He forgot the words to 'Hungry Like the Wolf'?

Duran Duran's latest world tour is getting off to a bad start. And I don't mean that Nick forgot his mascara or Simon lost his wristband again.

The band's show Wednesday night in Auckland, New Zealand, was rough, according to the local media. Bassist John Taylor stormed off stage during a medley of electronica songs in which the group's members all so matching satin suits. And then singer Simon Le Bon forgot the words to "Hungry Like the Wolf."

"Duran Duran, f---ing up in style," Le Bon said to the crowd, according to the New Zealand Herald's review.

Despite the meltdowns, "when they were good, they were great," the reviewer said. "After a somewhat slow start, the band had the arena up and dancing by their fourth song, 'Planet Earth,' and kept things cruising along comfortably until they reached the Bond soundtrack 'A View To A Kill,' which saw the night hit fever pitch."

[Getty Images]

Comments

[Johnny B. Goode]

All that time lost wandering through the jungle must have really messed up his mind.

[GlennS.]

I saw these guys on one of the morning shows when the new album came out, and Simon looked totally bored. Maybe it's time they call it a day.

[Marissa]

I dunno. I forget my own phone number and mistake myself for being a year older when I'm asked my age.

[Richard Phelps]

They've always been experimental. Perhaps we needed more "mental", less "experi" in this case.

I'm currently in Sydney ready for their concert tonight. I will drop a comment perhaps tomorrow and let you know if they keep it together... although you might get the goods from www.smh.com.au anyway.

Definitely looking forward to it!
- Richard

[Spears]

Feel free to send us a full review, Richard. I'd be happy to post it!

[Brooke]

I've just got back from the Duran Duran concert (Sydney)... I have rather mixed feelings about it really. They started brilliantly but a couple of songs in they were lacking in enthusiasm. They totally massacred Ordinary World; in fact so badly that I feel a little embarrased for them really. However on a high note I have to say though that their keyboard medley set was an absolute blast - for me, that was the winning set of the night! Love to know what others think. Anyway, seeing them at V Festival tomorrow; they might come good yet!

[Angela]

I went to see them on Friday and Saturday in Sydney. The shows totally rocked. How many concerts today could you go to and see that many people going off? and at our age! Was not into them in the eighties but love them now. Watch out! With concerts like they preformed on Sat at V all the gen Y's might actually start liking them too. They kicked butt on the Smashing Pumkins! Forgive the initial sound problems at V. These guys handled it with professionalism and grace. They pay to get the whole package, but they are the best.

[Cathy L]

Simon is not alone in this. Every great lead singer has messed a up a line or two at concerts. The fact is Duran Duran put on a great show. They are incredible live and I hope they continue making great music. Simon, you're the best!

[Ria]

Look at how old Simon looks! I saw them back in the 80's when they were really hot, but I couldn't hear any of the music. All I could hear were a bunch of screaming girls all around, and I was one of them. I stood out in the 20 degree below zero weather just to get terrible seats!

[Richard Phelps]

Brooke said it!

The Sydney show was really good and I agree that "Ordinary World" was weak.

I had word from crew in NZ that the electronic set left them mystified ("we dont get it, mahhhh"). Sydney was the complete opposite. I looked around as DD flipped "Skin Trade", and "I Dont Want Your Love" on their heads, to early 90s rave drum samples. Sydney loved it. A lot of us "got it" and were dancing in the aisles, until security told us to go somewhere safe.

They still have the energy - lets not get confused about that. I guess its the luck of the draw as to how much energy you get, especially for a band who has done these songs for over 25 years. Also - the audience has got to get into it as well, otherwise the performers feel like a sideshow.

The set list included a lot of songs from the Rio album - which we found AWESOME! My tip on seating is to avoid the sides. Get in FRONT of the band.

Got the shirt. Concert photos coming Steve!

Richard

[Siân]

Attention all Duran fans in the USA & elsewhere! Don't believe everything you read in the media - esp dumb reporters in New Zealand who can't even get their facts straight!
John didn't stalk off stage he just walked (normal pace) from his side to the other where the tech guy was & was laughing with him about the tech mistakes.
Simon getting the words to 'Hungry Like the Wolf' wrong was a bit of live performance magic as was reminiscent of the original video to the song where he mouths the wrong words in 1 of the choruses!
The Auckland concert was fab & the few 'errors' are what can always happen in a LIVE show - unlike certain other performers who 'sing' to pre-recorded vocals.

[Spears]

Thanks for the reviews, gang! We love getting the scoop ahead of the U.S. tour.

They're not coming to Tampa Bay, but I'm debating catching them in Orlando, which is maybe a 2-hour drive.

[mellow]

Coming in late sorry.

I was actually there at the Auckland show. Front row. Right in front of John.

He absolutely did not storm off stage. Complete load of crap. I don't know what this 'reviewer' was looking at. He simply walked to the side and gestured/spoke to a tech to sort out a problem. Ten secs max.

Simon forgetting lyrics? Didn't notice that.

What I noticed was a nearly 2.30hr set, full of energy and fun. A few minor glitches, which the band recovered from in a really professional way.

I also went to the Sydney show.

[blkbelt2004ab]

they are still the greatest band ever