Nick Rhodes, the keyboardist and founding member of the British band Duran Duran, recently reflected on the group’s longevity and creative journey as they continue to tour nearly 50 years after their formation. Known for his distinctive New Romantic style characterized by blond hair and eyeliner, Rhodes remains the only continuous member of the band since its inception in Birmingham in the late 1970s.
In a wide-ranging interview conducted during the band’s ongoing UK and European tour, Rhodes discussed the pivotal role Mick Jagger played in keeping Duran Duran together during difficult periods in the mid-1980s. Rhodes credited the Rolling Stones frontman with a timely intervention, recalling that Jagger advised him to hold the band together for their future success. Without this support, Rhodes acknowledged, the group could have disbanded.
Rhodes also spoke candidly about his approach to the rock lifestyle, emphasizing his avoidance of drugs despite witnessing their destructive effects on some peers. He explained that his fast-moving, hyperactive mind and desire for control made drug use unattractive. "I tried some, and it didn’t suit me," he said, adding that the uncertainty of effects was unappealing given his personality.
The interview shed light on Rhodes’s artistic influences and friendships with iconic cultural figures. He described his close relationship with David Bowie, whom he regarded as a dear friend, intellectual, and enduring role model. Their association, along with encounters with Andy Warhol, placed Rhodes and his bandmates in the heart of influential artistic circles during their early years, helping shape Duran Duran’s multimedia approach to music and performance. The band pioneered the integration of synthesizers with pop songwriting and became known for their visually striking music videos.
Rhodes also reflected on his personal style, which has remained consistent since the 1980s New Romantic movement. He explained his continued use of eyeliner and refusal to wear jeans, citing an attention to detail and a commitment to aesthetics influenced by figures like Bryan Ferry and Bowie. Despite being in his sixties, Rhodes maintains his distinctive look, framing it as part of his routine and a way to combat signs of fatigue on tour.
Throughout their career, Duran Duran have sold over 100 million records worldwide and built a dedicated fan base, including notable admirers such as Princess Diana, who collected their albums. Rhodes recounted several meetings with Diana, highlighting her enthusiasm for the band.
Beyond music, Rhodes is also engaged in visual arts. A former art student, he has ventured into photography, pop art, and publishing, exhibiting his abstract artworks and further expressing his lifelong passion for creativity.
As Duran Duran approaches half a century of making music, Rhodes’s reflections offer insight into the band’s enduring appeal, their artistic integrity, and the friendships and creative decisions that have shaped their remarkable journey.