Duran Duran - Nick Rhodes, Understated Genius

A discussion on Duran Duran, focusing particularly on Nick Rhodes and his role in the Band. Nick Rhodes is more than just a keyboard player and his input has been a huge contribution towards Duran Duran's success and longevity.
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[@gabemcknight8933]

Nick Rhodes is the mastermind of Duran Duran especially the first 4 albums.im glad you brought Nick Rhodes up

[@Aprlmoore]

Yup!

[@jenniferglunt17]

One example: Nick helped to engineer RIO. He was mixing and editing that album to its atmospheric perfection. He had to finish the record before flying to Sri Lanka to join the others for filming. Also, I watched this concert from 1981. Nick's keyboard parts for "My Own Way" was super awesome-Latin disco strings and moody monophonic space pad sounds.

[@pern1044]

He only was perfect with Andy Taylor. They needed each other.

[@joanneadams6102]

I'm a life-long Duranie, Nick 'The Controller' Rhodes is my fave Duran Man but luv the others as well

[@toomuchinformation814]

Thank you! Nick Rhodes is an amazing talent. Duran Duran has been the backdrop to my life since I was very young. All of them are so talented, and Nick is the musical backbone in my opinion.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Linda , we both agree !! VG:)

[@heidiaschenbrenner6044]

100%!!! I read Andy's and John's books about their time in DD, Nick is definitely the driving force. Nick wrote the intro for John's book and said he might write his own book one day... would love to see that.

[@joanzensillystuff2285]

Nick Rhodes merely a genius. According to me, he has been essential in Duran Duran. Without him, the group wouldn't exist, I'm sure of that.

[@VaughnGeorge]

100% agree with that !! VG;-)

[@bobertpaulbufano4569]

Agreed, he basically is Duran Duran

[@degosiejani2774]

He started Duran Duran with John

[@gtamediaproductions1]

I agree 100% 👍

[@teddybearjedi8865]

Simon & Nick are the Heart & Soul of Duran Duran. Simon is their Voice and Nick is who gives them Their Persona.

[@scottmacfarlane2350]

So during that break-up period when John and Andy got their rock on with The Power Station, Nick, Simon, and Roger made one of the best records ever produced, "So Red the Rose", as Arcadia. You didn't mention it, but probably know about it. I remember being mystified by it back then (huge Duranite, high school), and damn if that entire album doesn't still sound great today. Nick's masterful ambient sound design really shines on it, especially in the filler track "Rose Arcana", and the 3 or 4 minute lead-in to "Lady Ice". That song is a journey, and one of my favorites to this day. If you are going to talk more Duran Duran, bring it up, and more importantly, listen to it if you haven't! It's got guests such as Grace Jones and Sting on it, too. Great stuff!

[@VaughnGeorge]

THANK YOU Scott!! A lot of people agree that "So red the rose" was one of the best !! VG:-)

[@shannonharvie5089]

Scott MacFarlane - So Red the Rose is in my top 10 of all time. Goodbye is forever is SO MUCH FUN, Election Day is dark and sexy and The Promise is haunting. The best album Duran never made.

[@Leela1945]

@@shannonharvie5089Yes!

[@chucksmash1]

Scott MacFarlane Very well said!!! "So Red the Rose" is a Nick Rhodes masterpiece with insanely high production value. And it still sounds quite modern today despite having been released 34 years ago.

[@jupitermarx]

Scott MacFarlane agree

[@asgerkhan835]

Im a huge Bond fan...and A View to a Kill is my absolute fave Bond Track.. Those Spikey Synths are sondistinct and Bondesque... Captures Bond sound while capturing the sound of the 80's. Tiger Tiger......another perfect DD song.

[@imppu]

Nick's playing and programming, along with Simon's voice, is integral to the Duran Duran sound. No wonder that specifically they have been the only constant members since 1980. So nice to see and hear Nick's work being appreciated, 'cause I feel a lot of the time he's been dismissed or simply overlooked as a musician. And he's the #1 reason I wanted to start playing keyboards myself! This was great, thank you.

[@kray97]

John's bass lines drove the songs, Nick provided the musical soundscape where the other instruments could be played.

[@tracyjohnson4881]

Great stuff, Vaughn. Loved ‘The Chauffeur’ back in the day. Also loving the number of Alan Wilder references in a video about Nick Rhodes 😂

[@iDoTechOK]

I literally jumped out of my skin when the Starship Enterprise alert went off when talking about Alan Wilder. I thought...oh my God! The kids are going to wake up!

