ETHEL BARRYMORE THEATRE
243 West 47th Street
A Schubert Organization Theatre
Gerald Schoenfeld, Chairman Philip J. Smith, President
Robert E. Wankel, Executive Vice President
Citi® is pleased to present DURAN DURAN’S RED CARPET MASSACRE
Music by
DURAN DURAN: SIMON LE BON JOHN TAYLOR NICK RHODES ROGER TAYLOR
DOM BROWN SIMON WILLESCROFT ANNA ROSS
CAST
Simon Le Bon Vocals John Taylor Bass Nick Rhodes Keyboards Roger Taylor Drums Dom Brown Guitar Anna Ross Backing Vocals Simon Willescroft Saxophone
SET LIST
ACT ONE Red Carpet Massacre – The Album
Intermission
ACT TWO ElectroSet ACT THREE Essential Duran Duran
STANDBYS
Standbys never substitute for listed players
unless a specific announcement for the appearance is made at the time of the performance.
For Simon: Lindsay Lohan
For John: Scott Tracy
For Nick: Tristan Tzara
For Roger: Gordan Banks
There will be one 15-minute Intermission
WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST
SIMON LE BON (Simon). Mr. Le Bon made his theatre debut in the West End production of “Tom Brown’s School Days.” He is thrilled to return to the stage in the Broadway production of Duran Duran’s Red Carpet Massacre.
As a young child, Le Bon’s appearance as ”the boy in the dirty shirt” in a TV commercial for Persil (powdered laundry detergent) left him with a profound sense of inferiority which, it has been hypothesized, provided the impetus which has spurred him on ever since. Born into expectation; the son of an opera diva with a leaning to Wicca and one of the “dark men of St James” – even now, little is known about the activities of his father. The singer first made his mark in the choir of St John’s Parish Church Pinner. With his angelic face and perfect soprano, he was a favorite amongst churchgoers. It should be added that the same couldn’t be said for the other choristers who generally regarded him as a precocious upstart.
After brief lead vocal appearances for Bolleaux, puke rock band Dog Days, and the austere Rov Ostrov, it was while studying Drama at the University of Birmingham that Le Bon began to contemplate “throwing in the cravat.” He put his acting career on hold in order to pursue his dream of singing in a rock band full time. In May of 1980 Le Bon became the last member to join Duran Duran. He turned up at his audition wearing the now infamous (and much missed) pink leopard print trousers and carrying a book full of compositions. Having been writing on his own for years, he brought the songs “Waiting For the Nightboat,” “The Chauffeur,” and “Careless Memories” to Duran Duran. It was a match made in heaven or thereabout.
Within six weeks he was on the road with the band, opening for UK legend Hazel O’Connor and signing a record deal with EMI. To everyone’s relief, including that of the dramatic community, Le Bon decided never to return to acting.
Duran Duran enjoyed the heady upswing of fame and success. When in 1985 they took a break, it was time for other things. And so During the Fastnet Race that Summer his ocean racing maxi yacht DRUM lost her keel and the boat capsized in the near freezing waters of the Atlantic. Along with five other crewmen, Le Bon was trapped for an hour inside the upturned hull. This resulted in Duran Duran’s one and only People magazine cover feature as well as Le Bon’s first solo recording – “Grey Lady of the Sea” is featured in the hit documentary DRUM. The following spring, DRUM did in fact cross the finish line of the Whitbread Round The World Race, in third place with Le Bon alternatively “at the helm” or “over the lifeline – sick as a dog” depending on whose story you believe.
It is now a commonly held to be true, that for Le Bon, the 80’s were mainly comprised of sporting accidents, international super stardom, acclaim, the jet-set lifestyle, super-models, skimpy underwear and sadly, little inhibition. He also made a lot of great records.
Although Le Bon is happy with his status in Duran Duran, he has also written and recorded songs without his band mates. While he can take credit for penning lyrics to more than a handful of the world’s most recognizable and enduring pop songs including “Planet Earth,” “Girls on Film,” “Hungry like the Wolf,” “Rio,” “Notorious,” “Wild Boys,” “I Don’t Want Your Love,” “Ordinary World” (for which Duran Duran won an Ivor Novello Award), “Come Undone” and “(Reach Up for the) Sunrise,” he has also contributed lyrics to the song “Follow in my Footsteps” for the charity project Requiem For the Americas and “Do That Dance” – the Nile Rodgers’ produced disco song.
As part owner of Japan’s SYN Entertainment, he has also participated in various company projects including the song “Dreamboyz” for the Mario Van Peebles film Love Kills, a cover of The Who’s “Magic Bus,” a samba version of Duran Duran’s own “Save a Prayer” with Sylvio Anastacio, “Miss Pretty Queen” for Japanese duo Zwei and “Nobody Knows,” the theme song for “Synesthesia” – an interactive online Manga project.
As well as fronting Duran Duran, Le Bon has appeared on stage alongside such greats as Lou Reed, Luciano Pavarotti, Dolores O’Riordan, Wham!, and Brian Eno. With the completion of Red Carpet Massacre, Simon Le Bon has, in his own words, “done his best work to date.”
He is happy to be back on stage in Duran Duran’s Red Carpet Massacre in the role he was born to play – lead singer of an internationally fabulous rock band.
Although confirmed in the Anglican Church, Le Bon describes his spiritual standing variously as “a confirmed atheist”; “godless to the bone”; “not actually sure”; “if there’s free wine involved – count me in” and “I never really did like pork anyway and if it’s good enough for Esther (Madonna) – call me Isaac.”
In his spare time, Le Bon likes sailing boats – other people’s mostly; Manchester United Football Club; Patron Tequila (silver), and women in thigh length patent leather boots – like most other Englishmen.
