
Photos and Review by Rebecca Clark
Duran Duran’s performance at Turning Stone Casino in Verona, NY on October 23rd was nothing short of captivating, blending nostalgia, artistry, and a touch of Halloween magic in a show that was uniquely intimate. The smaller venue lent itself to a closeness that’s rare for a band of this magnitude, allowing fans to feel directly connected to the band’s energy and charisma.
The night began with a dramatic entrance: the band stood silhouetted against moody backlighting, each member taking in the fans’ energy before descending the stairs. Simon Le Bon lingered solo for an ethereal opening to their reimagined “Night Boat,” which set a haunting tone for the evening, echoing the Halloween vibes of their latest album, Danse Macabre: De Luxe. The set featured a blend of reworked classics, unexpected covers like ELO’s “Evil Woman,” and reimagined tracks like “Secret Oktober 31st” and new tracks “Confession in the Afterlife,” each adding a layer of theatricality and spookiness that suited the season.

Le Bon, ever the charismatic frontman, was a dynamic presence throughout. During “The Reflex,” he danced in a bold yellow moto jacket, injecting a playful energy into the song. He led the audience through “Union of the Snake” with a cheeky dance, and in “White Lines,” he got everyone’s hands in the air, playfully tossing water over the crowd. His humor shone through his banter as he invited the crowd to “bear with” the new material, though the enthusiastic cheers made it clear that the fans were eager to embrace the fresh additions.

The Halloween ambiance was woven into the night not only through the music but also through eerie, graveyard visuals that complemented tracks like “The Reflex.” The band even transformed their hit “Girls on Film” by mashing it up with Talking Heads’ “Psycho Killer,” complete with cartoon detective visuals that brought out the band’s quirky, creative side. Keyboardist Nick Rhodes was at the center of these sonic landscapes, his synth work creating an otherworldly vibe, especially on the keyboard-intro for “The Reflex” and his iconic riffs on “Planet Earth.”

Throughout the set, it was clear that the bond between Le Bon and bassist John Taylor remains strong, with the two often harmonizing and engaging in moments of brotherliness that underscored their years of collaboration. Taylor’s bass was particularly exceptional on “New Moon,” driving the song’s energy, while Le Bon’s voice—distinctive as ever—soared, showcasing a live depth that somehow exceeded his recorded sound.


For “Save a Prayer,” Le Bon invited fans to light up the venue with their cell phone lights, creating an atmosphere that felt both tender and cinematic. It was one of the night’s most memorable moments, amplified by his acoustic guitar accompaniment and the crowd’s heartfelt sing-along. As the evening came to a close, “Rio” brought fans to their feet, closing the night with a celebration of the band’s legacy and leaving everyone on an undeniable high.

Duran Duran’s Halloween-inspired tour delivered everything fans could hope for: powerful new interpretations, a fresh spin on beloved classics, and a showmanship that proves they’re still one of the most thrilling live acts today. From the opening song to the encore, the show was a spellbinding, immersive experience that captured exactly why Duran Duran is a must-see band—especially on a night like this.
Duran Duran Setlist:
NIGHTBOAT
WILD BOYS
HUNGRY
A VIEW TO A KILL
NOTORIOUS
SUPERNATURE
SUPER LONELY FREAK
COME UNDONE
BURY A FRIEND
EVIL WOMAN
CONFESSIONS
SECRET OKTOBER
REFLEX
ORDINARY WORLD
NEW MOON
UNION OF THE SNAKE
WHITE LINES
PLANET EARTH
GIRLS/ PSYCHO
–encore–
PRAYER
RIO
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