[@gingerindian1141]

I would like for you to review the keyboards of Acardia 'So Red the Rose' - its one of my all time favourite duran duran (although not duran duran???) but it sounds like them - and its Nick Rhodes and Simon Le Bon who wrote it - so it counts. The album drips with atmosphere, and detail to sound - is just sublime. I still dont think - despite their much improved recognition - people ever fully appreciated the talent depth duran duran had - when you compare this era to say Big Thing (1988) with tracks like ' Do you Believe in SHame?' on it (again haunting keyboard I think you will be ever so 'aroused by') - the Arcadia album - just brilliance. Goodbye Is Forver and Keep me in the Dark - my fav 2.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Greg hi that is a good suggestion !! "So the red rose" has been requested a lot !! VG:-)

[@gingerindian1141]

@Realist 1801 and produced by nick rhodes

[@jenniferglunt17]

That album was so dreamy.

[@valbolan]

I totally agree, it's one of my faves that I replay constantly, a classic & the flame what a great fun video, makes me laugh every time!

[@depecheddurand]

@@VaughnGeorge oh yes that is one of their best work heavily collaborated.

[@sonictype]

Nick and the producers completely transformed "The Chauffeur" in a masterpiece. If you hear the demos it sounded completely different

[@michaelgreene8918]

I'd love to hear those demos. where would one find them?

[@sonictype]

@@michaelgreene8918 kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKKcd6OrhdNlr5Y

[@allexisberry7367]

Duran Duran and depech mode are so very different to me. Adore them both. ❤

[@fabriziodc3432]

Great Video Vaughn! I love Duran Duran's music...past, present and future! 👍😉

[@VaughnGeorge]

Cheers bud!! VG:-)

[@Filmation77]

Nick was always the ethereal backdrop of Duran Duran and as far as his image goes and he does come off very stand-offish in his presentation but I actually met him at a Virgin megastore signing for Astronaut.and he was the absolute sweetest,cordial man and he made me feel like a million dollars after meeting people for 6 hours.hes gold as a person

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you for sharing !! VG:-)

[@escaton74]

he's always been their driving force since 1978... the arcadia album is the best art pop record of the 80s

[@FaithnSin]

Nick is the engine that drives Duran Duran. It’s that simple.

[@jenarcadia]

You speak of Nick's character. I met Duran Duran backstage back in 1999. Nick was a sweat heart. He was a very classy guy.

[@CarrieLuikens]

Hi, you have a new female fan :) from America :) Yes Nick Rhodes is essential to the Duran Duran sound as well as look of the band. I agree there is alot of subtle genius musicianship he brings to the band via the keyboard synthesizers. He is also very interested in innovative technology and being creative. I love it that even in 1985 he had a computer monitor sitting next to his keyboards for an Arcadia performance - the Election Day song. Very progressive. He is very artsy and has fantastic fashion style. My favorite thing about him. He is by far the best dressed keyboardist. A Prince - yes! His hair has always been so perfect (as all the DD guys). I also think he may have possibly lived in Renaissance times in a prior lifetime and brought forward into the future (our present) his talents from those times (the Mozart era). He loves art, fashion, photography, film and of course music. A true Renaissance guy! 💜

[@VaughnGeorge]

Hello and Welcome Aboard !! I’m always happy to welcome more ladies into this community which is over 65% male at the moment but !! Thank you and please subscribe Because more Duran Duran is Coming soon !! VG

[@diga88]

It was quite a pleasant surprise to see a Duran Duran video on your channel, very well done, Vaughn. You touched on many of the little things that made them the band they are today as they were very "together" from the start and had a singular focus and two strong managers (Paul and Michael Berrow) who did all they could to help them along. When the original 5 members got together they produced a sound like no other band at the time. I have to agree with the Alan Wilder comparison as Nick Rhodes is sort of the producer/arranger of DD, or at least it's what he eventually became. As you stated, their songs are so well crafted that if you played them on just a piano they wouldn't lose their power and for some songs it might even give them more weight in a classical sense. As for what you could do for upcoming videos on DD, reviews of their albums would be amazing. There is so much to delve into you would have material for months. They created their own sound but lately they have had a tendency to try too hard to stay current and it has produced some mixed results which are more than worthy of a little discussion. Also, as you have done for Depeche Mode and with other bands to a lesser extent, you can do the same for DD by going over the various stages in the band's career from world domination in 3 years to an even faster fall from grace, to their first comeback, and then the second, and then the third, and the effect it all has had on their sound. I look forward to whatever it is you have in store for us.

[@VaughnGeorge]

That is a really kind thing to say !! Thank you for the detail and for your interest and support !! VG:)

[@shannonharvie5089]

diga88 - some of the newer stuff is brilliant though. I LOVE LOVE LOVE The Valley from RCM and Face for today from Paper Gods are 👌🏻 also love Out of my Mind from Pop Trash.

[@diga88]

@@shannonharvie5089 Yes, put on Out Of My Mind and turn it up to 11, it sounds fantastic at that level. I agree also on The Valley, it is a great song. As much as I wasn't a fan of going so far into the Timbaland "sound", I think RCM is underrated. I have yet to get into Paper Gods, and I have 3 versions of the album, I'll keep trying though.

