Hot on the heels of his impressive list of Grammy, Brit, and NME Award wins, artist and producer of the moment Mark Ronson is set to collaborate with legendary musical innovators Duran Duran. This exciting partnership will form the centerpiece of Smirnoff Experience Paris, set to take place on Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008 at La Cigale, Paris.
Watch video highlights, interviews from Smirnoff Experience Paris
Duran Duran will perform a unique live set with Ronson for this exclusive, invite-only performance. Together, they will showcase specially re-worked versions of some of the band's classic hits that will be created by Ronson, along with tracks from their critically-acclaimed new album, 'Red Carpet Massacre'.
Mark Ronson & the Version Players will also be bringing Mark's acclaimed live show to the event, performing songs from his hit album, 'Version'. Simon LeBon will bring his vocal magic to Mark's music as one of his featured guest vocalists.
Smirnoff Experience Paris is the third of four global Smirnoff Experience events, celebrating the brand's heritage and originality. The global program features original music collaborations fused with unique and interactive entertainment showcased in four of the cities most relevant to the history of the brand: Moscow, Shanghai, Paris and New York City.
In preparation for this once-in-a-lifetime show, Mark Ronson and the four original members of Duran Duran: Simon LeBon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor and Roger Taylor, have already started planning this collaboration with regular conversations from the road that Mark is now following up on with time spent in the studio creating the never-before heard or played interpretations.
Commenting on working together, Mark Ronson and Duran Duran band members said:
"Duran Duran are one of my favorite bands, period. The level to which they combined melody, groove, sonic and style has yet to be outdone. Plus, they were the only band I ever idolized to the extent of having posters, tour videos, Smash Hits sticker-books, and all sorts of embarrassing things. When I was nine years old, I even used to take a picture of John Taylor with me to the barber shop, in the hope that they would be able to duplicate his signature coif onto my tiny head. It's an honour and a highlight of my musical career to get to perform with them. And with the Ed Banger Crew and Tom Middleton, it's going to be a special night in Paris" - Mark Ronson
"I can't think of anyone working in music today that I would rather collaborate with on a project than Mark Ronson. This is a very exciting gig for us, totally different to anything we have done before. The idea of giving Mark free rein to remix songs of ours then to put it all together and perform it live... Wow. What a jam!" - Duran Duran bassist, John Taylor
"Mark makes elegant intelligent music. With graceful sleight of hand he produced two of the defining albums of last year. It's rare to find someone with such depth of vision, I believe he will be one of the most influential voices of his generation - the story has only just begun. I am thrilled that we are working together. It's going to be truly inspiring." - Nick Rhodes - Duran keyboardist
"Considering that for a period of over twenty years, we didn't collaborate with anyone - apart from a brief stage appearance, on my part, at "Wham - The Final" - I think we have been pretty spoilt recently working with Timbaland, Justin Timberlake and Nate Danja Hills. Of course, that's led to the overwhelming question; "Well after that, who could you possibly work with next? The only name that has held any real credibility and allure on our part, has been the name Mark Ronson. Mark is without doubt a naturally gifted artist and producer and one of the biggest talents to have emerged in recent years. He's taking popular music in a new, exciting and fresh direction, for which we can all give thanks. He also looks great in a well cut suit, and has the blood and voice of an Englishman - it's an irresistible package really. Nick, John, Roger and I simply can't wait!!" - Duran Duran lead singer, Simon LeBon
"Mark Ronson was born only three years before Duran Duran were formed but 'Wild Boys' was one of the first records he spun as a young DJ. His meteoric rise from DJ to world-renowned producer has been phenomenal and it's with great excitement and anticipation we become part of the Mark Ronson story again." - Duran Duran drummer, Roger Taylor
Premier electronic French label Ed Banger will also add their own magic to the night, with other specially-created Duran Duran remixes being presented by a selection of their hottest artists and DJs. In addition, Smirnoff Experience resident DJ Tom Middleton will also return for a unique performance with Paris-based classical pianist Maxence Cyrin, who will blend interpretations of acid house melodies with ambient beats, taking guests on a trip through some of the sounds that have defined a whole musical generation.
Duran Duran Red Carpet Massacre May 2008 US tour dates:
Dates could change!
May 8 - Valley View - San Diego, CA
May 9 - The Joint - Las Vegas, NV
May 10 - The Joint - Las Vegas, NV
May 12 - Wells Fargo Theatre - Denver, CO
May 14 - Rosemont Theatre - Chicago, IL
May 15 - Masonic Temple Theatre - Detroit, MI
May 16 - Summit City - Whitesburg, KY
May 17 - Chastain Park Amphitheater - Atlanta, GA
May 18 - UCF Arena - Orlando, FL
May 19 - Mizner Park Amphitheatre - Boca Raton, FL
May 21 - Koka Booth Amphitheatre - Raleigh, NC
May 22 - Mann Center for the Performing Arts - Philadelphia, PA
May 24 - Atlantis - Paradise Island (Bahamas)
May 27 - Merriweather Post Pavilion - Columbia, MD
May 28 - Agganis Arena - Boston, MA
May 30 - Central Park Summerstage - New York City, NY
May 31 - Central Park Summerstage - New York City, NY
Duran Duran - Red Carpet Massacre
Red Carpet Massacre (CD/DVD)
Duran Duran Official Website
Mark Ronson Official Website
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