer have to be glued to my radio or MTV on my TV set in order to catch my favorite tracks. Now, I could just play them through a variety of online means, assuming that I don’t actually own them. Modern technology is a dream for someone like me. When I returned to my Duranie self with the reunion, I remember having to go back and learn SO much. I knew some things and had paid attention when it was easy for me. For example, I remember seeing Duran on the Rosie O’Donnell show in 1997 or when they appeared on Storytellers on VH1 in 2000. I wasn’t totally out of the loop. I even owned some of John’s solo work. Yet, there was a LOT that I had missed. When my fandom went full blown, I remember doing exactly what I did in 1984. I consumed everything. This, of course, was easy to do with the technology. It was like Christmas and my birthday everyday. I was so excited when I learned about the Devils and how it was really the original Duran. How cool that we got to hear that, I thought!! Nothing blew me away more than completing my John Taylor solo collection. While I had some of his music before, having the chance to hear each and every track was such a gift. I learned so much about his musical style, about his life then and about who he seems to be. It was amazing.
Now, I will admit that I might not be completely usual in my quest to consume all things about any given topic that I’m into as I have done with this same thing with many other topics in my life. Perhaps, this is why I went into education or why I am writing a research focused book. I like…no, I LOVE learning. I always have and always will. My parents do, too. Even now, during their retirement, they take classes to continue to learn and frequently read non-fiction books. Despite me being unusual, I know that there are a lot of people out there, a lot of fans out there who also like to learn about the band. Maybe, they don’t do it with the same level of intensity as me but they still do learn. (They are probably healthier that way!) Yet, I’m constantly running into the fans who lack a lot of knowledge about things like solo and side projects, which is what we are asking about these days in our daily questions. Now, I don’t mind people who don’t know and ask because they want to learn. I appreciate learning. I’m happy to share what I know. Unfortunately, it feels like there are a lot of fans who not only don’t know things but are happy not to know. They almost respond with pride about their lack of knowledge. I don’t get that.
I’m sure that many of you are thinking something along the line of, “Fandom is supposed to be fun. I shouldn’t have to learn everything. This isn’t school.” I’m not saying that people should be forced to learn. I just don’t understand why they wouldn’t. Why would learning about something you supposedly like or love be less than fun? I don’t get it. If you love it, wouldn’t you want to know about it?! After all, learning about what you love isn’t work, is it? Every time you watch a Duran video, that could be considered work to some people but I’m willing to bet that Duranies do that willingly, without any problem. I’ll be honest. I cringe a little when I see fans talk about how good of fans they are but then don’t know big chunks of the Duran story. That’s fine if you just joined or just rejoined the fandom but after being a part of the fandom for years?! Typically, when I ask a question that people don’t know about, people will tell me that they don’t know and then almost look for me to tell them that they are okay, that this lack of knowledge is fine. Yet, I have a hard time saying that it is when the information is SO out there. The info is so readily available. Heck, I would and am happy to share whatever I know. I enjoy doing that. (That’s probably the teacher in me.)
I can’t help that I think that knowledge is cool. More to the point, I think knowing about Duran and Duran related projects is the coolest knowledge in the world to know. I would love to have a chance to learn something new. I just think if you have that chance, you are so lucky and shouldn’t pass it by.
-A
I have replied on one occasion saying that i didn't know about Dom solo work. For me he is not and never will be a legitimate member. And I feel the same about Warren, Sterling Campbell and any the other musician that has happened to ''fill the gap” when Duran needed a competent artist to replace one of their own. And while im always happy to see learn about Simon, John, Nick, Roger and Andy's other accomplishments, old and new, outside Duran Duran..i don't feel the same way about the “others”..I truly hope i haven't offended anyone. Its just how i feel.
I consider myself a pretty well-educated Duranie, but I love learning new things, and I'm sure many fans could run rings around me in terms of band knowledge and trivia. (In fact, I love your “On This Date in Band History”!)
I love learning too … it's never frustrating 'coz I love (their) music.
By the way of fanzines and magazines, I got lovely memories of those days.
Today fanzines have almost all gone, due to the internet and to the social websites, but I'm proud to say that Rio Carnival Fanzine, run in Italy, was the one which lived the longest in the paper format!!
I can see where you are coming from. Yet, I do wonder at one point one moves from filling in the gap to being more than that. For example, Warren was in the band for a long time. Dom has been around a long time.
-A
I love doing the today in Duran history!!! I have a whole excel spreadsheet about it. LOL!
-A
As i said before..it is just how i feel. To me, the original 5, are and always will be Duran Duran. I know what u r saying ..both Warren, and now Dom, have been in DD for a while..but just look at how they were and are paid…Dom, correct me if im wrong, is paid a salary.. that falls far short of what the rest of the band is earning. If they don't make him part of the band…why should we?