Simon Le Bon wishes to thank his wife Yasmin; his daughters Amber, Saffron & Tallulah; The family Le Bon; Nick, John, Roger and Quik-Fix rapid response unit.
ROGER TAYLOR (Roger). With his appearance in Duran Duran’s Red Carpet Massacre, Mr. Taylor is realizing a lifelong ambition to be the star of screen, stage and television. Almost.
Roger Taylor was born in Castle Bromwich, England and began drumming as a pre teen. Using whatever he had around the house to create sound, his parents soon realized that Roger’s ambition was to be either a professional football player or a drummer. Preferring to get him a drum kit than allow him to kick things all over the home, they unintentionally set him on a path that would lead to drum stardom.
Mr. Taylor, who admits to having been a shy teen, found his niche behind the drums. At 17, he found the gumption to jump onstage while the punk band The Damned were playing and drummer Rat Scabies asked if anyone in the audience could play drums. Mr. Taylor played “Sick of Being Sick” before being booted off. Inspired, Mr. Taylor participated in many school bands and then went on to form the regrettably named punk band Scent Organs, who would become regional finalists in a contest sponsored by Melody Maker magazine. After the band broke up in 1979, Mr. Taylor became the third member, and second Taylor, of Duran Duran. It was on vacation with fellow band member John that Mr. Taylor earned his also regrettable nickname of “Froggy Barnacle” after an extended afternoon spent in snorkel gear. For Mr. Taylor, the early 80s were comprised of celebrity, mayhem, white capezio shoes and a fear of flying. He also made a lot of great records.
In 1985, Mr. Taylor took a break from Duran Duran and retreated to his home in the country. He tended his farm, helped raise his children and honed his comedic timing.
In 1995, Mr. Taylor joined Duran Duran on drums for two songs on the band’s Thank You album (also appearing in the video for “Perfect Day”). While not yet ready to come back in to the fold, Mr. Taylor formed the band Freebass, which released a UK top ten dance single, “Love is like Oxygen.”
Re-joining the band full time in 2001, Mr. Taylor resumed his rightful place as drummer of Duran Duran. The two-year Astronaut tour was followed by the making of Red Carpet Massacre, where Mr. Taylor’s knowledge of DJ and Dance culture came in very handy in the studio, particularly on tracks such as “Nite-Runner” and “The Valley” among others.
A great believer in fate – a fatalist if you will – Mr. Taylor doesn’t give a lot of thought to the drum solos that have made him an internationally renowned drummer and hero to many. Though the drum parts from “Girls on Film” and “Wild Boys” are oft mentioned by other drummers as stand outs, Mr. Taylor takes the praise in stride, as he does most of his life’s accomplishments.
Along with his other activities in 2002, Mr. Taylor took the time out to raise money for the NSPCC by appearing on the “Twelve Drummers Drumming” Christmas card in the “Twelve Days of Christmas” set alongside the “other” Roger Taylor from the band Queen (to clear up any misunderstandings people may have had over the years).
While Duran Duran’s Red Carpet Massacre is Mr. Taylor’s first appearance on Broadway, he is the only band member to have a documentary film named after him, the aptly titled Searching for Roger Taylor. [Hence, stage and screen.]
In his free time, Mr. Taylor DJs at the Met bar in London. He also loves swimming, skiing, listening to The Carpenters when no-one else is around and going shopping with his wife. Mr. Taylor could be the most unique member of Duran Duran, having the distinction of moving in to a new house exactly one block away from his old one.
Roger Taylor wishes to thank his parents, his wife Gisella, his children James, Ellea & Elliott, Simon, Nick & John.
JOHN TAYLOR (John). Having conquered the worlds of film (Sugartown), television (VH1’s A Diva’s Christmas Carol), fashion (Juicy for Men) and radio (duh!), Mr. Taylor is ready to tackle his Broadway debut in Duran Duran’s Red Carpet Massacre.
Born Nigel John Taylor in Birmingham, England, Mr. Taylor was a shy child who preferred painting model soldiers to other, more extroverted, pursuits. This changed rapidly with Mr. Taylor’s discovery of music, particularly the band Roxy Music and singer David Bowie. This led Mr. Taylor to make three very fateful decisions before reaching the age of twenty: 1) He would form a band with his neighbor Nick Rhodes even though neither of them knew how to play an instrument 2) After learning to play an instrument, he would make the switch from guitar to bass 3) He would drop the name Nigel because “there were a lot of Johns in rock and pop, but there weren’t any Nigels… and I wasn’t about to become the first one.”
The band Mr. Taylor formed with Mr. Rhodes evolved in to Duran Duran. Inspired by bass player Bernard Edwards (Chic), John added funk to the band’s early sound, a hallmark that remains today. With an eye for art, Mr. Taylor was very involved in the band’s image. He helped to design early album covers and logos, and was instrumental in Duran Duran’s styling. American television program Miami Vice has credited Mr. Taylor’s look in the “Hungry like the Wolf” video for inspiring the wardrobe for the character of “Sonny Crockett,” an honor Mr. Taylor does not take lightly.
For Mr. Taylor, the early 80s were comprised of fame, fortune, fast cars and fun. He also made a lot of great records.
In 1985 during a Duran Duran hiatus, Mr. Taylor formed The Powerstation with band mate Andy Taylor, singer Robert Palmer and drummer Tony Thompson. The group went on to have great success, with two Top Ten singles, a tour, a performance at Live Aid and an appearance on American television program Miami Vice. This experience may – or may not – have led to Mr. Taylor’s interest in acting.
