He plays traditional piano on Come Up and See Me the B side to the Reflex. You can also see him doing the fancy run on View to a Kill which at least shows he can run up and down scales on a piano. Also., when he is pushing buttons, it is often the movie on screen behind them that he is controlling
i think in this case, the tape has a backing tune, don t think he would play it that way, that s the only video that shows nick close to a classic piano , but give him de doubt benefit jaj
Nick is a master of "layers". Without his incredible talent at weaving melodies into the music, Duran Duran would not have lasted for over 40 years. I've been a fan since the beginning. Absolutely love Duran Duran.
I totally agree Nick is the master in the keyboards,I don't care if people criticize or comment smack,Nick is the best in the keyboards & for the music for DD.👍👍👍
I met Nick Rhodes after a concert in a hotel bar with the rest of the band... Simon and Warren were there as well,Roger and John did not tour that album.It was the greatest and Lastest tour. Nick spent an hour talking with us about their albums.. likes and dislikes... he was so down to earth. No ego . No bullshit, he enjoyed our comments about their songs . A star !
That's a great comment, because some idiot in the comment section was trying to describe Nick as a "poser" because of his makeup (stone-age logic, go figure). At the same time, I've read fans saying how Nick is a very friendly and inviting person, and not even once have I read of a fan being disappointed after an encounter.
I have had amazing meetings with him as well! Nick is usually the only one that interacts with fans after shows, from my experience. In New Orleans this past February, he did something he honestly disliked for me for my birthday which was that day: he gave me what what become my next tattoo! He is so engaged with everyone.
Who really cares if he can play or not. He still is a master at creating great sounds. That's all that matters to me. So I think he is still one of the most creative musicians out there. I love Nick Rhodes. ❤
Thanks you I really appreciate for the lovely comment and kind words,I just want to say thank you for the supporting of my music I hope you won't stop listening to my songs?I want you to send me a direct message via Hangouts using my personal email.Also endeavor to add your name to the text so I can know you are the one texting because I don't reply unnecessary massage Hangouts mail' duranduran144600@gmail.con🌹
Nick models his style after Brian Eno who is the Great Experimenter. He loves analog synths primarily because of the ‘tactile warmth’ they bring to a song. So, when I see him in concert, I often see him fiddling with knobs so he can shape sounds live! I know of few keyboardists who can do this live confidently. He plays synths using their whole range of sonic capabilities. They are not pianos! They can do pianos, but that is very limiting. Nick can do about 10 or more layers live in one song using triggers and then messing with them at appropriate points. I’ve studied and modeled his playing for decades! He is a Brian Eno student of production on the fly! One of the best out there!
@ Mist Réme - Thank you for saying that. It’s interesting listen to people criticize Nick when he’s the creative genius and founder of the band! What have any of the critics created?
King Trance like their omission again from the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame nominations this year, there has always been some kind of conspiracy against Duran Duran over the years. ‘Posh Tossers’ seemed to be the British critical acclaim for them. I honestly think it had a lot to do with jealousy.
Please cover nicks work in Arcadia. That album is pure genius from beginning to end in every detail. Not a bad song on the album and every song is dressed up in audio effects that were crafted with love and great thought. The promise, lady ice, missing, el Diablo . Keep me in the dark. This album is so consistent from romantic lyrics to the matching energy of the music . Every song is like a perfect fingerprint.
Nick’s real strengths are in the studio as an arranger/composer. They call it his laboratory. He adds numerous parts to the songs. His role should never be minimized. You wouldn’t do that to a composer or an arranger now, would you?
I've met Nick in Brazil, in 2017 when the band played on Lollapalooza, he was so nice with all the fans, actually all the band members was. We had a conversation one day and he is absolutely fantastic, I'm proud to be his fan.
Duran Duran were my Kings in my teenage years. Fantastic live. No one would ever call Nick a concert pianist. He was in a pop band ffs. The simplicity of the melodies were genius.
I actually auditioned a friend who was a Grade 8 level pianist for one of my early bands. We knew he could really play so we were all buzzing with expectation. Everything was setup, keyboard ready. When my friend walked in the room he just froze and stared blankly. Then he said “Where’s the music guys”... He was a great reader and that was it but literally useless creatively in a band situation.
