Duran Duran “Do the Madison” 1984/2023. Two-LP bootleg (Gimme Recordings) on clear vinyl. Today, April 26th, is Duran drummer Roger Taylor’s birthday (b. 1960). Do the Madison is from the band’s sold-out concert at Madison Square Garden on March 21st, 1984 during their Sing Blue Silver tour to promote Seven and the Ragged Tiger. The unofficial release is the complete live radio broadcast of the show, aired by the NYC radio network Westwood One. The recording and production is so-so (for a Duran release): the mix gets weird in spots, with Simon’s voice sounding a bit tinny and either too low or waaayyy up front (and a few slightly cringy notes during “New Moon on Monday“) and occasionally the saxophone goes on a bit of a bender. (and oh god the recorder/wood flute duet on “The Chauffeur” is brutal, in a bad way). But overall the band is tight, on the top of their game and clearly thrilled to be playing the Garden.

The concert features songs from Seven and the Ragged Tiger: the singles “The Reflex” (Simon: “this song is about a dancer!”), the aforementioned “New Moon on Monday” and a slightly funked-up “Union of the Snake” plus some deeper cuts like “The Seventh Stranger” and “Cracks in the Pavement.” The bulk of the show is from Rio, including the hits “Hungry Like the Wolf,” “Save a Prayer” and “My Own Way” and of course “Rio” as the final song. Duran’s performance of “New Religion” is perfection (Andy’s guitar and John’s bass playing are on fire). There’s a few from their debut Duran Duran like “Friends of Mine,” “Careless Memories” and “Planet Earth.” However I’m super-disappointed that this record does not include “Girls on Film.” I’ve read that the March 21st concert featured “Nile Rodgers and Tony Thompson joining Duran Duran on stage for a performance of “Girls on Film”, which lasted for more than 12 minutes.” (Duran Duran Wiki Fandom) Fortunately you can listen to it here.