[@georgerobos6570]

Brilliant! I remember MTV playing them every other minute, back in the days. Best song for me, wild boys

[@midnightsopflame7292]

A wonderful tribute to the much deserving, magnificent and brilliant Nick Rhodes!!! Thank you for this wonderful video! Love, love, love it! 💖

[@VaughnGeorge]

You're welcome !! VG:-)

[@markwibrow9126]

Great video Vaughn. The subject matter caught me by surprise because Nick Rhodes is / was my absolute idol. He’s the reason that I wanted to be in bands. He’s the reason I wanted to play the synthesiser. He’s the reason my early synthesisers were Roland. The sequence arpeggios on the first two albums blew my young mind. Planet Earth, Careless Memories, Sound of Thunder, Rio, Save a Prayer, Hold Back the Rain, The Chauffeur. Although, in general, the later albums have not always been strong throughout - there’s always been a couple of songs on each that are standout tracks that have Nick Rhodes DNA all over it. His visual, his dalliance with pop art, Andy Warhol, his side projects The Devils (with Stephen Tin Tin Duffy - the original DD singer) or Arcadia or TV Mania (with Warren Cuccurullo) are all ( as you say) massively underrated. Anyway, I could ramble on for hours which I’m sure nobody wants. Great choice of topic my friend. Excellent 🎹🎧

[@Wesaveingold]

I agree And where TV Mania was a very strange but interesting sample project, Arcadia was awesome. I just mention the songs "Lady Ice" and "El Diablo" as 2 examples from Arcadia. Very edgy and spacy almost spiritual tunes. Duran Duran also has some great B sides. " Kanada" "Late Bar" "Faster Than Light" "Secret October" that is worth mention.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Cheers Mark!! VG:)

[@KortKramer]

Nick's an integral part of DD. He is definitely an understated genius. Before Depeche took over my psyche, DD was there. One of my favorite groups from that time to the present. Well presented Vaughn! Love the cat analogy for Nick. I had a poster of the group in their new romantic phase on my wall during high school. Definitely not a dog rocker, but I did like Power Station (and Arcadia)! BTW the Chauffeur is my favorite all-time track. You've got good taste. Please focus on their early synth stuff like this song and save a prayer etc. Maybe the live album Arena and other early synth stuff.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Cheers Kort !! Good to hear from you !! VG:-)

[@strangerrose538]

Thanks for highlighting Nick Rhodes talents-they are so underrated by many, but thankfully appreciated by many too. I'd say he is a major force behind Duran Duran, and it goes beyond just keyboards and synths, but in the development of the band as a whole throughout the years; a major technical, artistic and media savvy genius. And, to cap it all, he is a consummate professional and gentleman.

[@diegoguadalupi7836]

When I was 13, all girls and quite few boys were into Duran Duran and I was the black sheep saying I like Depeche Mode. I couldn't care less about their look and Simon Le Bon, but I always had huge respect for Nick Rhodes. I still listen nowadays to Save a Prayer and the Chauffeur, along with some earlier stuff. His knowledge of keyboards and experimentation certainly helped building Duran Duran success. Similarly, there are keyboard players like David Ball- Soft Cell and Andy Summers- Police who had an important role in the band but are underrated in my opinion.

[@VaughnGeorge]

CHEERS Diego !! Always good to hear from you !! VG:-)

[@lifovi2531]

Amazing as always vaughn! i would love you to touch on Japan the band too, i think that would be an interesting video

[@MonoLith2049]

Stew Pid ooh my god! Japan were effin amazing! So ahead of their time, almost all their hits were resissues because no one got them first time round

[@VaughnGeorge]

Hi and thank you !! I am not too familiar on Japan but I do recognise there legendary appeal !! VG:-)

[@АЛЕКСАНДРГорбунов-ж4й]

Nick Rhodes ... Genius ! Love all Duranies ! Duran Duran !!!

[@АЛЕКСАНДРГорбунов-ж4й]

No Alan Walder, Martin L. Gore !

[@rswpt]

Great video, as always Vaughn, i been a fan from DD since the 80's too! Loved the Alan Alarm! hehehehe

[@shannonharvie5089]

Duran Duran are the soundtrack to my life and Nick Rhodes is “the controller”. He is the rock. Love the comparison to a Persian, I sprayed tea out my nose laughing 😂 new subbie here!

[@mishti06]

Nick is amazingly talented. As someone who's been a fan since the beginning..I remember when Nick single handedly brought the synthesiser to the world in the 80s. He is so very artisticly creative.

[@anthonynichols1463]

Great video vorn.Awsome introduction to one of the best keyboardist ever that is NR. Cant wait for your follow up vids. Loved the fan boy alerts .