Nick has always been underrated as far as what he can do, but to hear "He can't play," is mind-boggling to me. He creates so much atmosphere for DD's music. Pop on a pair of good headphones and listen to just one track - I highly recommend "The Chauffeur." Decades later, I can STILL pick up new elements in that song (and many others). So many artists today use backing tracks. Easier question would be 'show me one(s) that don't. (Great vid!)
Hiya, well said. However, re: backing tracks, my take is different. Sometimes backing trax are needed for extra sounds due to studio overdubs etc in order to create the same sound. In my own case, I play, kbds and guitar in pub gigs etc and need backing trax for 2 reasons: 1) becoz I'm a solo artist and 2) where I am in Spain, pub owners generally will not pay for more than a 'duo.' So having a band isn't an option.
I’m not against backing tracks at all (and there are other ways of doing some things, like playing sampled lines with your feet, etc). I’m not gonna be the one saying anything bad about Duran Duran or Nick Rhodes. But those recordings made back in the day had loads of money, producers and often composers and session players doing the magic, and Nick may (or may not) have some credit for those elements. Many keyboard players never left this doubt on the table, because you could watch them create and play those beautiful synth lines/chord progressions. Maybe Nick is the real thing, but I have yet to see him do its magic with synths (if someone can point me to a video with that, I would deeply appreciate it).
As a fan of Nick, I have done a good bit of research in terms of what he does and can and can’t do. Let’s make no mistake! Duran Duran would not be what they are without Nick. He is that band, and I’m not saying the other members don’t matter because they absolutely do. But nick is the one that pays incredible amounts of detail to every aspect. I know there was a comment in the video about backing tape and I’m not sure weather they use them or not but I do however know that a lot of what nick does is sequenced. Both live and in the studio. Roger Taylor (the drummer) has to play along to it. There is a video of them playing save a prayer at Live Aid 85 and you can see him start the sequencer and clearly play the lead in the intro using the pitch bend. He plays! He definitely plays a part live in addition to what is going on with sequencers and backing tracks. You can see several examples of this article in current live recordings as well. All this said, he is no virtuoso. He doesn’t need to be and as one of my main influences, I’m glad he’s not! As a drummer, I would have never gravitated towards the synth if it wasn’t for his influence. I wish there was a lot more info out there on him however, I believe part of Nicks essence is the mystery around him!
@@tonyh8965 Please tell me more Tony. I am trying to understand your comment. Their albums have some pretty amazing synth arrangements on them since Rio. Thanks, DS
@@tonyh8965 I see that you have made numerous negative comments here about Nick and his talent (or lack thereof), and I am sincerely curious to know why a person would expend so much energy watching videos about a musician for whom they have no respect. 🤔
Nick is so cool and he makes it look easy, but make no mistake, he is an outstanding musician. And I interviewed him many years ago. He's a lovely guy. Long may 'The Controller' reign.
I met Nick Rhodes after The Greatest and Latest Tour ... the most down to earth guy you could meet.. listened to our comments good and bad about DD songs ... a sincere person beyond the rockstar image ... he lived a dream many chased !
It's correct but the keyboard lines were recorded and performed by more than four keyboard players who were invited to the project. Also guitars, drums & bass guitars, even you can read it in the back of the LP
I think if you want to know how he plays, it’s more obvious in songs like Union of the Snake, and a View to a Kill. In those songs he plays the more intricate sampled sounds, short stabbing bursts that have amazing rhythmic qualities, and in between he plays the simple pad sounds that support melody on one of the other keyboards. If you watch closely you see how focused he has to be to get from one expression to the next. I’m more than a little surprised that Vaughn says that he cannot find examples of how Nick Rhodes plays live as Nick plays these songs among others pretty much the same even with different equipment. His approach is often times the same. When studying Nick play these songs, one could better see the genius, and audacity of his approach. The question should be “How does he play,” not “Can He Play,” as it’s obvious he can. He is not a Piano man though. He is a synth player. In short he handles sequenced rhythms, and plays his patches live. He’s incredibly fun to watch, so... just watch him.
