‘We’re willing to sacrifice our egos for the good of the band’ - Simon Le Bon

He’s the frontman of one of the most iconic bands of the 80s.
Four decades on, Simon Le Bon says that New Wave legends Duran Duran are still going strong, making new music and announcing that they’re going on tour again.
(Subscribe: bit.ly/C4_News...)
In today’s episode of Ways to Change the World, Simon Le Bon sits down with Krishnan Guru-Murthy to discuss why the band doesn't make political statements, the state of the music industry, and the secret to Duran Duran’s longevity.
Produced by : Imahn Robertson
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[@Reunion4ever]

❤ You have to respect the band splitting their income evenly. That’s beautiful.

[@marilynmanord1790]

Agree completely!

[@timtam6442]

That’s equally between Simon, John, Nick and Roger. No doubt Andy receives some residuals on the old stuff. Dom , Simon, Anna and Rachel are simply the hired help and get a contract payment

[@gingerindian1141]

@@timtam6442 seems fair to me

[@vambo13257]

that is easy to say if everyone really contributes to the writing and composition. If 1 person writes all of the lyrics they should rightly expect to make more from the publishing than the rest of the band.

[@simon1066]

I went to school with Simon and remember a little group of us 16 year olds sitting outside the school gym in the sunshine discussing what we wanted to do with our lives. Simon said he was going to be a Star. He certainly achieved his ambition!

[@michaelscoots]

I don’t buy it - the sun was shining in England? No seriously, that’s awesome! Any other stories to share?

[@pikebishop8516]

@@michaelscoots ah, you're funny!!!

[@mimoochodom2684]

Well when you looked like he did and could hold a tune, he couldn't miss. And good luck to him.

[@RetroReminiscing]

@@michaelscoots ha ha ha 😎

[@joebees21]

My mom used to drink with him and the band in Birmingham and everyone used to ignore them because they thought it made them cool 😂

[@jakebamback3221]

I met Simon in 2004 at the Superbowl. He was so amazing! I could barely speak! My favorite group of all time...from the time I was 11 years old...now I'm almost 53! Sometimes, when you meet one of your idols, you end up disappointed. That could not have been further from the truth, meeting Simon. He was so wonderful! He made my friends and I feel like we were the only people at the party! I told him that I had just taken my daughter to see DD. He was so gracious. So lovely! I was a huge Princess Diana fan. She was my other idol growing up. It's funny how they were connected and how DD was her favorite band, as well! I just adore Duran Duran...Best band of all time! ♥🧑‍🎤🎤🎸

[@sbatty65227]

I've been a Duranie since they came on the scene in 1981 and Simon has always been a humanist. A great interview.

[@nymike06]

Very cool! I also remember when they came on the scene!

[@phoenixrisn9697]

Saw Duran Duran in the 80s. I've been following them for 40 years and they're still in my top 3 best bands. I just watched their music 2 days ago on KZbin and have their last CD in my car. So happy to see they've shared the proceeds equally because they're all so integral. Love Simon Le Bon, I still have a major crush on him. 💖💗💖

[@StratsRUs]

I remember school in early Eighties.It was tough being a boy and admitting that all those bands were good, cos EVERY girl had a crush on them.🙂

[@michaelyatsco1958]

Duran Duran is a fantastic band. Being a really good looking band in the MTV 80's days definitely helped you get massive video play. Duran Duran kind of became the poster band for that reputation. However on the flip side it hurt them back then with the so called critics. They preferred to gush over the REM type bands. However when they made the comeback with Ordinary World I think the music community including the critics began to realize there is something more to this band than just their looks. I'm glad they got that second run at success with Ordinary World and people now view them as a solid band and they are still able to fill up arena type live shows which is cool.

