Duran Duran “Planet Earth” their first single released 40 years ago today, February 2nd, 1981. (😳and an (un)helpful reminder to my fellow Duranies to check their mailboxes for AARP cards, schedule routine screenings with their docs, etc). Duran Duran released “Planet Earth” a couple of months before their debut LP Duran Duran. The song went to #12 in the UK and to #8 in Australia (it was not released in the US – this is a UK import). The 12″ single has “Night Version” on Side A: it’s longer than the original with a lot more saxophone, funky John Taylor bass and Andy Taylor rockin’ guitar. “Night Version” would appear on Nite Romantics, a 1981 EP of extended tracks and B-sides, as well as the ‘82 EP Carnival. On Side B of the 12″ is the single version of “Planet Earth” and “Late Bar.”