Vaughn George my pleasure. There is even a bit in “When the lights go down,” where Nick botches his parts (a de-tuned patch) on a live televised show and the band are all laughing at him. I don’t think people understand the enormity of Grace under pressure NR has considering the amount of sound he generates in a performance. Synths are a different kind of lovely beast, Obviously I don’t have tell you that! Not a lot of people get the types of performances. Last recommendation, and I’ll leave off, Live in London, “Night boat,” you can watch how he raises the moody intro, the swelling he creates with the envelope filters is so bad ass. Very Eno. The man is good, and will not wait for haters to catch up.
It is very difficult for synth players to translate their work from the studio to the stage. There is a great part in Depeche's brilliant "101" documentary when Alan Wilder is interviewed during soundcheck. He flat out demonstrates how a key part of a song is accessed by hitting one key on the keyboard. Many of the interesting sounds and effects can only be done that way. But he also shows that most melodies are played on the keys. He even was clear to point out that mistakes can often happen, messing up a song by simply hitting the wrong key. If you havent seen "101" yet, its a fantastic trip..check it out.
He actually hit a wrong key during that scene, and also points out that forgetting where sounds were on his Emax sometimes happened (since up to 8 different sounds at once were assigned to different zones of the keyboard).
It would be very weird if he couldn't play. He's certainly had enough time to practice. And I bet he can play 1000 times better than 99% of the people who say he can't play. Can he play as well as Elton John or Billy Joel? No; he's a keyboard player in a band not a pianist/singer.
@@simonamercuryjackson1874 Mmmm Martin Gore is a great composer but technically speaking he's not in the same league as Alan Wilder or Ernst Horn , he himself said has said so on many occasions .
The answer is yes. He can play, and play very well. One great video that proves this is in the Red Carpet Massacre video when it shows a short clip of him playing (very compently) the song Falling Down on a Grand Piano so he's obviously went to lessons over the years. Also watch the Live in London concert and What Happens Tommorow at the chorus 🙂 But why I like him so much is he was essentially a self taught beginner with keyboards and synthesis. I read in a biography he used to be called "One Finger Rhodes" and Andy Taylor used to annoy him because in the early days Nick couldn't tell the difference between a Minor and Major chord (probably why in a lot of the early live performances videos you see him using Fifths). Nick cares about the overall sound when it comes to song writing and will use every MIDI message/sample/sequence to his advantage to acheive it. As said before the guy CAN play but he can also utilise technology to his every advantage 😉.
Hmmmm... I've just watched that and what you describe is not exactly what we are seeing. Watch it again. In my view, Nick is a brilliant technician and creator. He understands sounds and synthesizers as well as anyone and has an incredibly creative mind. His importance to DD cannot be overstated. In many ways he is DD. But he is not a keyboard player.
Nick Rhodes, although not a pianist in the pure sense of the term, is a genius, as over the years he has managed to create great melodies and fantastic grooves! He is the soul of Duran Duran, and continues to characterize the Band's so personal Sound! he also he is a great programmer, not for nothing Roland has chosen him as testimonial of their Synthesizers! And then that he is great is easy to understand because he is Nick Rhodes and the others are not
I've actually seen Nick Rhodes play the piano and was surprised by his proficiency. I just can't remember where the video is. But, it doesn't really matter if he can play well or not. It's his choice. I study classical piano because I love the challenge - to challenge myself. However, the music that I create is very simple. Perhaps one day I will apply the years of classical practice on my own compositions.
I really believe that this video will not appear or simply does not exist. A true musician would not have to pretend to play live. That just makes no sense, in any live DD video you can see Nick hitting the keys erratically because he is not performing. What are we talking about by saying that he can be seen currently playing proficiency an instrument that he does not dominate?
Just watched the video. Not really any the wiser, I'm afraid. All I will say is that when I watch Nick playing, he doesn't seem to be playing any of what we are hearing. The one exception being the pitch bend melody in 'Save a Prayer'. Surprised you didn't mention that. Not hard to play - but sounds awesome!
