Pop icons Duran Duran have joined the long list of artists who have paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II during a live performance, the band dedicated “Save A Prayer” to the late monarch during their set at the Hollywood Bowl. The group consisting of Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes and John and Roger Taylor played the LA Amphitheatre on Friday 9th September 2022.
During the band’s tribute, Duran Duran urged the crowd to hold up their lighted phones to pay respect to the 96-year-old former monarch. The group then launched into a beautifully sorrowful rendition of the hit; the set featured animated white doves flying across the video screens. The 80’s heartthrobs took to their official social media accounts to share a touching message accompanied by a breath taking picture of the audience.
“So, you know that it’s a real sad time for a lot of us Brits, and a lot of other people around the world, and we would like to make our own tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.”https://t.co/7ragAxv1u4 @RollingStone #duranlive #saveaprayer pic.twitter.com/A5iqN4Uv1c
— Duran Duran (@duranduran) September 10, 2022
Whilst addressing the audience, lead singer Le Bon said, “So, you know that it’s a real sad time for a lot of us Brits, and a lot of other people around the world, and we would like to make our own tribute to Queen Elizabeth, If you’d like to join us and show your respect, please take your cell phone out, switch the light on. Let’s fill the Bowl with light for the Queen. We say goodbye.” See below for fan footage which captured the emotional performance.
Before Duran Duran proceeded to perform their 1982 ballad, a portrait of the Queen was displayed on large screens; the same image was also projected to the audience before the group took to the stage. The spectacular concert saw “Milkshake” singer Kelis open for the legendary hitmakers, for a full review of the concert please click here. Just hours prior to the “Hungry Like The Wolf” band’s appearance, the group took to their official social media accounts to share their reaction to the news of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing. The post included the following emotive message, “Her Majesty the Queen has presided over the UK for longer than any other British monarch. She dedicated her life to the people and set an extraordinary example to the world throughout her reign.”
The band’s post continued, “She’s seen changes that are beyond what any of us can imagine. She has faced challenges that she has risen to time and again. Her life has been remarkable in so many ways. We will all miss her and are grateful for the incredible service she gave to the people of Great Britain and the countries of the Commonwealth, We send our deepest condolence to the royal family. Her death brings to an end a long and unique chapter in the history of the United Kingdom and the world,”
pic.twitter.com/bHlGJr5eun — Duran Duran (@duranduran) September 8, 2022
Duran Duran were among the many acts who played at the Platinum Jubilee concert to celebrate the Queen’s 70th year on the throne. The band performed on a constructed stage outside of London’s Buckingham Palace on 4th June 2022, also billed to perform were Diana Ross, Rod Stewart and Queen + Adam Lambert. The first act to perform was Queen + Adam Lambert; the royal rockers performed their classic hit “We Will Rock You” alongside a royal marching band. The Queen herself was present for many of the Jubilee celebrations and events, but she did not attend the star-studded concert; in lieu of her attendance, a very special comical pre-recorded message of the Queen featuring Paddington Bear was shown to kick off the event.