[@darlingnikki_007]

I was a shy little black girl from Indiana when Hungry Like the Wolf music started going rotation on MTV in1983. There were only a few black people on MTV at that time; Michael Jackson, Prince, Tina Turner, and Shelia Ming, the beautiful model in the video. I became a music photographer due to the love of music, and visuals. Thank you Duran Duran:)

[@gclark8228]

Awesome...how cool...👍🏿

[@YaYaPaBla]

Simon was always a ball of energy on stage.

[@heidicameron878]

That he definitely is I saw them last summer only waited 40 years lol❤❤❤

[@sl4983]

​@@heidicameron878saw them 8-2023!

[@lookandlistenenglishlessons]

I'm not sure how much Simon is aware of the importance of his words:" ‘We’re willing to sacrifice our egos for the good of the band’ felt like giving the guy a huge hug, I love this interview!! we get to know Simon Le Bon in his prime a wise man mature, humble, open-minded spiritual and deep I respect him even more now than ever, well-spoken Simon and well done for you and the rest of Duran Duran setting an example for a good value and positive attitude.

[@suecondon1685]

Simon is the exact same age as me, and a great motivation for me to be strong when I'm knackered. Love DD so much 💖

[@YaYaPaBla]

I sure miss those teen years sometimes, the freedom to just be, to listen to so many cool bands. Now at 52, I look back and have such great appreciation for the best music ever!

[@mattma96]

A Flock Of Seagulls, ABC, Adam & The Ants, B-Movie, China Crisis, Culture Club, Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, Gary Numan, Japan, OMD, Roxy Music, Spandau Ballet, Tears For Fears, Thompson Twins, Visage, Yazoo.........

[@edp3202]

You're only a year older than me.

[@YaYaPaBla]

@@mattma96 INXS, Eurythmics, …

[@cjp592]

Simon LeBon’s response about democracy for the greater good of the band is such a Scorpio thing to say. Love it and him. 🥰💯🇬🇧

[@alifhashim3752]

Great band. Was the biggest band in Asia when I was growing up, let alone the world. Still writing excellent songs with perfect music. Great job, Duran Duran!

[@kyachdistent1301]

Utterly agree!!

[@Rachael121]

Some people are born leaders, Simon is that person ⭐

[@sidneyfox4625]

Just saw Duran in June 2023. AMAZING❤ Simon belted it out, so strong, perfect pitch, for almost two hours! Duranies rock on forever❤

[@hazmania]

Simon is, & Duran Duran are, AWESOME. Still know the words to almost all their songs (& yes, I’m proud of that) they’re really GOOD songs, all of them. Thank you both for this interview. 🌸

[@RetroReminiscing]

You should be proud 👌 and back in the 80's it was so exciting to buy either smash hits or one of their singles so we could read the lyrics in it as we listened along .... We really appreciated lyrics then and theybecame engraved in our minds and hearts 😁🎶

[@stub-ek7fc]

Give Le Bon a knighthood! Duran Duran are still genius and this country should be proud of what they have achieved.

[@miketomlin6040]

Easy, a knighthood, if accepted, means you are a failure. Serious people turn them down, for obvious reasons!

[@Kaleiddmode]

Why only Simon?

[@heidicameron878]

I agree ❤❤❤

[@pennyboulton9676]

@Stu B. No give the whole band Knighthoods, including recent past members.

[@pennyboulton9676]

@@Kaleiddmode exactly. Give knighthoods to the whole band

[@suncoastchic]

Just got to experience them live in concert for the first time (Tampa, FL) after being a fan for 40 years. Amazing performance and you could tell they were enjoying it as much as we were. Secret Oktober never should have been a ‘B’ side. It’s a beautiful song that really showcases Simon’s vocals. ❤

[@TheRockRoomPhilZuckerman]

"Ordinary World" one of my favorite songs of all time.