I'm with you completely. He doesn't play a lot of original stuff, but he's a wizard with sequencing and brilliant synthesist. As a composer he's incredibly underappreciated. But as a Keyboardist....meh.
Yes, totally agree. I'd say the same about Gary Numan. I'm much more interested in people who come up with great sounds and melodies rather than someone who just plays well. Not that I can do either 😂
Nick Rhodes and Richard Barbieri are absolute geniuses on a synth. They can do things in a different way that classically trained musicians never could.
I remember overhearing my sister playing “7 and the Ragged Tiger” when J was about 4. I was instantly hooked, and Duran Duran became the point on which I turned leading my Young American mind into a huge fan of Brit (formerly the country whose ass we kicked) music. I’m still an oddball in the States, as I couldn’t name nor care less about anything on our radios to the point I removed the antenna from my car in 2006. I’m a fan of a lot of the “assumed” (often correctly) bands associated with new wave, post-punk, goth, shoegazer and 4AD/BeggarsBanquet weirdness :) but it saved me from so much utter garbage like Aerosmith (Steve Tyler, you pimped your own underage daughter out as a total SLUT for your own music videos? You’re sick).
Nick Rhodes is a self-taught keyboard wizard. He's not a keyboard player, he's a pianist. You can't compare Nick with any other pianist. It's like trying to compare Eric Clapton and Eddie Van Halen. Like Eddie, Nick in a innovator. His music is incomparable to anyone else. I lost track of the number of times I've seen Duran Duran in concert. Simon may be the lead vocalist but Nick conducts the show, night after night and his mastery over the keys leads the way.
Thanks you I really appreciate for the lovely comment and kind words,I just want to say thank you for the supporting of my music I hope you won't stop listening to my songs?I want you to send me a direct message via Hangouts using my personal email.Also endeavor to add your name to the text so I can know you are the one texting because I don't reply unnecessary massage Hangouts mail' duranduran144600@gmail.con
Nick Rhodes is the founder of Duran Duran and went to art school. He’s not a classically trained musician but he does contribute to the overall sound of Duran Duran. There is an excellent video from resonant fire called Duran Duran the reflex synth multi track. That will show everybody an example of what he contributed as a sonic architect to the drums, bass, guitar, and vocals. I’d say he’s akin to Brian Eno in that respect.
With John Taylor I believe, followed by Andy, and Simon was the final part of the jigsaw. And together they created one of the best pop bands on the planet! Creative and individual. :-)
Again wrong opinion. The truth is John is the creator of duran and the brain of dd as John's the one who started the band first with David Twist and then with Stephen Duffy at his art college, and it was John who created the whole concept of the band particularly their image and sounds and also plotted out in detail and make certain that it happens successfully.
BarrySlisk you got it all wrong. The FACT is John was the one who came up with all ideas for the band's sound and image including the James Bond theme it was John's idea, he met Cubby Broccoli at the party and John asked Cubby, "when he's gonna make a decent James Bond theme again?." Cubby Broccoli agreed to work with John, so John worked with John Barry to make the James Bond theme. John barry composed most of the keyboard parts of a view to a kill and working the chords arrangement, not Nick. Simon wrote the lyrics not the music.
BarrySlisk The FACT is John Taylor's the real BRAIN and mastermind of dd. John was the one who created the band first with David Twist and then with Stephen Duffy at his art college. His band's name was Shock Treatment before he changed it to Duran Duran. John started off playing guitar before he switched to bass because he couldn't find a bass player. Nick only joined the band LATER. In fact nick couldn't play any instrument at the time, the reason he could joined the band was just because he's a childhood friend of John. Then, John met The Berrows the owner of the Rum Runner who later on became their manager. John decided to work with The Berrows and took his band playing at the Rum Runner. It was John who made the whole concepts of the band particularly their sounds and image, and made the greatest contribution to their musics overall. John's very particular about the band's sound which he aspires to be a Chic meet Sex Pistols. John doesn't want the bass just being a rhythmic backdrop he wants the bass to move the music. Duran's music is marked by John's prominent and melodic basslines. His innovative basslines are an amalgamation of disco and rock and roll's grooves which is the soul that carries duran's musics, his bass playing is steady and continually leading the melody through the entire songs. John's the one who plotted out in detail and directing the band, also make certain that it happens successfully. Nick doesn't write, arrange, and produce their music. All of duran's member write their music together and John is the one who first come up with the song writing and compose the music's structure. Their musics are composed from John’s bassline and the rhythm section between John and the drummer. John locking in the drum and set the rhythm and the chord for the melody. Then, the producers do the final touch: mixing, mastering and producing the album. It was Colin Thurston who arranged and produced their early albums NOT nick. It was Nile Rodgers who produced The Notorious album. It was John Jones their producer for Liberty and Wedding Album who composed the synth parts, arranged it, and produced those albums NOT nick.