[@VaughnGeorge]

Cheers Anthony !! VG:-)

[@suzettehyche4429]

Being 41 Duran Duran is definitely the soundtrack to my childhood. As an adult I have found that my love of the band has grown stronger as I understand the components behind the sound. I have been saying for a while that Nick Rhodes is one of the absolute most ingenious Keyboardists of all time as well as John Taylor is a musical legend , especially if you can tear down the songs. I love that you do these videos.

[@robertkydd3593]

I've always been a fan, especially growing up in South Africa where DD were the first international act I saw at the Rand show. And as a keyboard player, I've always admired Nick. Thanks for branching out into the other 80s supergroup ;)

[@frankie7521]

Great video Vaughn! I love the Nick and Alan comparison. Both are my synth heroes.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Frank hi!! Sounds like you have come to the right channel !! VG:-)

[@Cookie_DDD]

I love Nick as Persian Cat! He really is a very glamorous, unique person. Excellent musician. Love Duran! Thanks for the vid

[@Scottyboythehandyman]

Really great and informative video. He also gave Kajagoogoo their hit single, “Too Shy”

[@donaldjones6454]

Nick Rhodes and Tom Bailey (Thompson Twins) were the two that inspired me to get my synths and drum machine. However, I do not think you can compare Nick Rhodes to Tom Bailey, Alan Wilder or Howard Jones as a musician. I agree that he gets the perfect sound and adds the perfect touch to every Duran Duran song and without him they would lose their unique sound, but in every interview I have read with Nick Rhodes I hear him touting the non-musician notion that if it can’t be played with one finger it doesn’t follow their aesthetic. Most of these articles have appeared in Keyboard Magazine. I know he composed most of the Arcadia “So Red the Rose” album, which is fantastic, but I have never seen him sit down at a piano or any other keyboard and play anything that even hints at his level of competence the way the others I mentioned have. (I have to add that as much a I loved Alan Wilder In Depeche Mode and would pass out from excitement if I ever hear he’s back in, the constant dismissal of their music by so many since he’s gone is tired. They have not lost their edge and they still have not made a bad album, which brings me back to Duran Duran...) I love Duran Duran and have since I first heard them in 1982 when I was fifteen. Being a male Duran Duran was not easy then because they were “pretty” so everyone starts thinking I’m gay and much to my surprise....I was and am. However, it was always about the music for me. Music is much too important to me to reduce it to looks and partying. Roger was the only one who ever looked masculine and is also a fantastic musician. Of all the bands I still follow from my teenage years, Duran are the most frustrating. They never fail to come up with some great material, but they want so desperately to be popular (Nothing wrong with that) that they often release material that tries or be trendy rather than playing to their own very unique, fantastic sound. I have seen them live four times and the last time was the best. Hopefully, like Elton John and U2, they will continue to realize they never needed to change much to be great. P.S. Greg Hawkes from the Cars would be a great subject.

[@74goldenjet]

Thumbs up for Greg Hawkes! :)

[@VaughnGeorge]

Cheers Donald!! DD did inspire me too a lot!! VG:-)

[@WarriorPoet01]

See my comment re Red Carpet Massacre . Right to your point about chasing other styles in order to “remain popular”. Frustrating, indeed!

[@MJ-tg6wb]

I met Nick Rhodes and bought a Roland Jupiter-8 after talking Synths with him. I bought one previously owned by Greg Hawkes from The Cars! 🎹🎹🎹

[@hsatin20]

"Warning, bad boy alert" lol. That was a completely unexpected laugh out loud moment for me.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Glad you enjoyed it!! VG

[@Anne_Ty]

I was looking forward to this video. Love Nick Rhodes and love cats. I agree with everything you said. I quite enjoyed the clash between Nick's synthesizers and Andy's solo guitar when Andy was in the band. I think Duran Duran were underrated because of their good looks and teenage audience. Some journalists did not take them seriously but they've got a lot of songs full of depth and substance not just relying on fashionable style.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you Anne!! I am glad liked the video !! VG:-)

[@tibbyk5888]

Good video!!! Yes there must be a genius songwriter in DD, hm... so it’s Nick. I pick a song from them every now and then and play it on guitar. It’s unbelievable how advanced many of them. And I’m not on about crazy chords but the chord progressions made out of simple chords with them tunes on top. As you said there is no filler, no bullshit, everything is on its place. Simon must be the other genius cus them tunes on the top of them chords!!! Perfect band!!!