Throwing himself in to acting with the same gusto he had for music, Mr. Taylor has appeared in many films, most notably Alison Anders’ Sugartown and various television shows.
However, Mr. Taylor never left his love of music far behind. He wrote and performed “I Do What I Do,” the theme song for the Mickey Rourke/Kim Basinger film 9 1/2 Weeks, as well as composed the music for the movie Mi Vida Loca. Mr. Taylor was part of the super group Neurotic Outsiders (a/k/a Neurotic Boy Outsiders) along with Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols and Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum of Guns N’ Roses. Signed to Maverick Records, the band released one album and toured through the US and Europe. In 1997, he decided to step away from his part as bass player for Duran Duran and pursue a solo career. The prolific Mr. Taylor, a veritable pioneer who began selling music via the web before practically anyone else, has released many solo albums including Feelings Are Good and Other Lies, Autodidact, Dream Home Heartaches (a Roxy Music tribute album), Meltdown, The Japan Album, Techno For Two and Retreat in to Art.
But not too busy to resume the role he was tailor-made for (pun intended), bass player in Duran Duran. Returning in 2001, Mr. Taylor never missed a beat (second intended pun) and after contributing greatly to the Astronaut album his signature sound can once again be heard all over the funk driven Red Carpet Massacre. A bass hero to many, Mr. Taylor’s work on Duran Duran songs such as “Rio,” “Planet Earth” and RCM’s “Skin Divers” has been distinguished as an inspiration to aspiring bass players.
Not a one-note, our Johnny also found the time to design clothing for Juicy Couture, and, along with his design partner Patty Palazzo, directs the look for the Juicy Couture for Men line. In 2006 Mr. Taylor collaborated with Peavey Guitars and Juicy to create a 4 string bass guitar called the Liberator J84 and a six string guitar called the Liberator A435, named after the main road that led to his childhood home.
In his very sparse free time, Mr. Taylor likes to frequent indie record shops to look for new music, root for Manchester United, watch American TV shows and use his blackberry. John Taylor wishes to thank his parents, his wife Gela, his children Atlanta, Zoe & Travis, Simon, Nick & Roger and whoever invented the internet.
NICK RHODES (Nick). Nick Rhodes had his 21st birthday party at Studio 54. He once joked he would buy The Chrysler Building. He charted Duran Duran’s success by saying they would finish out the year 1984 by performing at Madison Square Garden. It is only fitting that Nick Rhodes makes his Broadway debut in Duran Duran’s Red Carpet Massacre.
Born in Moseley, West Midlands, England, Mr. Rhodes was an imaginative and stylish toddler from the time he could say the word “magenta.” The only child of parents who owned a toy store, Mr. Rhodes’ creativity was always encouraged. It didn’t surprise his parents one bit when their son said he was leaving school at the age of 16 to form a band with his neighbor John Taylor, even though he did not know how to play an instrument.
Mr. Rhodes and Mr. Taylor had a battle plan when they set out to create the band that would eventually become Duran Duran. Settling in at the Rum Runner Club in Birmingham, England, the group worked various jobs in order to rehearse in the club for free. While the other band members had menial tasks such as dish washing, Mr. Rhodes set himself up as the club’s DJ. It was there that he got a feel for what type of music got people on the dance floor.
The band’s resident visionary, Mr. Rhodes was very specific in his goals for Duran Duran. After signing with EMI at the age of 18, he pushed the label to invest in the music video medium, a career decision that set Duran Duran on a path to super stardom. With a mind that worked as fast as his changing hair color, Mr. Rhodes was active in the studio as well, creating his own keyboard parts while making sure he was in the studio for everyone else’s. Mixing several tracks on the band’s Rio album, he was then recruited to produce the debut record by the band Kajagoogoo, who had a #1 single with the song “Too Shy.”
It was during this time that Mr. Rhodes connected with his “spiritual” father, Andy Warhol. After discovering Velvet Underground in his teens, and exploring Andy’s art and written work, Mr. Rhodes made sure meeting Mr. Warhol during Duran Duran’s first visit to New York City was on the agenda. It was the beginning of a wonderful friendship, with Mr. Warhol appearing with Mr. Rhodes and Simon Le Bon when the two were MTV Guest VJs.
During a Duran Duran break, Mr. Rhodes formed Arcadia with band mates Simon Le Bon and Roger Taylor. Arcadia’s So Red the Rose was a success on both sides of the Atlantic, despite the slightly creepy video for “Goodbye is Forever.”
For Mr. Rhodes, the ’80s were comprised of art, late nights, originality and Galaga. He also made a lot of great records.
With a seeming unlimited resource of ideas, Mr. Rhodes dabbles in other art forms as well. A photographer whose work has been shown in many magazines, he has published Interference, a book of his photos. He also continues to work as a Producer, lending his talents to The Dandy Warhols’ Welcome to the Monkey House, Riviera F’s debut International Lover and Duran Duran’s last five releases. Mr. Rhodes is still developing the TV Mania project with Warren Cuccurullo, a recording they refer to as a “triptych opera.” Though unreleased, the duo lent some of their songs to the documentary Trollywood. In 2002, Mr. Rhodes reunited with Duran Duran’s first lead singer, Stephen “Tin Tin” Duffy, and under the name The Devils re-recorded music they had created together in the late ’70s. The resulting album, Dark Circles, was met with critical acclaim and they played one live date together, at the Harvey Nichols store in London. He recently designed – and later auctioned – the world’s first ever video guitar, a Fender Stratocaster whose internal structure was carved out and replaced with a TV pixel screen, which covered the entire face of the guitar. Mr. Rhodes is also the only member of Duran Duran to appear in a cartoon, as the Fighter Pilot that bombs Alec Baldwin in the film South Park Bigger Longer & Uncut.