You are completely right in the notion that it is the end result that counts, however, a live played show, an organic preformance, is so much more interesting than just a backing tape. That - is the result that counts. I think.
How is bringing on a bunch of session musicians to back-up where a song contains more guitars than there are actual guitar players within the band a better option than back-tracks? A rubbish arguement in my opinion. When I go to a concert, regardless of genre, I wanna hear the sound of that particular band. Not some re-arranged, stripped rendition.
Actually the piano parts were played usually by Andy Hamilton (played sax too) during the early and mid80s DD tours. To see Hamilton and Nick sharing keyboards parts check out DD live in Palladium 1982.
THANK YOU! Nick Rhodes does play keyboards. Look at videos from them in the studio. Duran Duran songs have so many layers with the keyboards that it is impossible to play them all live. After a Duran show in Nashville, I actually got Nick's set list. On it were the settings or presets for each song. Very cool to find that out. Looking forward to more videos! ❤️
Great video Vaughn, thank you again. I love Duran Duran from 1993. My favourite album is Notorious. I remembered about Vince Clarke, he plays simple melodies or pads and it doesn't mean that he cannot actually play. He make a all of work in the studio, he prepares all his melodies and sequences into backing tracks, and he just control the whole song behind keyboard or monitor, sometimes he plays guitar. He said that he's doing it because of bad experiences with technique from past and because of he is still very nervous about live shows. So the whole show is on Andy Bell. And they are still good.
The weird thing is even though they were musically poles apart some of the ways Nick's keys war or clash with Andy Taylor's guitar work worked very well. On Seven & The Ragged Tiger they're both battling to be heard it seems. But on A View to a Kill & especially The Finest Hour (from Astronaut) the guitars & synths are amazing together. Seriously, check out that instrumental break in The Finest Hour when you get the chance. Lots of layers & the guitars & synths blend together so well you can't tell which is which. Not so keen on the last few albums sorry..
Well he's hardly billy joel or billy Preston but it doesn't matter, he just adds texture to the track and I'm sure he knows his way round a keyboard than any current pop act.
I saw the reunion concert from London (2005) and when Simon presented each member of the band, they each played a solo. I was looking forward to hearing what Nick was going to do and was a bit disappointed when all he did was wave his hands above the keyboards to make weird sounds.
That was because he´s not a musician. I´m a DD fan but also a musician and I can´t find a live performance of him, just faking performing. It was very disappointing for me.
I envy you for being there, I have the concert in DVD, and Nick does a funny gesture to Simon after the solo, a down to earth expression as saying: well, lad, that is all, take it or leave it. Still like it.
First of all I want to sat that I am a Duran Duran fan. Don't care too much for Paper Gods or Red Carpet Massacre (except for a few songs) but mostly like all the rest of their stuff (and actually loved Astronaut). I don't know whether what Vaughn says is completely accurate or not, but if it is , IMO, it would be pathetic. Duran Duran has some complex keyboard parts , but any keyboardist worth their salt should be able to play them with no problem. For examples of this refer to Tony Banks from Genesis and watch and hear the parts he plays. They are way more complicated than any in Duran Duran's songs. Furthermore I do not appreciate Vaughn's insistence on producers vs "common" people comparisons. I might mot be a music producer but when I go to a concert I want to see as much live as possible.
@@cellblocknine5385 My favorite Duran Duran song? It's difficult to name just one. I think I can narrow it down to two: Astronaut and Beautiful Colours. There are tons of others I love as well, though.