Well, according to Andy's book, the agreement with the reunion had him and Roger making less money than Simon, Nick and John, from what I remember. Would that make Roger less of a member??
I would also argue that Dom is a part of the band that REALLY matters–songwriting and touring. The pictures and the rest are just extras.
I think, as I have stated many times, the guitarist question is an emotional one for sure. While you feel strongly about the original 5, we feel strongly that Dom is a member and a valued one at that.
-A
The blog is spot on. If a person can find even one or two songs they love that they otherwise wouldn't have known about, then isn't it worth it to learn about their solo work/side projects and more obscure DD albums?
I understand why some define DD by their '81-'85 era but I respectfully disagree with that outlook. The band has 30+ years of music now and some of the very best of it was co-written by Warren and Dom. We are fast nearing the point when Andy will be the least-tenured among DD guitarists. The “original ” members have grown in ways they may not have by working with other musicians and lineups. We should embrace how DD has evolved.
Like the guy in Office Space says….”I celebrate their whole catalogue!”
Wouldn't it be a boring world if we all though the same? While i appreciate ur point of view (u make great points)..i still remain uninterested in Dom solo work. And that's ok. After all..im only a tiny dot in the big DD universe ..:)
i love reading your daily band facts! while i too have bought many a magazine and read all about how nick is adept at vacuuming stairs (i think that's the random chore i remember reading), i get that some don't care to learn that. but it's the solo and side projects that boggle me. there's people out there that don't get into any if them. not buying all of them i get, i haven't bought everything by everyone. but aren't fans just a little but curious as to what arcadia sounds like? andy's solo efforts? john's? etc.
Also..i'd like to add….I, too, have read Andy's book, and of course i cannot say for sure, none of us fans can…but it sure looks like he didnt like how he was treated financially and that may have influenced his decision to leave the band again after the reunion. I cannot speak for Roger, but i highly doubt hes not getting his fair share of the profits nowdays.
Obviously i have no idea of what went on…but i sure wish Andy was still part of the band. Sorry Dom.
You make a great point. If there is only 1-2 gems on an album from a side or solo project, wouldn't it be worth checking out? It would make sense that if one member of the band is on an album, it might be good. Laws of percentages would say so.
-A
It would be boring if we were all the same.
-A
You understood my point exactly! Thanks for commenting! It is nice to know that people are on the same page. 🙂
-A
Do you think it would work out if Andy did rejoin? Would the third time be the charm? I think I would be worried that it wouldn't work or worse that it would be the end of the band.
-A
I remember going through the magazines at the store, and picking out just the ones I wanted, and also using the same basic criteria to choose, (i.e. which one had the most about Duran Duran that month) I even still posses many of the pics, I had taken out, and had at one time used to wallpaper my bedroom with.(didn't we all do this?) I no linger have this, but I had ordered a book through my middle school's monthly book sale catalog that was a band bio. I remember pouring over that book for months, memorizing everything I could, and good thing I did that, seeing as how my Mother who was not a book collector redecorated my bedroom for me when I was 16, and threw out ALL of my books. So, I had to depend on new info from mags, and what I could remember from that band bio, for years. Now with the internet, I have been able to catch up on a lot of what I missed learning about the band when I was offline. I am like A. and I love to learn, and one of my most favorite subjects to learn about is, and always will be Duran Duran, weather it is all of them as a group, or each of them as an individual. For different reasons I find each of them fascinating, and want to give each of their solo projects a listen. After 16yrs off in the ether, I have a lot of catching up to do, but since I do love to learn I am looking forward to it.
P.S.: If Dominic is getting song credits, then he is part of the Band, and all I have to say to that is Thank you Gods.
I agree…they don't want to work with him. It's too bad but it is what it is. And Andy was not happy with the band's direction ( playing private parties, opening act on that tour in Australia, etc).
Maybe they will collaborate if/when they decide to release Reportage. Beyond that…the AT ship has sailed.
Have fun on your catching up! I'm sorta jealous that I am not you!!
-A
And not just the side projects…I can't imagine that even the most strident DD original line up purist can't find a track or two to like from the other albums with different lineups. Even the much maligned RCM has a handful of great songs.
I am definitely curious to hear what their side projects are like. I don't own it all, other than some Arcadia, Powerstation and JT solo stuff, but I will always seek out and at least give their solo/side projects a listen, even Dom's. And anyone who played for Zappa, well, that got me immediately interested, even if that is a required taste.
Unfortunately..i agree with you. 🙁
I completely agree. Plus, every song and every album works to tell their story.