While enjoying this long set of accomplishments, Mr. Rhodes does not take for granted his status as co-founder and keyboardist for Duran Duran. His signature sound can be heard on tracks such as “Save a Prayer,” “A View to a Kill” and “Notorious.” His early days as a DJ once again came in handy during the recording of Red Carpet Massacre and his unique stamp is on every track. An avid list maker, appearing on Broadway was high up on Mr. Rhodes’ very long “To Do’s.” His starring role in Duran Duran’s Red Carpet Massacre will finally allow him the joy of ticking it off.
Mr. Rhodes has absolutely no free time.
Mr. Rhodes would like to thank his parents, his girlfriend Meredith, his daughter Tatjana, his cat Yag, Marge, Maggie, Lisa, Bart & Homer Simpson, Simon, John & Roger.
DOMINIC BROWN (Dom). The guitarist for Duran Duran, Dom Brown began his professional career at the age of 16 with a performance at The Turk’s Head Pub in Twickenham, Middlesex. Two years later he joined a cover band before moving on to a very successful period as a studio musician. Dom crossed paths with Duran Duran in 2004, when he was given two days to learn the band’s entire touring repertoire. Skilled as he is, Mr. Brown stepped up to the plate and never looked back.
Having toured extensively with several artists including Sugababes, Dom is thrilled to be making his Broadway debut in Duran Duran’s Red Carpet Massacre. It has been an exciting year for Mr. Brown, who alongside a few days in the studio laying guitars down on Duran Duran’s new album, has released his second solo record, Between the Lines, which is available at www.dombrown.com. This latest CD features guest performances by both John Taylor and Roger Taylor of Duran Duran, as well as members of Faithless, Primal Scream, Van Morrison’s band, Medicine Head and Groove Armada. His first solo outing, Touch the Flames, led the magazine The Hit Sheet to comment, “A fresh new UK talent, Dom Brown is not only a great writer but an exceptional artist and multi-instrumentalist.”
A Gemini, Mr. Brown enjoys Italian food, the author Graham Greene, Jimi Hendrix and playing his guitar. Mr. Brown would like to thank his parents, wife, son, Simon, Nick, John, Roger, Anna, Simon W and everyone who has purchased Between the Lines and Touch the Flames.
ANNA ROSS (Anna). Vocalist Anna Ross is the lone female in Duran Duran’s Red Carpet Massacre, a distinction that she does not take lightly.
Miss Ross’ mother first noticed her daughter’s unusual talent when she began singing piano melodies back to her as she played. A prodigy in the making, Miss Ross started performing in the school assembly by singing hymn solos. Realizing her range reached outside the primary set, Miss Ross began singing with a jazz fusion band. She then joined up with V Corporation, making her professional debut on the UK TV program The Tube.
Having toured with Stereophonics, Tina Turner, Tom Jones and Sting, Miss Ross makes her Broadway debut in Duran Duran’s Red Carpet Massacre. While singing “Ordinary World” and “The Reflex” are highlights for Miss Ross, her favorite part of being in Duran Duran is not having to share a dressing room with anyone and discussing the fine detail of make up application with Mr. Rhodes. She dedicates her performance to her parents, friends and Chaka Khan.
SIMON WILLESCROFT (Simon W). The newest member of Duran Duran’s touring company, Mr. Willescroft is making his Broadway debut with Duran Duran’s Red Carpet Massacre. Having begun his musical career playing the recorder in primary school, Mr. Willescroft moved on to the saxophone as a teen. After finishing music college, Mr. Willescroft made his professional debut on a cruise ship as part of a jazz quartet/dance band, where many people boogied to his mellifluous horn blowing.
No stranger to life on the road, Mr. Willescroft has toured with artists such as ABC, Katie Melua and Lemar amongst others, but it is his work with Duran Duran that makes him happiest. Mr. Willescroft was given just one day to practice before joining Duran Duran for his first live performance with them, which happened to be a televised show in Warsaw, Poland in front of a crowd of over 100,000 people. Mr. Willescroft is, thankfully, a fast learner. Whilst “Rio” is his favorite song to play on stage, the smoky jazz interlude during “Notorious” is a close second.
Mr. Willescroft would like to thank his friends, family and Princess Cruise Lines.
* Bios written by Kathryn Krassner OPENING NIGHT: NOVEMBER 1, 2007
Band Manager Wendy Laister
Tour Manager Chris Rowley
Production Manager Mark Ward
On-Site Production Chris Griffiths
Front of House Sound Engineer Snake Newton
Monitor Sound Engineer Charles Bradley
Lighting Design Vince Foster
Video Director Gary Oldknow
Guitar Technician Neal Adcocks
Drum & Bass Technician Beet Troy
Keyboards Technician Ossie Henderson
Head of Security David Casillas
Wardrobe Design Jeffrey Bryant
Wardrobe created by Juicy Couture for Men
Special thanks to: Magus Entertainment, Burt Goldstein, David Kovach and Jennifer Breithaupt at Citi®, Alan Simkowski, Live Nation – Ron Delsener, Dan Parise, Wayne Goldberg, Renee Portoff, Kevin Morrow, Dianne Marino and Jennifer Divietri, Peter Entin and The Schubert Organization, Liz Leahy and the GSG team, Katy Krassner, Patty Palazzo, Chris Rowley, Mark Ward and the entire Duran Duran road crew, Gavin Elder, Nick Militello, Michele Laurita-Wickman, Nick Egan, Stephanie Pistel, Jan Brody, Juicy Couture for Men – designed by Laura Anthony with thanks to Ade Wood and Patty Palazzo.