This video also makes me think of gary Numan’s “Cars.” Mainly because the synth parts played in “Cars” is not complex at all, however does it sound amazing and sophisticated?? You bet. 😎😄
Synthesizers are very easy to play. I like that some of the presets already have sounds that can match every other key. At first I was afraid to try playing any synths, but once I did everything fell into place. Presets make things very easy to understand sounds.
Great Review - from a passionate Duran Duran fan, and of course my 3rd favourite band - Depeche Mode. Keyboard players - like NR - are in place to provide the texture, the sounds, the movement, the atmosphere. He pieces together sounds - whether he is the most technical player on a piano is not really important - its what he contributes to Duran Duran sound - and the direction he can take the band. I think too - when you think of the age NR when he contributed to the Chauffeur - i mean - its fucking utterly one of the best bits of music in the history of music. I also pick up this when i hear Secret Oktober - the atmoshere and increasing intensity. Or listening to who whole Arcadia album - talk about atospheric presence. I also like the sound of Do you Believe in Shame - the start - you almost see a picture - its utterly incredible. I can ramble and ramble...but i wont. Like Vaughn said - its the contribution and expert pianist skills are not important - its what he brings to the vision of duran duran.
I'm a pianist and I never heard of the guy before, but yesterday I googled _"Best Keyboard Player Ever"_ and for whatever reason, Nick Rhodes tops a couple of lists- not just near the top, but the #1 spot. Naturally, I put _Nick Rhodes solo_ and *I found it particularly strange there's no footage of him playing????*
I'm a pianist too and have watched Nick Rhodes stand behind his keyboard many many many times over the last forty years. His hands obviously are on the keys for the sustained or rhythmic parts and he does occasional melodic parts like in Save A Prayer while using the modulation wheel. Other than that, we don't always hear a lot of what he's 'playing' seemingly. It's always been a curious thing to me, the keyboard playing of Nick Rhodes!!
Being a keyboard player is a lot more than just the playing. You've got to realize that you've got a world of sounds at your fingertips. Managing THAT is a colossal thing. Creativity through sounds is a massive effort to deploy successfully. Nick has always done this incredibly. I love the sounds he picks for parts!
In a nutshell, yes Nick Rhodes can play. I play keyboards and synthesizers because of him. I've been playing since 1984 ever since The Reflex was number 1 on the charts. That was the funkiest song I had ever heard and instantly fell in love with it. And, it is still my all time favorite song. I had to learn how to play it so keyboards became my obvious instrument of choice and I've been playing them ever since. Because Duran Duran has such a vast and varied catalog of songs, can you imagine having to remember all the keyboard parts for every song they play live? Nick has always taken advantage of various technologies and has admitted in many interviews that he chooses to play the strongest keyboard melodies live. You must remember he only has two hands. Nick is a master of layering sounds and would require at least 8 hands to play various songs. Thankfully with the advent of sequencers, he can sequence backing tracks and now choose which parts of their songs he wants to play live. Nick Rhodes is a true innovator and has led the way for the inclusion of keyboards and synthesizers in modern music.
Duran Duran reminds me very much of Japan. Japan's keyboard player was Richard Barbiari, who also approached keyboards very differently as well. Very atmospheric, much like Nick.
Personally I’ve always felt weather the music was simple or complex it really doesn’t matter to me if it sounds great to my tastes. Nick Rhodes May not be a super virtuoso, but he doesn’t have to be cause of the style he has created for his band’s music as a whole. Nick Rhodes= musician. And a good one at that.
Vaughn George you are the best, buddy. Love your insights for all the bands you’ve covered. Glad you are visiting Duran Duran and I know one day you’ll cover New Order quite extensively. Also I showed my wife your channel and the “warning! ⚠️! Alan Wilder fan-boy alert’ we both lost our minds with laughter. Thank you for that. 🙂
Yeah, sick of this debate being a keyboard virtuoso and being able to read music doesnt make you a brilliant musician, any 11yo can be a great technical player, with classical training, but being able to write songs and a good production/ sound designer is what defines real talent imho,, that what defines a music genius is, DAWS, sequencers can overcome technical deficiencies, thats how bands like DD, DM, HL, NO etc, could articulate the songs in their head, with, advent of DIY recording tech e.g. synths drum machines sequencers, otherwise where still be listening to prog rock!
