new romantic

My Favorite Artist: Duran Duran

Posted on by in Live Review and tagged , , , , , , .

DuranDuran06
Duran Duran performs at The Fillmore New Orleans on Feb. 19, 2019. (Photo by Mickey McCarter)

Editor’s Note: Parklife DC asked its contributors to write essays about their favorite bands. These essays appear in an occasional series, My Favorite Artist, and provide our readers with insights into our bloggers, their motivations, and their approach to covering concerts.

To my ear, music is at its best when it motivates and inspires. Popular music provides a forum for catharsis, surely, but I am most excited when I hear something that stirs my soul, lifts my head, and moves my feet.

Cue Duran Duran.

Continue Reading

Live Review: Midge Ure @ City Winery — 2/5/20

Posted on by in Live Review and tagged , , , , , , , , , .

WMmidgeure02052012 Midge Ure performs at City Winery DC on Feb. 5, 2020. (Photo by Nalinee Darmrong)

Midge Ure, the gregarious former frontman of Ultravox, answered questions and performed tunes from his solo career, Visage, Ultravox, and even the Rich Kids, in a recent evening of story and song at City Winery in Washington, DC.

Continue Reading

Live Review: Bryan Ferry @ The Anthem — 8/13/19

Posted on by in Live Review and tagged , , , , , , .

BryanFerry14 Bryan Ferry performs at The Anthem on Aug. 13, 2019. (Photo by Mickey McCarter)

In March, Roxy Music was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In a speech formally presenting the honor, Duran Duran’s Simon LeBon recalled how Roxy’s first single “Virginia Plain” was a pop culture bomb to the British public.

Continue Reading

Interview: Gary Kemp (of Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets) (@DAR Constitution Hall, 4/22/19)

Posted on by in Interview, Preview and tagged , , , , , , , , , , .

Spandau_Credit-Denis-O’Regan
Spandau Ballet with Gary Kemp (far right) (Photo by Denis O’Regan)

Is there any more versatile performer than Gary Kemp? The charismatic musician and actor can play stadiums with his band Spandau Ballet and then light up the stage in London Theatreland. The creative genius today is on a US tour as a guitarist and vocalist for Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets, supporting the legendary drummer of Pink Floyd in a performance of the seminal psychedelic band’s early material. The supergroup will perform in DC at DAR Constitution Hall on Monday, April 22.

Mickey McCarter of Parklife DC chatted with Gary Kemp about Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets and Spandau Ballet to discuss the future of both bands and what they mean to him. (This interview has been edited for length and clarity.) For more information on Nick Mason, visit the website of Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets.

Continue Reading

Live Review: Duran Duran @ The Fillmore New Orleans — 2/19/19

Posted on by in Live Review and tagged , , , , .

DuranDuran15 Simon LeBon fronts Duran Duran at The Fillmore New Orleans on Feb. 19, 2019. (Photo by Mickey McCarter)

When I was a young lad in the early ’80s on the search for good music, Duran Duran struck as a revelation. They’ve remained as powerful and interesting today as they were then, and their talent, chemistry, and sophistication were on full display at a pair of shows in newly opened The Fillmore New Orleans this week.

Continue Reading