243 West 47th Street
A Schubert Organization Theatre
Gerald Schoenfeld, Chairman Philip J. Smith, President
Robert E. Wankel, Executive Vice President
Citi® is pleased to present DURAN DURAN’S RED CARPET MASSACRE
Music by
DURAN DURAN: SIMON LE BON JOHN TAYLOR NICK RHODES ROGER TAYLOR
DOM BROWN SIMON WILLESCROFT ANNA ROSS
CAST
Simon Le Bon Vocals John Taylor Bass Nick Rhodes Keyboards Roger Taylor Drums Dom Brown Guitar Anna Ross Backing Vocals Simon Willescroft Saxophone
SET LIST
ACT ONE Red Carpet Massacre – The Album
Intermission
ACT TWO ElectroSet ACT THREE Essential Duran Duran
STANDBYS
Standbys never substitute for listed players
unless a specific announcement for the appearance is made at the time of the performance.
For Simon: Lindsay Lohan
For John: Scott Tracy
For Nick: Tristan Tzara
For Roger: Gordan Banks
There will be one 15-minute Intermission
WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST
SIMON LE BON (Simon). Mr. Le Bon made his theatre debut in the West End production of “Tom Brown’s School Days.” He is thrilled to return to the stage in the Broadway production of Duran Duran’s Red Carpet Massacre.
As a young child, Le Bon’s appearance as ”the boy in the dirty shirt” in a TV commercial for Persil (powdered laundry detergent) left him with a profound sense of inferiority which, it has been hypothesized, provided the impetus which has spurred him on ever since. Born into expectation; the son of an opera diva with a leaning to Wicca and one of the “dark men of St James” – even now, little is known about the activities of his father. The singer first made his mark in the choir of St John’s Parish Church Pinner. With his angelic face and perfect soprano, he was a favorite amongst churchgoers. It should be added that the same couldn’t be said for the other choristers who generally regarded him as a precocious upstart.
After brief lead vocal appearances for Bolleaux, puke rock band Dog Days, and the austere Rov Ostrov, it was while studying Drama at the University of Birmingham that Le Bon began to contemplate “throwing in the cravat.” He put his acting career on hold in order to pursue his dream of singing in a rock band full time. In May of 1980 Le Bon became the last member to join Duran Duran. He turned up at his audition wearing the now infamous (and much missed) pink leopard print trousers and carrying a book full of compositions. Having been writing on his own for years, he brought the songs “Waiting For the Nightboat,” “The Chauffeur,” and “Careless Memories” to Duran Duran. It was a match made in heaven or thereabout.
Within six weeks he was on the road with the band, opening for UK legend Hazel O’Connor and signing a record deal with EMI. To everyone’s relief, including that of the dramatic community, Le Bon decided never to return to acting.
Duran Duran enjoyed the heady upswing of fame and success. When in 1985 they took a break, it was time for other things. And so During the Fastnet Race that Summer his ocean racing maxi yacht DRUM lost her keel and the boat capsized in the near freezing waters of the Atlantic. Along with five other crewmen, Le Bon was trapped for an hour inside the upturned hull. This resulted in Duran Duran’s one and only People magazine cover feature as well as Le Bon’s first solo recording – “Grey Lady of the Sea” is featured in the hit documentary DRUM. The following spring, DRUM did in fact cross the finish line of the Whitbread Round The World Race, in third place with Le Bon alternatively “at the helm” or “over the lifeline – sick as a dog” depending on whose story you believe.
It is now a commonly held to be true, that for Le Bon, the 80’s were mainly comprised of sporting accidents, international super stardom, acclaim, the jet-set lifestyle, super-models, skimpy underwear and sadly, little inhibition. He also made a lot of great records.
Although Le Bon is happy with his status in Duran Duran, he has also written and recorded songs without his band mates. While he can take credit for penning lyrics to more than a handful of the world’s most recognizable and enduring pop songs including “Planet Earth,” “Girls on Film,” “Hungry like the Wolf,” “Rio,” “Notorious,” “Wild Boys,” “I Don’t Want Your Love,” “Ordinary World” (for which Duran Duran won an Ivor Novello Award), “Come Undone” and “(Reach Up for the) Sunrise,” he has also contributed lyrics to the song “Follow in my Footsteps” for the charity project Requiem For the Americas and “Do That Dance” – the Nile Rodgers’ produced disco song.
As part owner of Japan’s SYN Entertainment, he has also participated in various company projects including the song “Dreamboyz” for the Mario Van Peebles film Love Kills, a cover of The Who’s “Magic Bus,” a samba version of Duran Duran’s own “Save a Prayer” with Sylvio Anastacio, “Miss Pretty Queen” for Japanese duo Zwei and “Nobody Knows,” the theme song for “Synesthesia” – an interactive online Manga project.
As well as fronting Duran Duran, Le Bon has appeared on stage alongside such greats as Lou Reed, Luciano Pavarotti, Dolores O’Riordan, Wham!, and Brian Eno. With the completion of Red Carpet Massacre, Simon Le Bon has, in his own words, “done his best work to date.”
He is happy to be back on stage in Duran Duran’s Red Carpet Massacre in the role he was born to play – lead singer of an internationally fabulous rock band.
Although confirmed in the Anglican Church, Le Bon describes his spiritual standing variously as “a confirmed atheist”; “godless to the bone”; “not actually sure”; “if there’s free wine involved – count me in” and “I never really did like pork anyway and if it’s good enough for Esther (Madonna) – call me Isaac.”
In his spare time, Le Bon likes sailing boats – other people’s mostly; Manchester United Football Club; Patron Tequila (silver), and women in thigh length patent leather boots – like most other Englishmen.