[@erc2747]

I fell in love with Duran Duran when I was 14yrs old and had the chance to see them at the Holltywood Rock Festival in Rio in 1988. Never forgot Simon's white trousers from that evening, suited him well ❤😂Months later I moved to the UK and kept, naively, hoping to bump into Simon on the streets one day. I'm now 50 🙃 and still love Simon - such a nice, down to earth, humble soul ❤

[@catherinewilliams9680]

I was thirteen in 1984 and I fell in love with Nicks leopard print jacket.

[@love.one.another]

Your beautiful voice has gotten me through this life. Thank you. Love and peace.

[@marsdenrattler8571]

Have seen this band so many times over the years in so many places. I still have my 3 inch CD of Shame. My favourite concerts are the ones following Astronaut with Andy Taylor and the one at the Lyceum Theatre where they placed Red Carpet Massacre in its entirety, with the electro set and my favourite version of I don't want your love and Skin Trade. We had seats in the last row and there was this woman going for it in the walkway behind us, absolutely loving the concert. It was Yasmin Le Bon...

[@ltlawithamanda]

Thoroughly enjoyed this interview. Simon is the best and DD deserve all the success. Been a Duranie since the 80s and saw them at Hyde Park last summer. Just amazing!

[@erikadebiasse7487]

Always loved Secret October and loved the lyrics!!!! Love to you Simon, John, Nick, Andy, Roger

[@joebirdwelljr629]

Great interview. Duran Duran was a huge part of my life growing up. Simon is very well spoken and interesting to listen to...

[@amymatos8281]

Love them, always will. He's very classy and such a great foreman for them!

[@rde4017]

Fantastic interview. Duran are my all time favourites since I saw their first Top of the Pops appearance when I was 11.

[@asharozario558]

Ah!! Love him, love him, love him. Even more now than before if that is even possible. 😌

[@kenmundy]

Wow, great interview. and he nailed it- all of the world's problems are caused by humanity.

[@kyachdistent1301]

Absolutely!

[@eheim21]

Brother Simon, no many of us took you for granted. I knew in 1983 you guys were awesomely talented song writers and musicians.

[@romainnovarina]

What a genius and humble man , as every members of Duran Duran

[@danielmarquis5258]

One of the greatest Frontmen of ALL TIME!! I enjoyed this interview!! Also, as part of the Duran Duran top 5, I am surprised Simon didn't mention: 1. Is there something I should know? 2. Wild Boys 3. Rio

[@lifeschool]

DD are an inspiration, and I guess people either 'get them' or they don't. Certainly the general audience is sceptical, but following the band over the past 30 odd years has been like a roller coaster of amazingness. Non-fans just don't get it, and I'm not one to force my DD religion on anyone. It's good that this interview was slightly deeper than most of them, but Krishnan was still stabbing in the dark with the usual 'Diana', 'Fame', 'Girls', and 'Family Life' questions we normally hear. When Simon talks about turning from religion, he means his family and home life, becoming a punk, living in Israel for six months, and moving to Birmingham, would perhaps be more interesting to modern generations, the teen angst.

[@lifeschool]

I've now updated the DD Fandom Timeline: Simon talks for 30mins to Krishnan Guru-Murthy for Channel 4 News. Questions about Diana, Fame, and Home Life. 'The System' of record companies makes bands a success. The biggest reason they stay together is everything is split 4 ways, a true democracy. He was religious in his teens, but is now open minded, and not an atheist. If he was God, he said "I'd have humanity be less competitive, and have us be more evolved; we need to evolve out of atavistic (primitive) instincts; of fear, competition, jealousy, and aggression."

[@kyachdistent1301]

@@lifeschool He talks brilliantly about life, doesn't he? Utterly opposite of egomaniacal, desperate slag madonna in every way!

[@driggerfireon5760]

One of the greatest song writers of the 80s and excellent musicianship.

[@kyachdistent1301]

Try ANY decade. In fact his writings WAY better than what it was on that 1983 album!