[@CarrieLuikens]

Yep, they are pretty darn perfect in almost every way. My fave band on Planet Earth! and probably the whole Universe! :)

[@platetec4636]

Great Video Vaughn, I think Rio should be in everybodies record Album collection. When they all jetted off to Sri Lanker to shoot the videos Nick stayed behind to finish the album off. The thing people forget is DD were a real band, they were excellent musicians, it was only when the teeny boppers hooked on to them that they lost some credibility. Save A Prayer is one of my all time songs , and songs like My Chauffeur and Nightboat showed their style. I agree with you on the Alan comparison.

[@rswpt]

true, they werent just a bunch of good looking guys, they were all very good musicians

[@VaughnGeorge]

Agreed Tom!! VG:-)

[@girllionness5944]

yes finally someone talks about duran duran! I wish someone would do a video on john taylor and his bass playing, he's like the backbone of the entire band and he's always overlooked by the bass community

[@VaughnGeorge]

Right you are!! John is a shit hit bassist and really distinct too!! There are not many videos on him strangely enough!! VG:-)

[@jameskimball8159]

Duran Duran is up there on my list of favorite bands! The Chauffeur is a fucking brilliantly beautiful song as are a lot of their songs. I have always found Nick Rhodes to be an interesting guy and I've always thought he was very talented. He stands out in a crowd for sure, which just adds to his character. Idea... maybe a top 10, 15 or 20 song series of Duran Duran that you have liked over the years and maybe go into detail about each one. Vaughn I know I say this every time I comment but you just keep getting better and better with each video! #Vaughnfanboy heheheehe. Cheers! James

[@lcoscarella]

What a great band...love them... Best songs to me are New Moon on Monday (kind of epic, Simon's low tone singing, simply amazing) and Skin Trade (again, Simon's singing is great and the combination of sounds is incredible).

[@VaughnGeorge]

Leonardo Coscarella cheers to you bro !! That’s one of my favourites too!! VG🎹😎

[@jenx-8756]

I was a Duranie in the 80's 😍 lol I enjoy ur breakdown of the songs mixed with humor Trent Reznor NIN please

[@miked3168]

Jenx - cevin key is way more talented and diverse compared to Trent, plus Trent just ripped off ministry but could never pull it off

[@TraumaHound]

Yeah, cevin key and dwayne goettel would be a good one

[@Reprodestruxion]

Mike D dont underrate Trent , bloke knows his piano and soundtracks . Plus he helped coil vía nothing records and he recently had a remix with Genesis P Oddridge . Despite what Blixa said, He’s not the one trick pony that Brian Warner is

[@marysantana4952]

He’s been one of my favorite people for the past 10 years now. I noticed all of this a long time ago before anyone else cared.

[@martinmeisner5918]

Hello Vaughn Wild boys is a great song/video Thanks for af Great video 😊

[@ricobonifacio1095]

Great info on a band and a musician I didnt pay much attention to most of their(his) career other may be their smash 1993 album. But now this makes me want to delve into their whole catalog.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Hello Rico , good to hear from you!! VG:-)

[@markduffy2536]

Duran Duran were there in the 80's when I was a young teenager, I grew up with their music and it was bloody good, alongside Depeche Mode I was quite sorted for music

[@mooshygirl]

Hi Great vid! I am a durannie from way back in’81 when I saw the planet earth video :instantly hooked! As for Nick Rhodes he is my fave member (next to Simon.)I used to copy his makeup .Additionally: When I was 14 I was convinced I was put on this earth to marry him lol! Not just for his smouldering looks but I loved hearing him speak. His charm, intellect and his wit is so appealing. Nick Rhodes, well, he IS Duran Duran.❤ 🇨🇦

[@bobertpaulbufano4569]

I only got into Duran Duran recently, but from my constant listening, I have always been pleasantly surprised. There are so many layers to their music, that it’s hard not to fall in love with. I get teased by my friends a little bit because there is a little bit of a stigma surrounding their music, but honestly, there is a level of musicality and poetry that makes their music very unique. Yes, they have some questionable songs out there. But overall, I think their music is timeless.

[@pru6er]

You're late. I've said that which caused the Alan Wilder Alert (awesome!). That Nick Rhodes also had innovations with synths sound like it's underwater in "Come Undone' , ala Nautica in "Rio" let alone "Save a Prayer". I'm glad you mentioned a hardcore song like "Chauffer".

[@HJPhilippi]

With describing the majestic beauty of The Chauffeur, you nail it (once again). I recently rediscovered this gemstone and felt like it has similarities what e.g. Queen did in the 70s, regarding song structure. It is somewhat a miniature musical in disguise of a 5 minute pop song! Really, really great art that doesn't happen in pop anymore.