Simon Le Bon wishes to thank his wife Yasmin; his daughters Amber, Saffron & Tallulah; The family Le Bon; Nick, John, Roger and Quik-Fix rapid response unit.
ROGER TAYLOR (Roger). With his appearance in Duran Duran’s Red Carpet Massacre, Mr. Taylor is realizing a lifelong ambition to be the star of screen, stage and television. Almost.
Roger Taylor was born in Castle Bromwich, England and began drumming as a pre teen. Using whatever he had around the house to create sound, his parents soon realized that Roger’s ambition was to be either a professional football player or a drummer. Preferring to get him a drum kit than allow him to kick things all over the home, they unintentionally set him on a path that would lead to drum stardom.
Mr. Taylor, who admits to having been a shy teen, found his niche behind the drums. At 17, he found the gumption to jump onstage while the punk band The Damned were playing and drummer Rat Scabies asked if anyone in the audience could play drums. Mr. Taylor played “Sick of Being Sick” before being booted off. Inspired, Mr. Taylor participated in many school bands and then went on to form the regrettably named punk band Scent Organs, who would become regional finalists in a contest sponsored by Melody Maker magazine. After the band broke up in 1979, Mr. Taylor became the third member, and second Taylor, of Duran Duran. It was on vacation with fellow band member John that Mr. Taylor earned his also regrettable nickname of “Froggy Barnacle” after an extended afternoon spent in snorkel gear. For Mr. Taylor, the early 80s were comprised of celebrity, mayhem, white capezio shoes and a fear of flying. He also made a lot of great records.
In 1985, Mr. Taylor took a break from Duran Duran and retreated to his home in the country. He tended his farm, helped raise his children and honed his comedic timing.
In 1995, Mr. Taylor joined Duran Duran on drums for two songs on the band’s Thank You album (also appearing in the video for “Perfect Day”). While not yet ready to come back in to the fold, Mr. Taylor formed the band Freebass, which released a UK top ten dance single, “Love is like Oxygen.”
Re-joining the band full time in 2001, Mr. Taylor resumed his rightful place as drummer of Duran Duran. The two-year Astronaut tour was followed by the making of Red Carpet Massacre, where Mr. Taylor’s knowledge of DJ and Dance culture came in very handy in the studio, particularly on tracks such as “Nite-Runner” and “The Valley” among others.
A great believer in fate – a fatalist if you will – Mr. Taylor doesn’t give a lot of thought to the drum solos that have made him an internationally renowned drummer and hero to many. Though the drum parts from “Girls on Film” and “Wild Boys” are oft mentioned by other drummers as stand outs, Mr. Taylor takes the praise in stride, as he does most of his life’s accomplishments.
Along with his other activities in 2002, Mr. Taylor took the time out to raise money for the NSPCC by appearing on the “Twelve Drummers Drumming” Christmas card in the “Twelve Days of Christmas” set alongside the “other” Roger Taylor from the band Queen (to clear up any misunderstandings people may have had over the years).
While Duran Duran’s Red Carpet Massacre is Mr. Taylor’s first appearance on Broadway, he is the only band member to have a documentary film named after him, the aptly titled Searching for Roger Taylor. [Hence, stage and screen.]
In his free time, Mr. Taylor DJs at the Met bar in London. He also loves swimming, skiing, listening to The Carpenters when no-one else is around and going shopping with his wife. Mr. Taylor could be the most unique member of Duran Duran, having the distinction of moving in to a new house exactly one block away from his old one.
Roger Taylor wishes to thank his parents, his wife Gisella, his children James, Ellea & Elliott, Simon, Nick & John.
JOHN TAYLOR (John). Having conquered the worlds of film (Sugartown), television (VH1’s A Diva’s Christmas Carol), fashion (Juicy for Men) and radio (duh!), Mr. Taylor is ready to tackle his Broadway debut in Duran Duran’s Red Carpet Massacre.
Born Nigel John Taylor in Birmingham, England, Mr. Taylor was a shy child who preferred painting model soldiers to other, more extroverted, pursuits. This changed rapidly with Mr. Taylor’s discovery of music, particularly the band Roxy Music and singer David Bowie. This led Mr. Taylor to make three very fateful decisions before reaching the age of twenty: 1) He would form a band with his neighbor Nick Rhodes even though neither of them knew how to play an instrument 2) After learning to play an instrument, he would make the switch from guitar to bass 3) He would drop the name Nigel because “there were a lot of Johns in rock and pop, but there weren’t any Nigels… and I wasn’t about to become the first one.”
The band Mr. Taylor formed with Mr. Rhodes evolved in to Duran Duran. Inspired by bass player Bernard Edwards (Chic), John added funk to the band’s early sound, a hallmark that remains today. With an eye for art, Mr. Taylor was very involved in the band’s image. He helped to design early album covers and logos, and was instrumental in Duran Duran’s styling. American television program Miami Vice has credited Mr. Taylor’s look in the “Hungry like the Wolf” video for inspiring the wardrobe for the character of “Sonny Crockett,” an honor Mr. Taylor does not take lightly.
For Mr. Taylor, the early 80s were comprised of fame, fortune, fast cars and fun. He also made a lot of great records.
In 1985 during a Duran Duran hiatus, Mr. Taylor formed The Powerstation with band mate Andy Taylor, singer Robert Palmer and drummer Tony Thompson. The group went on to have great success, with two Top Ten singles, a tour, a performance at Live Aid and an appearance on American television program Miami Vice. This experience may – or may not – have led to Mr. Taylor’s interest in acting.
