Anniversary

Album: Future Past (2021)
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Songfacts®:

  • Childhood friends, bassist John Taylor and keyboardist Nick Rhodes formed Duran Duran in 1978, when they became the resident band at Birmingham's Rum Runner nightclub. Drummer Roger Taylor joined the following year and vocalist Simon Le Bon in 1980. The four were still playing together in 2021, and "Anniversary" celebrates their longevity. John Taylor told The Sun the track "not only commemorates our ability to stay together for 40 years but tips the hat to any partnership and friendship that has stayed together."
  • "Anniversary" commemorates the 40th anniversary of John Taylor, Nick Rhodes, Roger Taylor and Simon Le Bon making music together. Built into the track are Easter eggs of previous Duran Duran hits for the fans to discover. Here are three we found:

    The song's New Wave opening nods to tracks from their early albums like "Night Boat" and "New Moon On Monday."

    John Taylor's bass echoes his playing on "Wild Boys."

    The "Doo-doo-doo-doo-doo"s reference the band's 2004 track "Taste Of Summer."
  • Blur's Graham Coxon plays guitar on the track. He also helped the band write the song.
  • London-based DJ and remixer Erol Alkan co-produced the song with Duran Duran. Alkan has worked on music by The Killers, Depeche Mode and Hot Chip.
  • Artist, photographer and filmmaker Alison Jackson directed the video. Jackson uses cleverly styled lookalikes to explore the cult of celebrity as we see Duran Duran throw a weekend party for some famous friends. Shot at the 11th century Belvoir Castle, the clip shows the band mixing it with the likes of Elton John, Daniel Craig, Lady Gaga, Dolly Parton and Queen Elizabeth II.

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