Duran Duran premiered their cover of David Bowie’s classic hit Five Years during a January 8th virtual tribute show to the late musician.
In the new music video for the track, UK based vocalist Simon Le Bon, keyboardist Nick Rhodes and drummer Roger Taylor reunite with keyboardist Nick Rhodes, who lives in LA, for the futuristic performance clip.
Making the most of technology when far-reaching trips aren’t an option amid the pandemic, the group – who also team with Bowie’s longtime pianist, Mike Garson, for the video – perform the tune amid a spectacular swirling light display.
Ahead of the video’s premiere, Nick took over Duran Duran’s Instagram Live for a 20-minute Q&A session, during which he spoke of the band’s individual connections with Bowie’s music and described the making of the video under the guidance of director and frequent collaborator, Gavin Elder.
He also spoke of the involvement of visual artist and green screen expert Teek Mach and her VR effects, which made it possible for the group, their backup vocalists and string section to appear like they are in the same space.
Frontman Simon previously spoke about the significance of Bowie to him and the rest of the Rio group, sharing: “My life as a teenager was all about David Bowie.
“He is the reason why I started writing songs. Part of me still can’t believe in his death five years ago, but maybe that’s because there’s a part of me where he’s still alive and always will be.
“When we got the Ziggy Stardust LP and put the needle in the groove, our first taste of its perfection was the song Five Years.
“I can’t begin to explain how honoured I feel for Duran Duran to be given the opportunity to perform (for) this icon, and to place our name alongside Bowie’s for this commemoration of his music,”
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Duran Duran are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year and recently launched shows on both Pandora and SiriusXM.
Duran Duran are expected to return in 2021 with their 15th studio album – the group’s first since 2015’s Paper Gods – along with a number of planned live shows across the UK and Europe over the Summer.