I think Nick Rhodes proved you don’t have to be Tony Banks or Keith Emerson to play keyboards in a band. much like Richard Barbieri of Japan. They both had an understated style and could create a different moods alongside traditional instruments. Sometimes it’s about what you “don’t play” and that is the end result .
In many ways, Nick Rhodes reinvented the keyboard. The likes of Elton John, Paul McCartney, and Alan price have proven the piano to be an instrument capable of leading in rock; the likes of Richard Wright and Keith Emerson (and also Alan Price, actually), showed that the keyboard can be used as a leading instrument; Nick Rhodes showed the keyboard can be the backdrop and production mechanism of the song. Is Nick Rhodes likely to do a fast piano solo like Elton John or Keyboard solo like Keith Emerson? No, even though that doesn't mean he can't do it. What he is likely to do better than anyone is use multiple layers and create the perfect backdrop for the song, and if that's not a great keyboard player, I don't know what is. Before Rhodes, it was either the guitar or the keyboard taking the lead in the song. Rhodes showed that there's another way, and that's to free the guitar and bass to do funky riffs while the keyboard fills everything else and creates the atmosphere so needed.
john is the brain and the architect of duran who creates the whole concept of the band, their albums and the one who's planning out. but ignorant people often disregard him just because he's a pretty boy. duran wouldnt have made it this big if it wasnt for john, his talent and his brilliant mind. he's the one who's directing the band and come up with the ideas that send the band to massive success. the james bond theme, the concept of their albums and the band's sound and look all of it are john's creation. he makes the album cover, posters and their music. all his bandmates including robert palmer and tony thompson said john is their ideas man who makes the concept of the band and their music. he's also the key to their sound. duran's songs are all bass driven and all of their hits like rio, girls on film, wild boys, planet earth and even their latest songs are marked by john's basslines and that's what draw people to duran
Actually John and Nick come up with the covers for the albums, Nick did the photos for RCM. Duran Duran isn’t about one person, it is a group that bounce ideas off each other, and work as a team.
Nice video Vaughn, As mentioned previously, Nick Rhodes is the reason I bought my first synthesiser and wanted to be in a band. I have seen DD many times from 81 to the current day and obviously, given my fascination with Nick Rhodes, my focal point has always been him, what he’s using and what he’s playing. Without doubt he’s not a pianist, I have never once seen him (or heard him) sit and play the piano. Even the cover version of “Come up and see me (make me smile)” that DD used to play live with the piano intro wasn’t even played by Nick Rhodes. However, for what it’s worth my observations are as follows: 1) NR is an ideas man and the DD sound and aesthetic is I would say 80% down to him 2) With the complexity of layers (tracks) within each song it would be impossible to play live so can understand why most are sequenced or multi tracked and NR just plays the route chords or embellishments over the top. 3) His ear for a melody remains undiminished and incredible - two examples for me would be the synth middle eight in “Girl Panic” or the underrated brilliance of “What are the Chances”. 4) Although perhaps not played live - all were programmed by NR in the first instance. Add to that the sequence arpeggios on the first two albums - Planet Earth, Careless Memories, Sound of Thunder, Rio, Save a Prayer, Hold Back the Rain. All fantastic. His visual, his dalliance with pop art, Andy Warhol, his side projects The Devils (with Stephen Tin Tin Duffy - the original DD singer) or Arcadia or TV Mania (with Warren Cuccurullo) are all ( as you say) massively underrated and makes Nick Rhodes the last complete pop star After all, how many other keyboard players can you name these days? 🎹🎧
At the end of the day, people are paying good money to hear musicians actually play their music, not listen to anything that's been pre-recorded. I don't believe anybody should have to line up for tickets, (Sometimes for hours,) just to have someone lip-synch, or cut corners all in the name of perfection, Because If that's the case it just makes them a studio band.