Throwing himself in to acting with the same gusto he had for music, Mr. Taylor has appeared in many films, most notably Alison Anders’ Sugartown and various television shows.
However, Mr. Taylor never left his love of music far behind. He wrote and performed “I Do What I Do,” the theme song for the Mickey Rourke/Kim Basinger film 9 1/2 Weeks, as well as composed the music for the movie Mi Vida Loca. Mr. Taylor was part of the super group Neurotic Outsiders (a/k/a Neurotic Boy Outsiders) along with Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols and Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum of Guns N’ Roses. Signed to Maverick Records, the band released one album and toured through the US and Europe. In 1997, he decided to step away from his part as bass player for Duran Duran and pursue a solo career. The prolific Mr. Taylor, a veritable pioneer who began selling music via the web before practically anyone else, has released many solo albums including Feelings Are Good and Other Lies, Autodidact, Dream Home Heartaches (a Roxy Music tribute album), Meltdown, The Japan Album, Techno For Two and Retreat in to Art.
But not too busy to resume the role he was tailor-made for (pun intended), bass player in Duran Duran. Returning in 2001, Mr. Taylor never missed a beat (second intended pun) and after contributing greatly to the Astronaut album his signature sound can once again be heard all over the funk driven Red Carpet Massacre. A bass hero to many, Mr. Taylor’s work on Duran Duran songs such as “Rio,” “Planet Earth” and RCM’s “Skin Divers” has been distinguished as an inspiration to aspiring bass players.
Not a one-note, our Johnny also found the time to design clothing for Juicy Couture, and, along with his design partner Patty Palazzo, directs the look for the Juicy Couture for Men line. In 2006 Mr. Taylor collaborated with Peavey Guitars and Juicy to create a 4 string bass guitar called the Liberator J84 and a six string guitar called the Liberator A435, named after the main road that led to his childhood home.
In his very sparse free time, Mr. Taylor likes to frequent indie record shops to look for new music, root for Manchester United, watch American TV shows and use his blackberry. John Taylor wishes to thank his parents, his wife Gela, his children Atlanta, Zoe & Travis, Simon, Nick & Roger and whoever invented the internet.
NICK RHODES (Nick). Nick Rhodes had his 21st birthday party at Studio 54. He once joked he would buy The Chrysler Building. He charted Duran Duran’s success by saying they would finish out the year 1984 by performing at Madison Square Garden. It is only fitting that Nick Rhodes makes his Broadway debut in Duran Duran’s Red Carpet Massacre.
Born in Moseley, West Midlands, England, Mr. Rhodes was an imaginative and stylish toddler from the time he could say the word “magenta.” The only child of parents who owned a toy store, Mr. Rhodes’ creativity was always encouraged. It didn’t surprise his parents one bit when their son said he was leaving school at the age of 16 to form a band with his neighbor John Taylor, even though he did not know how to play an instrument.
Mr. Rhodes and Mr. Taylor had a battle plan when they set out to create the band that would eventually become Duran Duran. Settling in at the Rum Runner Club in Birmingham, England, the group worked various jobs in order to rehearse in the club for free. While the other band members had menial tasks such as dish washing, Mr. Rhodes set himself up as the club’s DJ. It was there that he got a feel for what type of music got people on the dance floor.
The band’s resident visionary, Mr. Rhodes was very specific in his goals for Duran Duran. After signing with EMI at the age of 18, he pushed the label to invest in the music video medium, a career decision that set Duran Duran on a path to super stardom. With a mind that worked as fast as his changing hair color, Mr. Rhodes was active in the studio as well, creating his own keyboard parts while making sure he was in the studio for everyone else’s. Mixing several tracks on the band’s Rio album, he was then recruited to produce the debut record by the band Kajagoogoo, who had a #1 single with the song “Too Shy.”
It was during this time that Mr. Rhodes connected with his “spiritual” father, Andy Warhol. After discovering Velvet Underground in his teens, and exploring Andy’s art and written work, Mr. Rhodes made sure meeting Mr. Warhol during Duran Duran’s first visit to New York City was on the agenda. It was the beginning of a wonderful friendship, with Mr. Warhol appearing with Mr. Rhodes and Simon Le Bon when the two were MTV Guest VJs.
During a Duran Duran break, Mr. Rhodes formed Arcadia with band mates Simon Le Bon and Roger Taylor. Arcadia’s So Red the Rose was a success on both sides of the Atlantic, despite the slightly creepy video for “Goodbye is Forever.”
For Mr. Rhodes, the ’80s were comprised of art, late nights, originality and Galaga. He also made a lot of great records.
With a seeming unlimited resource of ideas, Mr. Rhodes dabbles in other art forms as well. A photographer whose work has been shown in many magazines, he has published Interference, a book of his photos. He also continues to work as a Producer, lending his talents to The Dandy Warhols’ Welcome to the Monkey House, Riviera F’s debut International Lover and Duran Duran’s last five releases. Mr. Rhodes is still developing the TV Mania project with Warren Cuccurullo, a recording they refer to as a “triptych opera.” Though unreleased, the duo lent some of their songs to the documentary Trollywood. In 2002, Mr. Rhodes reunited with Duran Duran’s first lead singer, Stephen “Tin Tin” Duffy, and under the name The Devils re-recorded music they had created together in the late ’70s. The resulting album, Dark Circles, was met with critical acclaim and they played one live date together, at the Harvey Nichols store in London. He recently designed – and later auctioned – the world’s first ever video guitar, a Fender Stratocaster whose internal structure was carved out and replaced with a TV pixel screen, which covered the entire face of the guitar. Mr. Rhodes is also the only member of Duran Duran to appear in a cartoon, as the Fighter Pilot that bombs Alec Baldwin in the film South Park Bigger Longer & Uncut.
