PALM DESERT, CA | Under the desert stars in the Coachella Valley, Duran Duran transformed Acrisure Arena into a pulsating time machine, delivering a 2.5-hour spectacle that was equal parts nostalgia and cutting-edge artistry. From the moment the lights dimmed, the sold-out crowd knew they were in for one unforgettable night. The low desert energy was pegging at an 11 as Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, and Roger Taylor took the stage. The arena immediately erupted into a sea of absolute ’80s bliss, signaling the beginning of one incredible performance that lifelong fans like me would not soon forget.
I’ve been a Duran Duran fan for as long as I can remember. Back in 1981, when I was just 11, my grandfather took me to Licorice Pizza in San Bernardino to buy my very first 45, “Planet Earth.” I played that single nonstop until the following year, when I discovered what would become my favorite Duran Duran album, Rio. My mom got me a super-sized poster of the band, which I proudly displayed on my bedroom wall, and from then on, I was hooked. Duran Duran became my gold standard for bands, and they single-handedly ignited my lifelong passion for music.
Before diving into my review of Duran Duran’s concert, let me set the stage. This was my first experience attending a live show at Acrisure Arena in Thousand Palms. As someone who usually photographs live music professionally, it was unusual for me to watch without being behind the lens. On top of that, this marked the tenth time I’d seen Duran Duran perform since my teenage years. Honestly, I had been anticipating this particular night for some time, knowing it would be my final show of 2025. But I couldn’t help but wonder how it would compare to the countless other bands I’ve seen over the year. Now, let’s see how things unfolded.
The 20-song setlist was a masterclass in balancing iconic hits with Duran Duran’s fresh material, along with some ageless covers. Opening the set was “The Wild Boys” and had the audience immediately on their feet, singing every word as if it were 1984 all over again. The band featured four out of the five original members, including Simon Le Bon (vocals), Nick Rhodes (keyboards), John Taylor (bass), and Roger Taylor (drums). Touring guitarist Dominic Brown and saxophonist Simon Willescroft were added to the mix to round out the band. From the very first note, Duran Duran seemed to be in fine form, their chemistry was undeniable, and their sound was as tight as ever.
A brief technical hiccup during “A View to a Kill” led to a 20-minute pause in the action, but the band returned with renewed vigor. They picked up where they left off, launching into “Hungry Like the Wolf” and “Union of the Snake.” These two timeless classics reignited the crowd and ultimately kicked the show into overdrive. The night was peppered with surprises, including a mashup of “Lonely in Your Nightmare” and Rick James’ “Super Freak,” cheekily dubbed “Super Lonely Freak,” and a cover of Electric Light Orchestra’s “Evil Woman” that showcased the band’s versatility. A cover of Grand Master Mel’s “White Lines” was a crowd favorite too, but my favorite was the Talking Heads’ “Psycho Killer,” which fell right into our laps at the end of “Girls on Film.” Wow.
The emotional core of the evening came during the encore, starting with “Save a Prayer.” LeBon’s vocals soared along with his acoustic guitar, and the audience swayed in unison, illuminated by a sea of phone lights. “Save a Prayer” is hands down my favorite Duran Duran song, and it was simply brilliant live. Then, fans finally got the cherry on their ice cream with arguably their most recognizable song, “Rio.” The entire arena was on its feet, engaging in a euphoric celebration where fans of all ages danced in the aisles and sang at the top of their lungs.
What set this show apart was the seamless integration of new tracks, such as “Confession in the Afterlife” and “Invisible,” alongside their timeless classics and covers. To me, it was a testament to Duran Duran’s ability to evolve while staying true to their roots 45+ years into the game. The band introductions during “Planet Earth” added a personal touch, with each member receiving a thunderous ovation. And as someone who has seen Duran Duran at a wide range of venues, it was awesome to see them integrate incredible lighting with unique on-stage videos and cutting-edge graphics throughout their set. While many might consider this type of thing standard, it’s sometimes hard to pull off in larger arenas. Duran Duran exceeded all my expectations, and it truly enhanced the live music experience.
One other callout that truly added to this show was the venue itself, the Acrisure Arena. The 11,000-capacity venue opened up in 2022 and is now considered one of Southern California’s premier destinations for concerts. Parking was simple, getting into the arena was a piece of cake, and the venue had all the amenities one would come to expect from a world-class arena, including amazing acoustics that blew my doors off. However, what set this place apart for me was the incredible staff that Acrisure had put together. Whether it was the parking attendant, ticket scanner, or security team, all seemed to bleed customer service to ensure we, as fans, had a great time. That’s rare in this day and age, and one Acrisure should be extremely proud of.
As the final notes of “Rio” echoed through the arena, it was clear that Duran Duran had not just performed—they had created a memory, a shared experience that fans will cherish for years to come. For those lucky enough to have been at the Acrisure show, it was a magical night where past and present collided spectacularly, proving that Duran Duran’s legacy is as vibrant and vital as ever. For me, this may well have been my favorite live performance of 2025. No cameras, no obligations, just an incredible time with a great friend as a true fan, riding the magical time machine back to days where all that mattered was the music. Duran Duran is still, without question, one of the greatest bands to ever take the stage, and they’re just as important now as they were when they formed back in 1978. No brag here, just fact.
