Fab 4 From Britain: All You Need Is Now

 Cocaine Princess here.

On Easter Monday sister and I saw Duran Duran in concert. Long time readers of my blog know I am a die hard Duranie. The tour “All You Need Is Now” wasn’t a big arena tour. The idea was to purposely stage small shows as a way of promoting their 13th studio album which is why they played a small venue at a club in the city.

The venue had no seats, standing room only. A limited number of special VIP member-only packages were available through the fan club which I am a proud member of. I bought 2 VIP. One of the perks of purchasing a VIP tix {aside from all the goodies: autographed CD, T-shirt, concert programme, lanyard} we were guaranteed early entry to secure a spot. A day before the concert  VIP'ers were sent an urgent email from the promoters with a slight change of plans. "VIP'ers must show up at the club no later than 4pm to sign in and receive your early entry wristband." We arrived by 2pm-ish and there were a few people ahead of us and shortly after our arrival the line increased in numbers. In total there was between  75 to 100 people not including the 100s of General Admission people who were in a separate line. 4:30pm rolled around and all of us began to wonder why we weren’t being let inside. Fans were growing restless. FINALLY a staff member stepped out of the club with an announcement.

1} VIP'ers would be let in at 7:00pm.  General Admission, 7:30pm.

2} No photos allowed.

"Are you frigging kidding me?!?!?" That was the crowd's reaction but instead of the word "frigging" that "other F~word" was used multiple times. Except for in the movie Scarface never in my life have I heard repetitive use of the F~word. The burly female security guard yelled back at those who were complaining: "I don't make the rules! Don't shoot the messenger!" She went onto say that anyone who had a camera would have to leave it behind in their car as bags would be searched and anyone with a camera in their possession would not be permitted to enter.

Again, more complaints. Not everyone arrived by car. Some came by taxi, some came by bus. I honestly thought a riot was going to break out. Everyone was furious. The big female security guard stepped back inside the club and returned a few minutes later. I'm assuming she spoke to management because in a shouting tone she warned if any cameras were seen in use security would confiscate them on the spot. And then she returned back inside. We had no choice but to wait until 7pm. Nobody of course wanted to leave the line or otherwise they would have lost their place. At that point we had been in line for nearly 2 hours and oh, did I mention I was wearing 3 inch stilettos and it was pouring rain? Tsk, tsk, tsk I do believe we were experiencing typical British weather in honor of the Fab 4 from Britain. Luckily there was a huge canopy covering us and sister being the practical one packed her trusty London Fog umbrella-ella-ella-eh-eh...... {See what I did there!}


6:30-7:00

2 club staff members came out with a clipboard crossing off everyone's name on the VIP list while slapping our wrists with orange wristbands. Here's my dainty wrist:

:

7pm finally rolled around and we were let inside for drinkies and to secure a spot. I wasn't too interested in having a drinkie seeing how alcohol makes me sleepy. I was able to get right in the front row but unfortunately not in the center which I wanted so badly. Why? Being in the center would have given me a direct and perfect view of Simon "Luscious" Le Bon! I was in the front row but on the left hand side which is known to fans as "The John Taylor side." The club had 2 bars and let me tell you there were a lot of happy fans there that night. It’s always a delight when someone reeking of alcohol breath tries drumming up a casual conversation: How are you? How long have you been a fan? How many DD concerts have you attended? Who is your favorite? 

Many fans decided to ignore the big burly woman’s warning and whipped out their cameras. Security was everywhere including 2 guys who were standing right in front of the stage. I thought if others were taking pics why can't I? I mean it's not like they can only confiscate one person's camera, they would have to take everyones'. I took several photos and not one security guard threatened to “confiscate” it. Since the concert took place in a club it was a little hard taking pictures not only because of the tight quarters but because the fans that were standing behind, kept pushing those of us in the front against the rail guard. It’s a miracle I didn’t crack a rib. Unfortunately in most of the shots you'll see this one damn security guard’s face who refused to move. Months earlier the band held a contest encouraging fans to come up with videos for each one of their songs from their new album. Before the band came on stage the winning videos were presented and they were pretty creative! And now on to the show! Enjoy.


