Ola! Angie 'Late Barr' here to once again do that monthly DD Stateside update thing I do! The topic for my editorial this month is "The Future Of Duran Duran" I know that this is a topic that a lot of us are concerned with right now! I have thought a great deal about this topic since I last spoke with you. The main thing that I can say about this subject is that I feel that Duran Duran DEFINITELY DOES have a future! Yes, they have lost one of the founding members, however, they still have the ‘grandfather’ of DD, Nick, and the most critical element of the band, Simon (can you tell I’m a Simon fan? Yes, I’m biased! *giggle*) Which I think is plenty enough to see them through! Not to mention the most hard-working of all the members, Warren!

I was very glad when I heard that the guys still planned to continue on as Duran Duran when John left! I think that it is the only logical thing that they could do! Now, from what I understand, the band IS planning to remove John’s basslines off of all the tracks on ‘Medazzaland’ except possibly ‘Sinner Or Saint’. Discussing this issue with a Duranie friend of mine in Texas a couple of days ago, she explained to me that this is only being done for legal and royalty reasons. Yes, the lines have already been created, and yes, John will have to be paid for the work that he did, however, if they use the lines on the album, they are required to give him credit on the album, and he will be entitled to royalties from any sales of the album present or future, which neither of the parties wanted for reasons of simplification of the split. So, that is why the decision was made to re-record them.

Of course, ‘Medazzaland’ is the title that the band is still using for the album, which I am glad to hear! Of course, I get the feeling that Simon doesn’t like it too much because of the ‘personal’ references that it is about *giggle*, but I guess he’s gotten used to it *smile*, and I think it’s the ONLY logical choice for the title!

I guess, in short, the future of Duran Duran is very solid! I think that Capital has finally gotten the message, and they plan to market ‘Medazzaland’ properly (as has not been done with several other DD albums in the past) If things go well, and as planned, I think we will see a media and marketing blitz like we’ve never seen before!! Especially considering that they have been working so hard that they were promoting a single in the states that hadn’t even been released yet, and, we were later to learn, wouldn’t be, but that’s a whole different topic by itself and will be covered later!

Speaking of singles, the good news is that I have a good friend in Scotland who is sending me the first of the two CD set of the "Out Of My Mind" single! On it are two versions of "Out Of My Mind", "Silva Halo" and "Sinner Or Saint" the second CD is simply four remixes of "Out Of My Mind" this format is similar to the European release of "Perfect Day" if any of you remember. I will give you a review of "Silva Halo" and "Sinner Or Saint" as soon as I get the CD he is sending me! Okay!

Until then, you can find a small Real Audio sample of "Silva Halo" (only a very small sample of the chorus I believe) and the words (and soon, I think a sample) of "Sinner Or Saint" at John Wood’s website "Room7609" on the internet! Just use a search engine and type in Duran Duran, and "Room7609" should come up! Go to the music section, and choose ‘Medazzaland’ and you will find the information! Also check out ‘B-Side Ourselves’ while you are there! Many interesting things there!

Another factor that I think figures in heavily in the future of Duran Duran is the fact that, as long as Nick is around, and owns the rights to the name "Duran Duran" *giggle* as he now does, there will always be a Duran Duran! It must be expected that things will grow and change over time, and I, for one, feel very positively that the future of Duran Duran is a very bright one! And altho, I do wish John all the best of luck in the world, I feel, unfortunately that he is going to need it! The cards are stacked against him at this point, and he is not a well known or well received artist outside the Duran Duran circle as of yet. This will make it difficult for him to survive on his own. Further, as much as he would like to, he will never shed his Duran Duran image. These things, I fear will make the solo road a long and hard one for him. However, I wish him all the best!

Again, just as a reminder, the release date for ‘Medazzaland’ has been set as

Let’s hope that does not change! Also remember the release of Warren’s second solo album ‘Machine Language’ May 20th! I will get my copy as soon as possible and give you a review as soon as I get it! Okay! I guess that’s all I have to update you with at the moment! I will look forward to updating you again next month!! Until then, everyone take care!! And keep on loving the "Wild Boys"! I’ll talk to you all again soon!!

WOOSH!!!

Late Barr

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