Duran Duran have been forced to cancel a show which was due to take place in Nice tonight, due, sadly, to the sudden death of band member Nick Rhodes' father. In a statement to French fans the group said: "The band members are extremely sorry to disappoint fans, but hope that everyone will understand that only such tragic circumstances would keep them from a performance. Unfortunately, due to the band's European tour schedule and the availability of the venue there is no possibility to move the band's South of France date - but they hope to be able to return on their next Continental run".
Elsewhere in Duran Duran news, on Tuesday of this week the band became the first ever group to play at Paris's Louvre museum, in the famous pyramid bit. The gig was held as a benefit concert as part of fundraising efforts to complete a restoration project for the 18th century Decorative Arts Gallery of the museum. Frontman Simon LeBon said: "It's a great honour for us to be asked to perform at this prestigious occasion and we're looking forward to stepping onto a stage in what is undoubtedly one of the world's most significant buildings. We are all great lovers of the arts and have visited the museum's works many times. Helping to raise funds for this incredible institution is a tremendous privilege. Hopefully it will put a smile on the Mona Lisa's face!"
Which is all quite impressive. Still, they haven't yet played Glastonbury, and they really want to, according to the Daily Star. Bassist John Taylor told the tabloid: "I'd love to do Glastonbury one day. But we'll probably be in our 60s when Michael Eavis gets around to inviting us. The earth will be frazzled and there'll be dust storms on the Pilton farm by then, probably."
Taylor also handed out some praise for Mark Ronson, and none for Madonna. On Duran Duran's upcoming live collaboration with Mark Ronson in Paris he said "I've known Mark for years and he deserves his success. He's gonna mash up our biggest hits for a 30-minute mega-mix and then we're gonna try and play them live along with him. It should be fun". He was less complimentary about the aforementioned Mrs Ritchie, saying that she copied them by getting Timbaland and Justin Timberlake to produce her new album (the pair worked on 2007 LP 'Red Carpet Massacre'). "It wouldn't be the first time Madonna's copied us. She's been doing it for years", he said.