Obviously, if I am going to make a blog, I should often write about what’s going on with some of my favorite bands. Duran Duran and I go back to the beginning. I have been a fan for almost 30 years. So, when I heard back in May that singer Simon Le Bon was not well, that he had voice trouble, I wasn’t too worried. This kind of thing can happen to anyone.
Two days ago, the band announced the cancellation of their entire summer tour, bringing disappointment to countless fans all over Europe, many of whom have held tickets for these shows for weeks and weeks. The band has not yet canceled a couple of US shows scheduled for October, including one in Atlanta. Normally, I would be very excited about this upcoming date near me, but now I can’t help but feel a bit reserved, and after all these weeks, I admit, a bit worried too. It’s hard to get excited.
Simon’s voice is key. He is not replaceable. We can’t get another “Dom Brown” to fill in for Simon.. It’s not like Michael DesBarres touring with Power Station instead of Robert Palmer. With Duran Duran, It would be cheap and silly to find another lead vocalist.. no way. And who would even fill his shoes? No names come to mind.. Ana Matronic from Scissor Sisters would at least be entertaining, but it wouldn’t be Duran Duran (could we call it Durana Durana? ha) The reality is that until Simon’s voice recovers, Duran Duran is in limbo as far as performing or recording go (I’d wager that Simon’s lyric book is getting a good workout though.)
Of course, I have wondered what could have been the one thing to cause Simon’s voice to give out. As weeks passed, it was obviously not just laringytis or strep throat or some kind of flu related ailment. Then what? My theory has been that perhaps Simon had undiagnosed acid reflux which can go decades undetected and can wreak havoc on vocal chords during sleep, significantly increased after lots of spicy foods or alcohol ( see article about singer Laura Critchley ) But the band said in their press release that Simon most likely pulled a muscle in his vocal chords during the show in Cannes. Could the high notes in one of these songs cause Simon to pull a muscle?
May 13th, 2011
(Belvedere-Red Party), VIP Room, Film Festival, Cannes, France
Planet Earth
Hungry Like The Wolf
All You Need Is Now
Notorious
Save A Prayer
A View To A Kill
Rio
Girls On Film
It was a very short show, but some of these songs could definitely challenge Simon’s singing range (who can forget the failed high note with View to A Kill at Live Aid see video) So, I am hoping that’s all it was.. a “sprained” voice.. and with lots of therapy and rest, it could improve. In their history, the band has bounced back from so many obstacles. I will keep hope alive that they can bounce back from this too. Get well soon, Simon.
