The Music Between Us: Concert Ads of Duran Duran

“After 35 years, I still lose myself in Duran Duran and their music. Always have, always will.” This is a comment from one of the fans of the English band popularly known as Duranies, in The Music Between Us: Concert Ads of Duran Duran. Based on the subtitle, I feared this would be a book filled with replicas of posters and minute details of interest to only the most rabid followers of 80s-era music, but, instead, it’s an enjoyable work of general interest. The subtitle might have been 113 Fans Recall Seeing Duran Duran in Concert!

Yes, this coffee table-style book is filled with more than 100 accounts of the reaction of fans who had the exciting privilege of seeing the band play in person. And what varied accounts they are. There’s the fan who saw them perform early on at the I-Beam in San Francisco on October 5, 1981. And there’s the woman who, decades later, flew from Buenos Aires, Argentina, to London to see the band play and who remained in England to see the band’s next ten performances.

There’s the fan who saw them play in Glasgow, Scotland in 1982, then returned to see them play again in Glascow 34 years later—this fan’s fourteenth Duran Duran concert. In each case, there’s a sense of pure joy expressed by the followers who could not get enough of the band and its music. As fan Shannon U. so interestingly referenced how she felt upon the seeing the music group in 2016: “I was in my happiest place on Planet Earth.”

Indeed, a sense of joy pervades the 117 pages of The Music Between Us. One need not be a longtime fan of, or expert on, the music of Duran Duran to appreciate the work. The reader can feel free to substitute the name of another band or musician, and the comments will feel relatable. The book could be about seeing The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys, Chicago, or the latest big thing.

The key is that The Music Between Us brings to life the relationship between musicians and their fans. In this sense, the title has a very broad and appropriate relationship to real life. As Al Stout III of Louisville, Kentucky, stated: “Duran Duran isn’t just a band to me. It’s a way of life. People need air, food and water to survive… I need Duran Duran to feel alive.”

Kudos to Andrew Golub, commonly known as Durandy, who has amassed a beautiful collection of words and images. In a note to this reviewer, Andy wrote: “I hope the following pages deliver unexpected smiles, a few tingles, and new perspective on this band.” Mission accomplished, Andy!

Now, excuse me, Andy, and all. I need to go and find my Seven and the Ragged Tiger stereo cassette. It’s time to hear “The Reflex” and “New Moon on Monday” again and relive the glory of the band that we knew as DD.

Long live the 80s! Long live music!

Highly recommended.