[@laurietijerina3816]

When I was a teenager , I remember buying Duran Durans cassette at Kmart. I just loved the music 🎶

[@YaYaPaBla]

I had every cassette, tshirts, shiny jacket, posters covered every inch of my wall. I love this band. ❤️

[@RetroReminiscing]

👍🎶😁

[@Nightrelic]

I’m one of those people who didn’t get stuck in any era, so I’m always up for some new bands. When Simon started talking about the things his daughter had him listening to, I had to pause and sample them all. I will say his daughter has awesome taste in music. I will have to find his show.

[@stephenmosgrove6559]

I so love this band. I love their work and art and the values (respect, love, diligence, excellence, and beauty) that drive their final expressions that we get to enjoy. I've been a fan since 1982, and I'm so very happy to see them finally get the critical acclaim and respect that they always deserved and that we early fans recognized. Their sound was different. The other thing I love about this band is that the individual men in the band are ....just...great....fellows.... Happy, giving, down to earth, and still in love with music and making it. The band is (are) in my top three with The Beatles and Led Zeppelin.

[@mariafietta6864]

My favorite Band from the 80's surely. How good they are still touring and making good music. All my love to Nick too💚

[@izzysparklesart]

Simon Le Bon has always known how to move me!

[@superash31]

I’m the only Twitter fan who Simon follows. I asked him in 2011 if he’d follow me for my birthday that year..he said Go on then just for the weekend’. He’s still following.

[@michaelscoots]

Amazing interview! Love how humble and real Simon is - also love his creative drive. And totally love that he put Secret Oktober in his top 5!!!

[@kyachdistent1301]

To make up for the fact its wretched A-side should be NOT have been the single when 'SO' should have been the single! Especially as their 1983 album is their weakest offering and that wasn't even put on it! Well done for saying this choice!

[@reeree1]

Ive been fortunate to see them live twice last September and a month ago in CA. Theyre even better live now and they're all great. Simon has so much energy. I will always love them. ❤

[@YaYaPaBla]

Thank You for interviewing Simon. ❤️

[@cybertaiga9534]

Love this interview! Simon is so insightful and it is great that this interview goes deeper than a normal discourse on tours and superficial aspects of stardom. Kudos to Krishnan Guru-Murthy. May I also point out that there is recurring theme in Simon's philosophy and in Duran Duran's music- it is about being alive and being in the here and now. That is what makes the band so fresh and relevant and why that separates them from their contemporaries. God bless Simon and the DD. Greetings from India.

[@DaftSwank]

“Hungry Like The Wolf” is to Duran Duran what “She Loves You” was to The Beatles.

[@888mf4]

Love Duran Duran

[@scottpeacock5492]

I been listening to Duran Duran new Halloween album during Halloween and love it, Simon le Bon is the greatest talent artist and been following their musical journey since their debut in 1981.

[@gwynbetts29]

Yes I was a Duranie back in the day. Saw the band in concert in 1983, I’ll never forget Simon leaping around the stage props of two giant columns (Boaz and Joachim) and from then on I paid closer attention to this symbolism in pop culture. Duranies rock on!

[@kymrakurinskas5482]

Once a Duranie, always a Duranie 😎

[@balancemares]

Love You Simon & Duran!! Shaped my Life for the better, THAT’s for sure!

[@jeremiahdeasy6803]

Excellent interview,i have been a fan of Duran Duran since 1982, brilliant song writers, they have made some amazing music over the last forty years and continue to tour and make new music

[@jayshreenarshi686]

Got to give it to this man. In superb shape, looks healthy and their music of the eighties still listenable.

[@ernestchacon4928]

Duran Duran is democracy, they changed my life while in high school in 1981. I heard a whole different sound in music that literally woke me up then, in the betterment of knowledge. I'm now 56 and live a good happy life.

[@thetoddkeith]

This is one of the best SLB interviews I've ever seen and I've seen alot.

