I had a very "deprived" teenage life as far as social gimmicks are concerned. I never had the chance to attend any high school dances and never had the opportunity to attend concerts by international acts.Lesley's birthday gift was VIP tickets to Duran Duran and boy were they GREAT!
We were watching a DVD of their 2004 Astronaut concert in London (?) and I was telling her how much they sounded the same two decades after their first hits. And surprise surprise through the help of Mae's boyfriend we got to learn early on that they were coming to Manila. The final date of the concert was the eve of my birthday! Whaddya think of that.
It was of course their Asian leg of their tour for their new album, Red Carpet Massacre and Manila fortunately was one of the stops. I was in Jakarta early this week and they were also gracing the town for a one night event.
The crowd was very enthusiastic (albeit very much a refined 30's to 40+ age group) with the older Duran Duran songs: Hungry Like the Wolf, Planet Earth, A View to a Kill (WOW!) and Girls on Film. They never deviated from the same sound that made them famous and their chemistry onstage was such a good thing to watch. Then Simon le Bon whipp[ed out an acoustic guitar for the start of "Save A Prayer" ... and the screaming started. Give to the Filipinos for an enthusiastic accompaniment during the chorus.
The new songs of course did not receive the same rabid acceptance as the older ones however some of them have that distinct "crossover to house music" feel. Commercial decision of course to allow Duran Duran to become more accessible to the below-30 crowd.
Nonetheless, a remarkable show. One that had me screaming and stomping and singing (others in the audience were WAY more enthusiastic). Watching them up close, however that I was probably two decades too late, will go down to be one of the best nights I have experienced.
Thank you darling. Best birthday gift ever.
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