-A
I only think that it's unfortunate you feel that way Paola because you're missing out on some great music no matter the person who is “filling the gap”, not to mention the fact that these guys are not just warm bodies. It's unfortunate to read that sort of thing. -R
Not a binder??? -R
I miss the fanzines, but I do love Salvo's website, Durannasty! 🙂 -R
I have no idea (nor SHOULD anyone know!!) what Dom's arrangement is with the band. It actually blows my mind that someone is basing their support of a musician on whether or not they have an equal part in ownership of the band. It's not offensive, it's just not very open minded…and it's definitely making assumptions we have no right to really make as fans.
It's not about what business arrangement the band has with him, because as I said before – that is none of our business. I guess for me, and this is the way it is whether we're talking about Dom, Warren, Wes or anyone else – I don't even consider the business side of it, because it's not as though that is public information. Whatever we “hear” is likely just incorrect assumption.
As for making Dom part of the band, he is part of the songwriting process, he is given credit on the albums and he stands up their on that stage every single night that they are playing and he gives his all just as anyone else does. He has fans in the audience, and he has people who would miss him if he left, just as Roger, Simon, John and Nick do. I think it is incredibly shortsighted and very closed minded to discount him because the band hasn't come out and said that he's a full and equal part – because to be honest – the band is NEVER going to do that. Why would they? As John put it in his book, he is a permanent member of the band. He is not a founding member though – and how could he be? You can't rewrite history.
-R
I agree…even about RCM. That album has it's place in the history and really does tell a very important part of the story.
I need to go wash my mouth out with soap now because I think I just complimented RCM. Wow. Therapy is working I guess. 😉
-R
Amen to that PS! The band is lucky to have him even if some fans are unaware or uninterested by his talent. I'll make up for them. 😀 -R
I can honestly say that if Andy rejoined now he'd have a legion of angry fans who wouldn't want him there at this point. That's not me as an Dom fan saying that – it's me as a Duran fan that has seen Andy leave twice. He's angered many. If the band welcomed him back, I think they'd have a pretty large sales job ahead of them. I just don't think it would work. The gap between Andy and the rest of the band seems pretty unsurmountable at this point, which in many ways is a shame, but I'm happy with where they are currently.
LOL! Yes, even Pop Trash, which is almost equal for how many people dislike it compared to RCM, had some GREAT tunes.
Paola, are you a Roger or John fan? I ask because they contributed to a couple of tracks on Dom's last album and on some of what he is recording for his next album. I would wonder if you might not want to @ least hear what they recorded with him.
I am VERY upset now!
Why was I never TOLD I was a twin and that we were separated @ birth?! How long have I known you online as a fellow Duranie? And I am just NOW figuring this out!
LOL. Anyway, I feel just like you do. I also DEVOURED everything I could find. My book covers and PeeChees were covered in not just lyrics, but quotes by the band. Things I pulled out of the scrapbooks and the Japanese photo books and all those magazine articles. I had all of that. Oh, and by the way, you totally forgot to give props to 16 Magazine! They were my first exposure to DD. They had some great articles and even better pics. I remember the 3 page pull out of the picture of the band from the rereleased DD album. Yeah, that poster was on my wall.
Now imagine a Duranie living cut off from everything in Orange County with no computer and very few friends who shared my interest. I suffered like this through the late 80s, through the 90s and into the last decade! I got by by making friends in line for tickets and in line for GA shows or wherever I could meet other Duranies. I would collect phone numbers and hope they would inform me of anything new. I would call them when I had information. But a SEVERE lack of media attention in this country left me missing out on things all too often. I am SO upset to learn that I missed a second power Station album and tour, this time, with Robert! I understand John was not there, but I would still have LOVED to have gone! I am just glad I DID see Robert on a solo tour in 1986, I think. Back in the day, I used to call the phone number for Left bank Management or the Duran Duran Information line or I would directly call Capitol Records and ask for the A&R department, just to ask periodically if there was news of an album or tour. I was STARVING for ANY info I could get. And I had no one to rely on but myself.
(To be continued.)
You bring up a really good point. The internet has been a HUGE development in both fandom and in many people's personal lives. I know how isolated I felt when I didn't have a computer after college. It was a very big deal once I got one and could communicate with people.
-A
P.S. I can't believe that I forgot 16 Magazine!
I lost everything I typed earlier. It was too much to post and I tried to paste part of it and lost the rest. Grrr! Anyway…
Cut to 2003. My friend Sarah (RIP dear friend) and I were walking in to the venue in Costa mesa for the Reunion show. We see a table set up with info about plans for a fan community. COMMUNITY! I was filled with hope @ that thought. A place for people like myself. People who would understand. I did not have a computer yet, though. I signed up anyway, with my mum's addy, in Oktober 2003 to get notices of tour info. I did not get a computer until over a year later in 2004 for Christmas. Now, it is late January 2005. I got word Wes died. I had met him and was devastated by the news and needed some answers about what happened. I needed someone to talk to. My searches led me to the forums on DDM, of which I was already a member. I now discovered just where the community I was looking for was. I jumped right in on the forums and in 2 weeks, I was organizing a pre-show meet for San Diego. I was determined to meet as many other Duranies as I could! @ that meet-up I met a woman who had a spare ticket to Vegas and said she could give me a ride there and I could stay with her @ the hotel. This was the start of something I had never even dreamt of in the past. I went to Vegas for the first time that year. And the show I went to wound up being infamous for the moment Simon stalked John like prey and fully kissed him on stage. It was a moment JoSi lovers everywhere will never forget and I was there. All thanx to the community.
