This book, titled Duran Duran, had its text written by Mike West, updated edition in 1984 (paperback), copyright 1983, published by Babylon Books. ISBN # 0 907188 25 7.

Section 1. "We want to be the band to dance to when the bomb drops." There is a nice bit in here about where they got their name. First time I heard them being compared to Queen, even though I knew both band had drummers named Roger Taylor.

Section 2. "There are plenty of bands catering for people who want to hear how bad life is. We're not interested in that." This section talks about how Simon, Nick, Roger, Andy, and John got together.

Section 3. 'We're much more concerned with following our own direction. Only the best of any movement survives." Discussion of the London music scene and how Duran Duran did not release a record on their own or on a local label prior to being signed to a national contract and how that was unusual for a band in the post-punk era.

Section 4. "The main responsibility we have is to give people a good time, to give them what they pay for." Touring with Hazel O'Connor and Megahype in November and December 1980. Signing with EMI, getting their own choice of studio and producer, Colin Thurston, for their first album and their own production label - TRITEC. Appearing on BBC TV's Top of the Pops. How their first album/singles charted.

Section 5. "An incredibly mature debut bristling with prospective hit singles." Betty Page reviewing the album Duran Duran in Sounds. Lack of British success for the single 'Careless Memories'. First tour in U.S. at small venues. Were New Romantic bands leaders of some sinister British Nazi movement? Being, for the most part, critically acclaimed on their first album. The Girls on Film video being banned for being too sexy. Seeing older audiences at the European Festival dates.

Section 6. "It's all our lives, it's all we've ever wanted to do." Second visit to the U.S. Beginning writing and rehearsals for their second album. On being #1 abroad yet not at home. A challenging, unexpected appearance in late 1981 on "Old Grey Whistle Test".

Section 7. "They are making merry money." Touring, touring, and more touring. A Duran Duran lunchbox in Japan. Filming of videos in the beautiful Sri Lanka. Rio brings a subtle change of emphasis in their recorded work to appeal to the American market. Another good review from Melody Maker.

Section 8. "We've evolved into a perfectly lubricated and balanced machine." Hungry like the Wolf became their biggest UK single (#2). It was their videos rather than their live performances that got Duran Duran on the American charts. I have to say that I became interested in them in 1982 after seeing "Hungry Like the Wolf" on MTV. Not long after that they became my favorite band and have been ever since. Andy becoming ill. And more touring.

Section 9. "Duran Delirium!" Domination of the pop polls. Release of the Duran Duran video cassette. Since the infamous Girls on Film video was included in this release, they had the first music video to be rated "Over 18 only". Nick produced Kajagoogoo. While they rapidly rose to success, they were put down as a copycat leading to Limahl's leaving the band in 1983. Personally, I don't think they sound like Duran Duran at all. The Prince of Wales' Trust concert and MENCAP are mentioned. Also, how they disliked the isolation and climate in Montserrat, so they completed recording in Sydney, Australia.

Section 10. "The most popular band in the world." Playing at much larger venues like Aston Villa by July 1983. The problems with their performance at the Prince of Wales Trust concert. Comparison to the Beatles.

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