[@ReginatorNet]

Great review and I love Duran Duran & Nick Rhodes! Can you believe Nick still toured with his Jupiter 8's up until around 2010?! That dude is one of my hero's and he's the reason I lust for my very own Jupiter 8...time will tell. ;-)

[@VaughnGeorge]

Nick is indeed a real guru!! VG:-)

[@Bigbadwhitecracker]

I never thought ANYTHING about DD because my sister and her little friends were obsessed with them. So I figured they couldn't be any good. Not until... ALL SHE WANTS IS which was the single that didn't chart very well in the USA except in dance clubs, pretty much got zero commercial airplay. As soon as they were past their prime, then I warmed up to them a little bit. But All she wants is will always be a big favorite of mine.

[@Wesaveingold]

I have been a Duranie since a long time ago got all their albums and it's my absolute fav band ever.

[@synthicidemusic1915]

Any Nick Rhodes fan is a friend of mine. Instant sub for that, but I really like what I'm seeing on your channel! Apart from synth/keys, how about Nick Rhodes: artistic director ....

[@SkeeterDraws]

I agree with the comment that if Nick were an animal, he'd be a cat. We said this in 1984 when watching him glare from behind his Roland in the video for The Reflex. Your assessment is spot on!

[@jasonq111]

I always knew Nick was the beating heart of Duran Duran. I was 12 in 82’ when Rio came out full blast on MTV and every guy I knew wanted to be Nick Rhodes. He just exuded a coolness not often seen in bands at that time. Plus, every girl was in love w him so all us boys wanted to be him.

[@chrisser2088]

Very good video. I’m a bit biased since I love Nick Rhodes and Duran Duran but your analysis was spot on.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you Chrisser!! I am glad you liked the video !! VG:-)

[@heatherhillman1]

Nick has always been my favorite. He really IS Duran Duran. The band could not go on without him.

[@diassmaker]

"If Nick Rhodes was an animal he'd be a cat... He'd be a white fluffy Persian cat..." LOL! Excellent video, George, keep it up!

[@teddybearjedi8865]

I just said this to some friends Saturday, that Simon and Nick are the Heart & Soul of Duran Duran. Simon's Voice, and Nick's Synths & Atmosphere are what Really give the Band Their Unique Style and Sound. I Love John, Roger, and Andy, but as they have proved over the course of their Career, the Guitar, Bass, and Drums have been able to be filled by Other Artists, where Nobody has Ever stepped into Simon or Nick's Roles. Duran Duran are Still My Favorite Band of All Time and Always will be.

[@jonnuanez2843]

I've seen the technical aspect of how he got the sound and arpeggio for "Save A Prayer". That and his sounds on "The Chauffeur" are enough to rank NR up there as far as how to use a synth and realizing its capabilities and limitations. He knows what he is doing. He doesn't need to know Mixolydian minor 6th scales for DD's songs.

[@TeiRen2012]

Comparing Nick Rhodes to a Persian cat is perhaps the best analogy I have ever heard LOL! Your impersonation of him is spot-on! 😂

[@kray97]

Duran Duran - "don't hate us because we're beautiful."

[@lisatiller8500]

Blessed 58 Mr Rhodes. Your music has been in my life for 35 years. Still one of the best synth men and humans. Hope your day is with Tatjana lee orchid and family.

[@nickvollrath4777]

I agree with everything you said . Duran Duran is my favorite band and Mr Rhodes is a role model for me . That being said , you could add that Nick Rhodes on the live shows won't play a lot , but at the same time is like having a director/engineer on stage . Is not hypothetical that as you said , if anything goes wrong they all would turn to Nick ( have an unintended video of John going to Nick for some problem while in Dallas on the Paper Gods tour ) , and Roger has said that whenever he misses a beat , he knows Nick noticed and is looking at him . And definitely he's the coolest cat ( outside of Bowie ) , the super talented , eccentric and mysterious one in the back . Not many people can pull that out , and he does it like a super star .

[@heathergeary2724]

In one concert John’s bass went out and Nick had to add bass.

[@FreihEitner]

Ahh, I love (especially) Nick's early work, his atmospheric textures throughout tracks like "Friends of Mine" (including what I refer to as the Tron light cycle chase at the beginning), "Careless Memories", "Tel Aviv" and of course "Rio".

[@MLCMD]

I love a secretive GENIUS! Makes it more impressive when you it figure out that Nick Rhodes was the essential cardiovascular system of the band far beneath the beautiful surface.

[@glennoc8585]

I still love planet earth such a classic new romantic song well before they were labelled as a girls band I saw Nick around the bull ring when i was a kid as my dad had a shop there and Nicks dad owned this huge toy shop in the bull ring. He was quite middle class and lived in Solihull.

[@mikhailpreda]

Fantastic video! learned a lot about Nick through this, can you do one on Gillian Gilbert and Stephen Morris?