THE SET LIST
Planet Earth, Hungry Like The Wolf, All You Need Is Now, Being Followed, Notorious, Safe (In the Heat of the Moment), Leave A Light On, Friends Of Mine, Blame the Machines, The Chauffeur, Ordinary World, Girl Panic!, Careless Memories, Reach Up For The Sunrise, Rio, The Reflex, Girls On Film

"PLANET EARTH"
♫ Only came outside to watch the night fall with the rain ♫

I was very pleased to see Simon Le Bon didn't shave off his beard. I likey!
 

"HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLF"

♫ I'll be upon you by the moonlight side ♫

Simon revealed he is a huge supporter of Julian Assage before singing this next one:

"BEING FOLLOWED"

♫ Someone always watching what we do ♫

  

 "NOTORIOUS"

♫ So long as boys make a noise ♫

Above, back up musician Simon Willescroft on the tambourine.

 "Safe {In The Heat Of The Moment}"

♫ How 'bout you and me get down? ♫   

Leave A Light On from their new album is a pure gem. The lyrics speak for themselves:

 

"Leave A Light On"

 ♫ I'll come there, you can leave a light on for me ♫

 

Simon toweling off his sweat:

Simon told the crowd he felt like he was in a sauna. Trust me he wasn't the only one. 1000 people crammed into a club, dancing and singing under hot lights and fog machines made for one extremely sweaty night. Even John Taylor tweeted about it after the show: 

@thisistherealJT  TORONTO-TONITE-HOT AS IN MOISTURE DRIP DROPPING, POURING OFF OUR BODIES, SLICKING OUR HANDS AND FACES. I LIKE PLAYING UNDER THOSE CONDITIONS     April-26-11 12:01:07 AM  via TweetDeck 

 "Friends Of Mine" 

♫ Georgie Davis is coming out no more heroes we twist and shout  ♫

" Blame The Machines"

♫ I'm driving up the autobahn ♫

I love this song from their 1983 album Rio. The moment Simon donned a chauffeur’s hat the crowd went wild! The video is an homage to Charlotte Rampling's topless, fetishistic "Dance of the Seven Veils" in Liliana Cavani's famous 1974 film The Night Porter. Sensual yet tasteful.

"The Chauffeur"

 ♫ Sweating dew drops ♫

  

Simon dedicated Ordinary World to his "good and dear friend Michael Hutchence {Inxs}" and to anyone else who has ever lost a loved one.

"Ordinary World"

 ♫ Still I can't escape the ghost of you ♫

"Girl Panic!"

 ♫ Dress falling off your shoulder ♫

"Careless Memories"

 ♫ So easy to disturb, with a thought ♫

Dom Brown who replaced Andy Taylor:
 

"Reach Up For The Sunrise"
♫ Put your hands into the big sky ♫

"Rio"

 ♫ Cherry ice cream smile I suppose it's very nice ♫

"The Reflex"

 ♫ The reflex is in charge of finding treasure in the dark ♫
 

Simon dancing "On The Valentine"

The Finale:

"Girls On Film"

 ♫ Heads turning as the lights flashing out it's so bright ♫
 

The only one shot I was able to get of drummer
Roger Taylor.

Simon craving applause:

Still not satisfied, he wants more! Just as with Roger, I was only able to get one picture of Nick Rhodes:

The final bow:

Until next time Monsieur Le Bon:

**** 

I was on my feet in heels for a total of nearly 7hours {that includes waiting in line in the cold damp weather} and even though I was pushed, shoved and nearly crushed, you know what? It was totally worth it seeing my all time fave band preform live! I had a phenomenal time. Life is about making memories and Easter Monday 2011 is definitely one I'll always remember. From Simon Le Bon's twitter page:

@SimonJCLeBON  We had a bit of a bonzer show tonite in TO.    2:56 AM Apr 26th  via web  

****

My loyal and dear readers, it's finally Friday. 

The Royal Wedding is about to be broadcast live in a few hours and I shall be watching it. What can I say other than once in awhile my British side comes peaking out.

Whatever your plans are have an incredible last weekend of April. -x

XOXOXOXO,

Cocaine Princess