In the first half of the 80s, Duran Duran were the ultimate poster boys of British pop, taking over the charts and inciting mass hysteria wherever they went. But they’re also a band that has stood firm as the musical climate changed rapidly around them, to stand the test of time and rise again. In 2022, they rightfully took their place in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

In this essential second volume of Classic Pop Presents, we go deeper into the story of the band, returning to their formative years in the Birmingham scene, via intimate extracts and rare early photos from the Duran Duran En Scene series of books. Plus, there’s features on their incendiary debut LP and the explosion of Duranmania that followed.

This issue, we speak exclusively to Nick Rhodes in a brand new interview in which he discusses the updates to the new album Danse Macabre and the band’s exciting plans for 2025. We also chat to producer and DJ Erol Alkan about the making of Future Past, plus there’s an archive interview from the release of the group's ninth studio album, Medazzaland. 

Also inside, there’s features on every album not covered first time around, a look at the band’s mythical ‘lost’ LP Reportage – hopefully soon to see the light of day, our rundown of the group’s Top 40 B-sides, bonus tracks and curios – and a look at the best of their collaborations. Lastly, we explore the band’s relationship with Seven And The Ragged Tiger producer Alex Sadkin and we get a rare guided tour through the pick of largest collection of Duran posters in the world!