[@VaughnGeorge]

Maybe in future yes !! VG:-)

[@mikhailpreda]

Cheers Vaughn, you truly are kind and give us some amazing content! Even if you never get around to it, I beg you to watch this documentary as a producer and see just how amazing the New Order story is! kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4G3kmh-eJeZitE

[@marysantana4952]

Nick Rhodes was my first love I used to be absolutely obsessed with that man even when he was old 💕

[@Synthcronized]

Considering that their first album Duran Duran dates from 1981, and that I was 10 years old (47 years old right now), I can't tell if I discovered them a couple of years later. What I remember perfectly is to listen to that first album and think which song was better than another. "Planet Earth" will always be my favorite. But ... what do you tell me about "Careless Memories" or "Sound of Thunder"? I love The Chauffeur ♥️♥️

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you for your message!! You are a true fan!! VG:-)

[@Synthcronized]

Vaughn George Thank you for these talks. I'm not sure of being a true fan :) The only thing I know is that I liked their sound since I first heard them. They’re all very good musicians. :) MJ

[@geetarbube]

Watching at work in the firehouse when that alert sounded. Let’s just say you got me! 😉

[@VaughnGeorge]

Hahahahaha cheers bud!! VG:-)

[@geordiebird1971]

Ok! I concede! ... I am one of those women and have been since age 13! 😂. I saw them in Scarborough in 2021. I watched your previous video where you broke down the melodies. I do agree with you about Nick. Although I am a JT fan at heart. You did promise in your last video I watched you'd break down the songs individually? Thanks for making these videos. I am about to subscribe! Please don't let me down 🤞.. Helen

[@grahamjenkinson6876]

Hi I did back line roadie and drove the Whinny Bago on there support tour with Hazel O'Connor and headed up merchandise on there first UK tour. I can tell you that you are exactly rite in all your observations on Nick but I would like to have you know that he also has a wicked sense of humour. Well done on your observations.

[@mattavalon]

So many things to talk about with Duran Duran. Loved Rhodes playing arpegiating Jupiter 8 on videos, swaying to the flanging waves! Looking moody too, but in a good way. To the shore, great almost harmonics come through from heavily phased synth, careless memories with direct arp to die for. Tel Aviv too, their most honest album to date. Thanks for the video. Would like you to get hold of a Jupiter 8 to show how it was used, or maybe some clips from a bands studio or live? Can wish I suppose

[@VaughnGeorge]

Great suggestion Matt!! VG:-)

[@shannonharvie5089]

matt smith TO THE SHORE! Love it. So many great songs.

[@mikeydread62]

Rhodes was a founder member along with Stephen Duffy. In the early 2000s they revisited their early songwriting and released an album under the name The Devils

[@jenniferuhde651]

I can kind of see him as a cat, but more like a glitter covered black peacock. Said completely out of love. Nick is awesome & very sweet.

[@BarrySlisk]

Thanks for the video. The Chauffeur is a masterpiece !

[@cosmosynthesizer]

I laughed so hard when their Album Astronaut came out (great tunes, catchy melodies) and he poses in the booklet with and a Macbook placed on his old Fairlight Sampler. So f***ing cool! 👍🏻

[@TommyVarekai]

More than delighted to see a video of this in my feed. Before i found Depeche, Kraftwerk, Gary Numan and others It was solely Nick Rhodes who inspired my passion for synths. He truly is a genius and such a talented Fairlight user, people struggled to learn how to use them and he mastered it based on the music he did with Simon in Arcadia. In all fairness Duran lost their real edge after guitarist Andy Taylor left, they are a very watered down version of them self despite being one of my favorite bands. Their 90s catalog is also very underrated with some incredible synth performances and programming on the likes of the albums Liberty and Pop Trash. Would LOVE some videos on Nine Inch Nails/Trent Reznor in the future too! :)

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you Tommy!! I have been asked to talk about NIN many times so I really should !! VG:-)

[@Nik531]

Can you talk about Arcadia. A great album. Simon on vocals and nick sounding influence.. I still Play Arcadia regularly.

[@mattheweldredge9880]

In my opinion one of the greatest albums of all time

[@Nik531]

@@mattheweldredge9880 Totally agree. The Missing is in my view the best love song. I still have a black leather jacket that an artist painted the cover Album on the back..

[@mattheweldredge9880]

@@Nik531 The ambience of that song. So absolutely hauntingly beautiful. Simon's voice is amazing but that it is on every song he sings. Majestic.

[@clicksforpix]

100% agreed! Thx for sharing this. I always thought about Nick must be the engine of the band besides Simon's fantastic voice, plus, of course, the Taylors, other members, etc. btw oh my god Lamya! :) Greetings from Hungary! Cheers, Peter

[@dancing_on_the_valentine_83]

Hi Vaughn, hope you're saying safe in this crazy period! Is there any chance you will make a video about Japan, who were a massive influence for John Taylor and Nick Rhodes back in the late 70's? That's such an wonderful and forgotten band. They don't deserve to be forgotten. They were just outstanding and so innovative.... Thanks in advance for your reply! 😊

[@margaretschembridalli5218]

It is by no accident that his mates call him 'the Controller". I am simply in awe of the guy.

