photos by bryan michael washburn unless noted
The last show of the summer at the beautiful Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC) in Canandaigua was a hit, thanks to the iconic Duran Duran, whose music and energy filled the venue on Sept. 3 for their Future Past Tour. They thrilled fans of all ages with the energy, passion, and talent that have made them legends in the music industry.
Duran Duran’s setlist was dominated by early classics, most notably from their self-titled debut album, Duran Duran, and their supreme sophomore release, Rio. A lifelong fan in attendance, Jennifer Morey Dorn of Camden, NY, who went to her first show at 12 years old during the 1987 Notorious Tour, exclaimed, “I got their first two albums for Christmas in 1982, and I’ve been a huge fan ever since! I can’t believe how many songs off of the first album they played tonight.”
The band kicked off the show with “Night Boat,” the first of five songs off of 1981’s Duran Duran. The light show and stage effects enhanced the beauty and vibe instantly before taking it up a notch with “The Wild Boys” and “Hungry Like the Wolf.” Over the evening, the audience channeled Duran Duran’s energy enthusiastically, sharing in the band’s evident joy and love for the warm night.
“CMAC is a beautiful venue,” Morey Dorn added as she marveled at the surroundings for the first time. “The sound is amazing inside.”
The venue’s acoustics complimented the band – who sounded amazing themselves. Simon LeBon’s voice was as impressive as ever, hitting every note with the strength and tune he’s seemed to always have in spades. LeBon’s connection with the audience was also palpable as he interacted with the crowd throughout the night’s performance. His stage presence was full of charisma and he delivered honest and reflective thoughts in between songs.
Illustrious bassist John Taylor was in top form and proved why he’s considered by some as one of the most underrated bass players in history. He effortlessly grooved through the set, captivating the audience with his skill and spirit. Roger Taylor added to the high-energy atmosphere with his signature beats on drums, while Nick Rhodes added layer upon layer of depth and dynamics from the keys, flushing out that unique Duran Duran ambiance. The newest addition, Dominic Brown, who has played with Elton John, Lionel Richie, Justin Timberlake, and others, has taken the reigns on guitar since founding member Andy Taylor began his battle with prostate cancer. Brown seamlessly blended with the others, respecting Taylor’s original compositions while adding a fresh element of his own style to the renowned repertoire.
Morey Dorn noted, “I try to concentrate on each member. I love to watch John look out in the crowd while he’s playing, wearing these different faces of concentration and elation.” She continued, “Nick, our controller, always wears a face of concentration with a hint of sexiness. Roger is a hell of a drummer, and I’m thrilled he’s back. And Dom Brown is a fantastic addition. He is an awesome musician, truly.”
Duran Duran treated their fans to a trip down memory lane while also infusing a few new tracks from their latest album, 2021’s Future Past. When introducing their 1993 hit, “Ordinary World,” Le Bon dedicated it, especially to the people of Ukraine and Maui while also saying there was a little bit in there for everyone. “This is also dedicated to all of our lives,” he stated. “Not the ones we necessarily dreamed of or wanted but the ones we actually have. The good stuff and the bad shit. Because that’s what it really is, isn’t it? And that’s for all of us. We are all ordinary…and we are all beautiful.”
The band closed out the night with an encore of two beloved and strongly played classics, “Save a Prayer” and “Rio.”
Opening the show was Nile Rodgers & CHIC, setting the stage on fire with their charismatic and high-energy performance, reminding everyone of Rodgers’ incredible songwriting and producing talents and contributions to the history of music. Their setlist comprised songs he had written for and made famous by Madonna, Beyonce, Daft Punk, David Bowie, Diana Ross, Sugar Hill Gang, and more. It was a testament to Rodgers’ contributions throughout the decades, as well as legendary bassist Bernard Edwards. The crowd danced and sang along, setting the tone for a night of pure fun and nostalgia.
Unfortunately, Bastille, who had been slated to play after Nile Rodgers & CHIC, had to cancel their set due to the sickness of lead singer Dan Smith.
In the end, Duran Duran proved that their music is timeless, and their passion for performing remains undiminished. The last show of the summer at CMAC, presented by Brooklyn Made Presents, was indeed a hit, leaving fans old and new with a deep appreciation for the enduring magic of a band that had once ruled the world and who will always rule people’s hearts.
Duran Duran Setlist:
Night Boat, The Wild Boys, Hungry Like the Wolf, A View to a Kill, Notorious, Give It All Up, Lonely In Your Nightmare > Super Freak (Rick James cover), Is There Something I Should Know?, Anniversary, Friends of Mine, Careless Memories, Ordinary World, Come Undone, Planet Earth, White Lines (Don’t Do It)[Melle Mel cover], The Reflex, Girls On Film
Encore: Save a Prayer, Rio
Nile Rodgers & CHIC Setlist:
Le Freak, Everybody Dance, Dance Dance Dance (Yowsah, Yowsah, Yowsah), I Want Your Love, I’m Coming Out/Upside Down (Diana Ross medley), He’s the Greatest Dancer/We Are Family (Sister Sledge medley), Like a Virgin/Material Girl (Madonna medley), Modern Love (David Bowie cover), CUFF IT (Beyoncé cover), Get Lucky (Daft Punk cover), Let’s Dance (David Bowie cover), Good Times/Rapper’s Delight (Sugar Hill Gang medley)
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