While enjoying this long set of accomplishments, Mr. Rhodes does not take for granted his status as co-founder and keyboardist for Duran Duran. His signature sound can be heard on tracks such as “Save a Prayer,” “A View to a Kill” and “Notorious.” His early days as a DJ once again came in handy during the recording of Red Carpet Massacre and his unique stamp is on every track. An avid list maker, appearing on Broadway was high up on Mr. Rhodes’ very long “To Do’s.” His starring role in Duran Duran’s Red Carpet Massacre will finally allow him the joy of ticking it off.
Mr. Rhodes has absolutely no free time.
Mr. Rhodes would like to thank his parents, his girlfriend Meredith, his daughter Tatjana, his cat Yag, Marge, Maggie, Lisa, Bart & Homer Simpson, Simon, John & Roger.
DOMINIC BROWN (Dom). The guitarist for Duran Duran, Dom Brown began his professional career at the age of 16 with a performance at The Turk’s Head Pub in Twickenham, Middlesex. Two years later he joined a cover band before moving on to a very successful period as a studio musician. Dom crossed paths with Duran Duran in 2004, when he was given two days to learn the band’s entire touring repertoire. Skilled as he is, Mr. Brown stepped up to the plate and never looked back.
Having toured extensively with several artists including Sugababes, Dom is thrilled to be making his Broadway debut in Duran Duran’s Red Carpet Massacre. It has been an exciting year for Mr. Brown, who alongside a few days in the studio laying guitars down on Duran Duran’s new album, has released his second solo record, Between the Lines, which is available at www.dombrown.com. This latest CD features guest performances by both John Taylor and Roger Taylor of Duran Duran, as well as members of Faithless, Primal Scream, Van Morrison’s band, Medicine Head and Groove Armada. His first solo outing, Touch the Flames, led the magazine The Hit Sheet to comment, “A fresh new UK talent, Dom Brown is not only a great writer but an exceptional artist and multi-instrumentalist.”
A Gemini, Mr. Brown enjoys Italian food, the author Graham Greene, Jimi Hendrix and playing his guitar. Mr. Brown would like to thank his parents, wife, son, Simon, Nick, John, Roger, Anna, Simon W and everyone who has purchased Between the Lines and Touch the Flames.
ANNA ROSS (Anna). Vocalist Anna Ross is the lone female in Duran Duran’s Red Carpet Massacre, a distinction that she does not take lightly.
Miss Ross’ mother first noticed her daughter’s unusual talent when she began singing piano melodies back to her as she played. A prodigy in the making, Miss Ross started performing in the school assembly by singing hymn solos. Realizing her range reached outside the primary set, Miss Ross began singing with a jazz fusion band. She then joined up with V Corporation, making her professional debut on the UK TV program The Tube.
Having toured with Stereophonics, Tina Turner, Tom Jones and Sting, Miss Ross makes her Broadway debut in Duran Duran’s Red Carpet Massacre. While singing “Ordinary World” and “The Reflex” are highlights for Miss Ross, her favorite part of being in Duran Duran is not having to share a dressing room with anyone and discussing the fine detail of make up application with Mr. Rhodes. She dedicates her performance to her parents, friends and Chaka Khan.
SIMON WILLESCROFT (Simon W). The newest member of Duran Duran’s touring company, Mr. Willescroft is making his Broadway debut with Duran Duran’s Red Carpet Massacre. Having begun his musical career playing the recorder in primary school, Mr. Willescroft moved on to the saxophone as a teen. After finishing music college, Mr. Willescroft made his professional debut on a cruise ship as part of a jazz quartet/dance band, where many people boogied to his mellifluous horn blowing.
No stranger to life on the road, Mr. Willescroft has toured with artists such as ABC, Katie Melua and Lemar amongst others, but it is his work with Duran Duran that makes him happiest. Mr. Willescroft was given just one day to practice before joining Duran Duran for his first live performance with them, which happened to be a televised show in Warsaw, Poland in front of a crowd of over 100,000 people. Mr. Willescroft is, thankfully, a fast learner. Whilst “Rio” is his favorite song to play on stage, the smoky jazz interlude during “Notorious” is a close second.
Mr. Willescroft would like to thank his friends, family and Princess Cruise Lines.
* Bios written by Kathryn Krassner OPENING NIGHT: NOVEMBER 1, 2007
Band Manager Wendy Laister
Tour Manager Chris Rowley
Production Manager Mark Ward
On-Site Production Chris Griffiths
Front of House Sound Engineer Snake Newton
Monitor Sound Engineer Charles Bradley
Lighting Design Vince Foster
Video Director Gary Oldknow
Guitar Technician Neal Adcocks
Drum & Bass Technician Beet Troy
Keyboards Technician Ossie Henderson
Head of Security David Casillas
Wardrobe Design Jeffrey Bryant
Wardrobe created by Juicy Couture for Men
Special thanks to: Magus Entertainment, Burt Goldstein, David Kovach and Jennifer Breithaupt at Citi®, Alan Simkowski, Live Nation – Ron Delsener, Dan Parise, Wayne Goldberg, Renee Portoff, Kevin Morrow, Dianne Marino and Jennifer Divietri, Peter Entin and The Schubert Organization, Liz Leahy and the GSG team, Katy Krassner, Patty Palazzo, Chris Rowley, Mark Ward and the entire Duran Duran road crew, Gavin Elder, Nick Militello, Michele Laurita-Wickman, Nick Egan, Stephanie Pistel, Jan Brody, Juicy Couture for Men – designed by Laura Anthony with thanks to Ade Wood and Patty Palazzo.