[@yasneiraesther9486]

El secreto de duran duran es la unidad, sobreponerse a la adversidad, la amistad y el amor a la música, sobretodo la persistencia, el profesionalismo y el respeto entre ellos y al público y a sus familias ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@giovannapez6775]

Vero!🎶🎶👍💐💖

[@derhodes]

Love the depth of this interview…very enlightening and inspires me to check out more new music. Aside: Krishnan is rocking 53.

[@redshift8302]

You're lucky I found your comment : Check these : Jatun - ghost and grey Kids - By Dosser Linebeck - in my dreams The Dream today - maeve

[@kimberlyhendren2097]

Love Simon. Love John and Nick. What a fun ride it's been with them through my lifetime. Just saw them last summer. I'm thrilled they are still going and sound better than ever! So many great memories. So grateful. They have stood the test of time! Here's to more!

[@dvaria696]

The lyrics, videos, songs what a band. Saw them back in the 80a on the Strange Behaviour tour and have seen so many times since then, they are just fantastic!!

[@arthurmurfitt7698]

great interview, Si is very humble and genuine.

[@jc6594]

Happy 65th Birthday Simon

[@YaYaPaBla]

My all time favorite 80’s band. Just wish I could see y’all live!

[@jennarage1562]

Half way through this and i realize he is wearing his tiger baby charm on his necklace. so good to see that again. and Secret Oktober. my all time fav of their songs. woot.

[@stevemcclanahan3845]

In my opinion, Simon has Always been a Fantastic and Unique sounding singer.

[@stevenconnor4221]

Refreshing to hear about everyone getting an equal share hats of to you Simon et al.

[@Dranreb807]

Future Past is an album experience. One of their best work.

[@StratsRUs]

Great band.That wisdom

[@marcwaters2600]

simon le bon is a brilliant beautiful man

[@amandaholliday9335]

Simon le bon you will never look old I will always think of you all as those youthful guys ♥️✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻❤✌🏻❤❤❤❤

[@brendaechols5929]

Beautiful man with a beautiful voice. I always knew id see you one day. Thanks for sharing your passion with me. Great childhood memories.

[@sunnybearbuds]

I love Simon and my boys! Forever Duranie here (est. 1982)!

[@martynk66]

I have loved DD since day one, lost count of how many times i've seen them live just awesome.

[@alexandraisyak8769]

I was lucky to see them live in Boston in the late 90's and they were amazing performers. What an amazing band they are. Great for this well put interview!

[@teresaroberts5907]

A joy to listen to, Krishnan was a good interviewer as well. I also liked the fact that Simon mentioned five of my favourite Duran Duran songs (along with others of course) in "Understanding Duran Duran")

[@christopherharwood1316]

All.the new bands that are out there today i hope you listened to what he just said... there are two things that will kill a band faster than anything else ego and money.

[@gclark8228]

It's been a long day,i'm sitting with the tele on,but watching this interview on my Ipad,thinking that i've seen them four times (Three times with Andy!),when it hit me that I have tickets to see DD in September...🎉 *And yes the 80s decade was very different,it was amazing!

[@starjunkie5328]

Great 80's band, when bands still played their own instruments. Si looks no worse for wear, and was/is a genuine talent. Miss those 80's days and my youth, which these guys were a huge part of. Though I really grew up in the 60's and 70's, this band stood out to me musically and vocally. Such energy. Tigger is one of the greatest bassists of his age. His bass solo on "Rio" is still outstanding and respectable. Love this band.

[@clicketysplit1817]

Simon was always personable and fun to meet in person. Always gave his best to the fans/Duranies during the few encounters I had. He once (1990) drew a sea mural complete with a mermaid "with big knockers" on the dashboard of my car with a metallic gold pen😂

[@jonshaw9472]

Hail the king...cracking bloke Simon Le Bon is...always has been.

[@kray97]

Simon is a wise man - fair and down to earth.

[@douglasleavitt3532]

Great interview. Simon is an example of someone who, due to taking care of himself, has been able to sustain his ability to perform even into his 60s. Added to that, the years have also given him a depth that makes him interesting. Very well spoken. Nice to still have energy and a desire to learn.

