Duran Duran Sets Bold Condition for Glastonbury Performance

Duran Duran has set a firm condition for performing at Glastonbury, demanding a headline slot on the Pyramid Stage. The band previously rejected an offer to play in a disco tent at 3pm, insisting they deserve top billing. Frontman Simon Le Bon expressed interest in a nighttime slot and also mentioned ambitions for a Sphere Las Vegas residency and a hologram show. Bassist John Taylor hinted at bringing guests Nile Rodgers and Mark Ronson if they perform.

Key Points: Duran Duran’s Glastonbury Headline Demand

  • Duran Duran rejects Glastonbury offer for a 3pm disco tent slot
  • Band demands a headline position on the Pyramid Stage
  • Simon Le Bon also eyes a Sphere Las Vegas residency and hologram show
  • John Taylor suggests Nile Rodgers and Mark Ronson as special guests
2 min read

Duran Duran put one condition to play at Glastonbury

Duran Duran insists on a top slot at Glastonbury, rejecting a 3pm disco tent offer. Simon Le Bon says they deserve headline status.

"We want the right slot. We shouldn't be below anybody on the bill. - Simon Le Bon"

Los Angeles, May 11

The English band Duran Duran live by a strong set of boundaries. The band has made it clear they won't set foot on Worthy Farm unless they're handed one of Glastonbury's biggest slots.

The '80s icons still have a few major ambitions on their bucket list, including a Sphere Las Vegas residency and even a hologram show in the style of ABBA Voyage, reports 'Female First UK'.

Glastonbury is on that list too, but only if the festival gives them the status they believe they deserve.

Frontman Simon Le Bon told The Sunday Times' Culture magazine, "I'd love to do one (hologram show). But I'd also like to do the Sphere in Las Vegas".

But when it comes to Glastonbury, the band say they've already rejected one offer because it didn't match their expectations.

Asked about the festival, Simon revealed, "Well, we want to - but not in a disco tent at 3:00 pm, which is what we were offered. We want the right slot. We shouldn't be below anybody on the bill. So, we'll hold out because we're a headline act, that's all there is to it".

As per 'Female First UK', the group, who have sold more than 100 million records and remain one of Britain's most successful pop exports, clearly believe their legacy earns them a place at the top of the Pyramid Stage.

In 2023, the Girls On Film hitmakers promised to bring out Nile Rogers and Mark Ronson as special guests if they ever get to perform at Glastonbury.

Appearing on the Headliners podcast, Simon said, "I want to play Glastonbury. I don't want to go as a punter, but I want Duran Duran to get the right slot. Anyway, that's the conversation that we shouldn't really have on the air. I'd love to do it. I'd like a night-time slot, to be honest with you, and it's got to be on the Pyramid Stage".

Asked whether they'd invite any special guests on stage, bassist John Taylor suggested they would bring out two of the band's high-profile collaborators, Nile Rodgers, who produced their 1986 album Notorious and has continued to collaborate with them over the years, and Mark Ronson, who worked on their 2010 record All You Need Is Now.

John said, "You'd have to bring Nile out and maybe Mark".

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone who grew up listening to "Hungry Like the Wolf" on cassette, I get it. But yaar, Glastonbury is about the vibe, not just the slot. Even our own big festivals like Sunburn have seen egos clash over timings. Sometimes you gotta just go and rock the crowd, no matter what time they put you on.
V
Vikram M
I see both sides. Duran Duran are legends, no doubt. But Glastonbury has its own hierarchy and legacy acts. In our desi context, imagine if an old-school band like Euphoria demanded top billing at NH7 Weekender - it would create quite a stir. Fair to ask, but also need to be practical.
J
James A
I respect the confidence. Duran Duran defined the 80s, and their catalog is massive. But Glastonbury has evolved - it's not just about nostalgia. They need to show they can still draw a young crowd. Otherwise it's like a retired cricketer demanding to open the batting in a T20 match. 😅
R
Rohit P
The special guests offer is smart - Nile Rodgers and Mark Ronson would make it epic! 🎸 In India, we love collaborations too - like when AR Rahman brings international artists. Duran Duran should use that as a bargaining chip. Also, their demand is not unreasonable; they're not asking for prime minister-level treatment 😂
S
Siddharth J
I find this a bit entitled, honestly. Glastonbury is the holy grail of festivals - even our Indian artists would kill to play there in any slot. Simon Le Bon sounds

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50