[@mialoh]

Love your impersonation of Nick Rhodes!

[@abrokenframe72]

Hey Vaughn, don’t forget us original female fans of your channel. Not all of us are just there for the Alan memes, even if we occasionally sound the alarm 🤣🤣🤣 Great video. Nick IS very elegant and I wonder if he took a lot of cues from glam stars like Bryan Ferry, super cool and super elegant.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Hello to you !! Yes , you are indeed one of my first subscribers and I appreciate you!! VG;-)

[@valbolan]

Brilliant Vaughn love nick Rhodes my fave of the band, & yes he is a genius, he's the crux of the band so to speak, I loved when nick & Simon did Arcadia which is a classic, all the songs are great the promise,goodbye is forever, el diablo, the flame etc! A great great band, I've been into since the beginning!

[@Cubby113able]

"Waiting for the Nightboat" was one of my most favorite DD songs ever did.

[@Juststartingout768]

I think you’re a huge bit understated there..Duran could not function without Nick Rhodes. I am new to your channel and Ive watched a couple of your videos. It is really difficult sometimes to out into words your subject matter in the same way as it is difficult to describe a color to a blind person. You do a great job.

[@YasminMedazza]

As a 37 year DD fan, I would love to hear about post '93 to present DD & Nick Rhodes as well! Thanks for the video!

[@VaughnGeorge]

You are very welcome Yasmin!! Welcome to the channel !! VG:-)

[@christianhelwig]

Just came across across channel. Totally digging it

[@Cubby113able]

I laughed out loud at your description of Nick as a cat if he were to ever be an actual animal. hahahaha! Persian cat Indeed! 😂😂😂😂😂 All jokes aside Nick really is THE HEART of DD.

[@VaughnGeorge]

hahahaha cheers!! You have a great sense of humour !! Welcome to the channel!! VG :-)

[@Cubby113able]

@@VaughnGeorge Thanks Vaughn. I subscribed to your channel. I can really relate to what you said about DD. I have been a fan of the group since 1983 I think? I still remember all of their MTV videos and I bought ALL of their music too including Arcadia and Power Station. I guess I will ALWAYS be a fan for life. haha I had THE BIGGEST crush on Simon. But now that they are older and I look back I am like how did I EVER miss how incredibly handsome Roger was? I guess I was just blinded by Simon's pretty face and amazing voice. lol But seriously now I can really see that it is Nick who is the heart of this band. My respect for the guy has shot through the roof after listening to so many of his interviews on KZbin. He REALLY is an eloquent guy. And "posh" but in a simply fantastic way. I have a love for him like I have never had before? I just wish now that I would have held onto some of the charcoal drawings that I did of him and Simon back when I was a teenager during the 80s. I could have literally made money off of both of them. But I thought I was getting older and needed to let go of the past. But as you get older you realize some of those things were what helped define and made you into the individual that you eventually became as an adult. Now I am kicking myself in the butt for throwing them away darn it! 🙄

[@Cubby113able]

@@VaughnGeorge actually it is YOU who is the one with a GREAT sense of humor.😆😂 Your impression of Nick as a Persian cat is HYSTERICAL! 😂😂😂😂😂

[@Cubby113able]

Personally I had always thought of Nick as a Peacock. Or maybe a Cockatoo? But a Persian is more refined and uppity so I guess that one would suit his personality best. 😆

[@lifeschool]

Happy Birthday Nick

[@riggstwenty2]

Nick Rhodes is the most important person on the planet. Thank you

[@VaughnGeorge]

You're welcome!

[@JuanManuelTinoco]

The Chaffeur is one of my favorito songs, thanks for the info and analysis!

[@VaughnGeorge]

You're welcome Juan!! VG:-)

[@quietlife40]

Nick got me into synths...great video sir!

[@daveschrdinger]

Vaughn, what do you think DD albums review? Or, maybe, you can play some more Nick's parts?

[@VaughnGeorge]

Dave hi!! Yes, all these are in store!! VG:)

[@willhenwood2777]

Hi George thanks for the video. Duran have a unique and great sound. The structure of their early compositions owed a lot to Andy Taylor’s musician ship who has a solid understanding of song structure and timing .This allowed the band to hang their ideas hooks within that solid structure look at save a prayer , hungry like wolf and Girls on film . Most importantly added to that what Colin Thurston did to their sound was pure genius. Listen to their early songs pre and post Thurstons input it’s quite amazing. Lastly if you want to hear the piano played live with the band that enhanced their sound . Listen to the chorus of RIo played live in their 1982 UK tour played on stage by Andy Hamilton adds a lot of weight to the chorus with the vocal harmonies . Thanks for the video.