[@MarkPMus]

What an intelligent human being.

[@LDC1802]

The best Band forever ever !

[@toomylight2311]

Amazing “ ordinary day “ the lyrics are so apt for what’s going on in the world .

[@ominousdarkrealms3303]

Love this band !!!!

[@llp7261]

What a great interview!! ❤❤❤

[@heidicameron878]

I just want Simon to know I have loved him 40 years he is my favourite Duran member. I had a poster of him beside my bed every night I would give him a kiss and say good night Simon I was 16 now 54❤️❤️❤️

[@charruaporelmundo]

Wow… I feel so much better on this world knowing I’m on exactly the same page of my greatest band singer. ❤️🇺🇾

[@ronfarney6477]

Hello buddy 👋😁 fantastic interview with Simon lebon every interesting about lady di llluuvvlllyyy beautiful women is family he loves his family very dearly top guy is music 🎵🎶 well what can you say he's a total top musician songwriter front man with the best band on planet earth 🌍🌎 also I was 12 years old when I heard there 1st single February 1981 planet earth blew me away so non I'm 54 yrs old and still a die hard Duranie saw um 70 times in there outstanding career and got another 3 booked Manchester UK London UK and Birmingham uk wow wow wow can't wait 🙂 Duran Duran are totally epic awesome amazing 👍👍 musicians totally wow wow wow and I've got to say really enjoyed watching your interview many thx and cheers just epic amazing 👍👍

[@patricialevy13]

Excellent interview! Almost quite impossible to mention only 5 songs because they are indeed one of the greatest bands of all times 👍And I've watched Yasmin Le Bon interviews and must say she is kind,humble, wise and involved as well ❤❤

[@mickyeverton]

Save A Prayer!! A True Classic, Peace From London. 🙏🙏

[@nickyalousakis3851]

great interview. last saw duran duran in august 22 in Toronto Molson Amphitheatre. Raining and thundering like mad. The show was well worth the money. Really enjoyed it. Chic played too. An iconic band relevant yesterday as they are today.

[@Marcbr73]

Very humble statement opposed to ego, refreshing to hear…..

[@Eden639]

I really like the splitting of profits equally amongst members. Simon is very honest and down to earth. Yes indeed his voice is like wine, the older the better!

[@carolbryanton-mj4pd]

Wonderful interview,

[@designguy65]

it was the music that attracted me to this band in the first place. The early MTV videos were my first exposure, but it was the sound that made it really memorable. I thought they had such a good combination of elements that grooved well together. After that it was definitely the graphic design and their whole visual presentation. Did anyone else have videos shot in Sri Lanka at the time? Don't think so. Happy to see them doing so well in 2023 I certainly didn't expect it to go this long! Still enjoy listening to their music.

[@garciafamily3335]

Saw them in the 80s here in Houston (the venue was called The Summit back then) with my Mom, best friend, & her Mom!!! I will admit though, I was one of the girls whom loved John...lol...they are coming back HERE IN HOUSTON in June & guess who is going to be there???? (kind of cool to have MY daughters, in their 20s, coming with me this time!) 🧡🧡 Duran Duran rules forever!

[@machinewash3523]

Secret Oktober is a gem. Excellent insights with Simon.

[@jeffthewhiff]

I really enjoyed this interview with Simon and have to agree with his beliefs about the world and how we can improve as human beings.👍

[@Nik531]

Great Interview. Thanks Simon

[@saharaabdala6297]

He looks direct to me , through the screen, and smile, and I'am just flustered and smiling like the 12 year old me that listens to The wild boys...and it happens that I'm a Nick's girl!!!

[@sl4983]

I like Nick too 🥰

[@theWARMJET]

Carless memories and Secret Oktober. Great interview.

[@Simona_nl]

Great interview ❤