Duran Duran for Melody Maker Magazine in England in 1982. (Photo by Chester Simpson)

This past month, Sting reopened the Bataclan, the Paris concert venue that was shuttered for roughly a year after a horrific terrorist attack. That 2015 terrorist attack occurred during a concert by the Eagles of Death Metal, who days prior to the show performed a cover of “Save a Prayer” by Duran Duran with the band on UK television and then made the cover part of their live set.

In the aftermath of that experience, Duran Duran donated their royalties from the Eagles of Death Metal cover to charity, and then subsequently dedicated live performances of the song to the good in people — as a sort of protest against terror.

“There are people in this world who try to put the lights out — try to put the lights out in our heart,” said Simon Le Bon in DC at the Verizon Center on April 8 when introducing “Save a Prayer.” “And we think that music is something that should bring people together. People are good, and music brings out the good in people. So we play this song as a protest against those who would turn the lights off.”

Well! Apologies for being so somber but there is a point to all of this! And that point is that Christmas is a time of remembrance and celebration, of reflection and charity, and of listening to some really good music.

So when making the Christmas rounds this year, visit Careless Memories: A New Wave Party as we celebrate Duran Duran at the Christmas edition of our dance party on Thursday, Dec. 8, at Dodge City.

Watch the official music video for “Save A Prayer” by Duran Duran on YouTube:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Uxc9eFcZyM]

Our holiday theme, Duran Duran Save Christmas, will ensure that we play plenty of Duran Duran prior to the band’s performances on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day at MGM National Harbor. (Read our Parklife DC preview!) You’ll hear new wave tunes from Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, Japan, Culture Club, Simple Minds, the Eurythmics, and Adam Ant (who’s visiting DC in January!). You can also count on hearing a little bit from Duran Duran influencers like David Bowie, Roxy Music, and CHIC. I’ll also be sure to add some new wave Christmas songs to the mix to keep the holiday spirit alive.

Admission is free. RSVP on Facebook, or simply show up and say Merry Christmas!

For more from our fantastic photographer friend Chester Simpson, visit http://www.rock-n-rollphotos.com.

Duran Duran Save Christmas
Careless Memories: A New Wave Party
Dodge City
Thursday, Dec. 8
Show @8pm
Free
21+