Anyway, aside from all that excitement, I very quickly plowed through thread after thread on DDM and learned all about the things I had missed over the years. My obsession was in full swing @ that point. I DEVOURED everything I could find. I found downloads of music and mixes I had never heard and YT videos and old TV show appearances from other countries I had never seen. I don't think I slept for about 3 months, lol. I also discovered Evil-Bay! And man did I have to be careful! All sorts of things that had eluded my collection over the years and many things I never knew about came up. As a collector and one prone to aDDiction in all things Duran, I was walking a fine line. I still have to be careful.
(More in a moment.)
Anyway, in my original post, I had mentioned about how I understood how easy it was to have missed out on things and to not know about what the band had been doing in those middle years. For the most part, people were very understanding with me and when I meet other Duranies who are unaware of things, I do my best to fill them in. I have met many people now from other countries, too, who have had the same issues with not being able to gain access to info. I mean you CAN search online for things, BUT, if you are completely unaware something is happening, you do not know to even look for info about it, right? So we have to remember that. I also now have many friends who are much younger, some second generation Duranies. I always enjoy filling them in on info about the music and the history of what things were like to experience it all for the first time back in the day. They usually love to hear about those things since they are too young to have experienced them for themselves. It is also a great deal of fun for someone like myself to nurture the young collectors who are just getting started and to help them focus their efforts to gather the older records and whatnot that they have decided to collect. And you are right, to me, none of this feels like work. It is FUN. It is a passion to be shared. No other band in the world has ever affected me like this. And I love a wide variety of music. But I can't say I really know THAT much about my second favourtie band, the Doors. I love them and have the complete box set of all of their albums and I watch movies and documentaries about them, but they just don't occupy my every waking moment in quite the same way. Being a Duranie is a different kind of experience for me. I am not just a fan of a band. It is more a way of life in a sense. So, I am like you. I do not completely understand the lack of interest in the most basic of things, wanting to know more about the music. I am puzzled by fans who do not even know about songs on certain albums because they don't have them, an d I mean by the band itself, not side or solo projects. But, I try to be patient and explain and try to educate when I can. I guess others had various priorities in life that got in the way along the lines.
I know I had gotten into a whole thing about band members and all of that, but I can't remember all I said before. I will just say, I love all of the members the band has had, official or not. They have all played a part in making the band what it is today. I am excited over the news of the recording efforts and I am dying for a tiny sample. I will take ANYTHING. I just want a sneaky peek into the process. I love the creative times. I would give anything to sit in on a session. Well, anyway, I hope I covered most of what I was trying to say before in relation to your blog. As always, thanx for all of these topics. It is fun to discuss all of this stuff.
Obviously, if someone doesn't know about something, then they can't learn about it. What I was focusing more on are the people who have heard others mention a side project on a number of occasions and still don't/won't ask more about it, learn about it, etc. Then, still, it isn't uncommon for those fans to seek out reassurances that they are still “good” fans. That frustrates me. There are many of us out there more than willing to share what we know and yet…
The real point is, which many of us have pointed out here, that they are missing out on some real GEMS and a better understanding of Duran and their story.
-A
I said it before and I'll say it again – I'll take Dom. 🙂 No really, it's not a problem…I will gladly “take one for the team” on this one and be the big fan. He makes that part EASY.
-R
My original comments made more sense, lol. I was tired when I wrote that last bit. I agree. I was not trying to imply you were not taking into account people who were unaware of things. Sorry. I was sort of getting @ how I have seen some people who judge others as not being good fans because they simply have less knowledge and I don't think it is fair. I don't do that. (NOT saying you do. I was just meaning I see that they are unaware of something and try to shed some light for them when I can.) Anyway, part of why I try to inform them is I think they really ARE missing out on things. Some really good things. Like with Dom. I LOVE his solo work. And his live covers of other tunes, like Hendrix and other classics. I think he is great! And adorable. I wish he would play over here, or @ the LEAST that they would go back to streaming the gigs live like they used to.
Didnt know John and Roger had an input on his album. I guess i will listen to it at some point. 🙂
Hi, I have been looking for video of the Las Vegas 05 JoSi kiss, MissNovembeTuesday mentioned in her 4:28AM posting, and I can't seem to find it. Does anyone know if video of that event exists, and if so where can I view it? Please someone email me, and let me know, it would be most appreciated, thanks.