Why would you think it’s all in the name of perfection? I pay good money to be entertained. I couldn’t care less if some form of backing track or sequencers are used. I want it to sound as good as it can and if that means using technology to support the performance then so be it. Why would anyone want to see a band live that can’t reproduce the sound that has gotten you to buy a ticket to see them in the first place?! Howard Jones makes his fans aware if he’s doing an acoustic or electronic gig so they know what they’re paying money to see and hear. And I think the majority of people buy their tickets online that’s days. They don’t line up. I’m going to see OMD later this month. I hope to god it’s not live!
Sadly. these days most fans can't be bothered they are there to be seen while they dance and sing along. Most of the audience wouldn't know if a lead vocal is lip synced or not, let alone a keyboard part. So tracks and sequencers are used. Fans go home happy... if you want real players executing perfect music this is the wrong area of the music biz. Jez Brett's comment only solidifes my point (and I have no issue with what Jez said, it's the truth)
Nah people go to live music for the experience overall, not that particular ass bullshit you went on a rant about. If you had some sense in the first place you’d realize that not only does a large portion of music sound better on wax than what could be replicated on a stadium scale, but you’d also realize backtracking is present in some shape or form in 9/10 of concerts on the scale of an Arena (excluding solely acoustic genres). But aye keep hating from the sideline
Nick Rhodes has given the musical world amazing sonic textures. I remember taking my bureau drawers and staggering them so that I could pretend that they were synthesizers. Thank you, Nick Rhodes.
Roger Taylor isn't a drum virtuoso either. He never claimed that he was. He just contributed to DD, being creative with whatever skill and ideas he had, which fits in with the DIY/punk ethos typical of the era. From what I have seen and read he also seems to be a really good time-keeper, having had to play along to many sequenced parts from Nick's keyboards from the start. During Roger's absence the band worked with a number of drummers who clearly are technically more advanced than him. For example, "Notorious" features fan-tas-tic drumming by Steve Ferrone. But Roger knows his limitations and works within those boundaries. Probably the same can be said about Nick. I believe it was Simon who once remarked that none of the members individually are musical geniuses, but together the band definitely is more than the sum of its parts. That said, Roger seems to have picked up quite some stuff along the way, judging from this demo video for Roland TD-30KV Electronic Drums: ruclips.net/video/R2nCmomRFx4/видео.html I would be very interested to learn more about what both Roger and Nick actually do during live performances, not to proof if they "can play or not", but just to get insight in their way of working.
Just to let you know, I vaguely remember reading Roger saying as much (I was surprised), that he had to work hard 'to stay in sync' with [probably expecting him to say John's Bass playing] all Nick's Electronica-!). We may have read the same article, etc.
Hi...I have been a devout "DURANIE" since i was 11 years old (40) years and pretty much know all there is to know about the guys through the years,Nick has never proclaimed himself to be a great keyboard player in fact he started off playing the guitar but it didn't sit right with him so decided to play the piano (self taught) i might add,we as fans have and i think the band have renamed him as the "controller" in as much as he likes things just so..
I met him once when he was drunk and he behaved like a complete asshole. But alcohol can do that to people so I give him the benefit of the doubt and know he’s probably not like that when he’s sober.
Well, we cant judge someone's character solely based on one or two encounter but the fact is almost all his partners and everyone who work with Nick can't stand him.
I love Nick I love all of Duran Duran, but I love Nick even more. He takes all these threads of sound and weaves an artistic tapestry of music. And then there was his vision for how he wanted the band to do when they started...without Nick there would not have been Duran Duran.
@@JoeyLevenson Unfortunately it does seem to be all too common on RUclips these days. I've gotten into the habit of skipping to the middle of videos like this, and still find myself skipping most of the way through. There's only so many hours in the day, if somebody can't make their point succinctly it's on to the next video.
Vaughn George - Rude and Patronising as well as condescending? To hear your growl through gritted teeth as you tell everybody to “Watch the fu*#ing video” 20 times does nothing to convince me to watch anything else you produce in the future. Not cool at all.
He's more ornamentation to the sound than a player. I do think he's picked some stuff up over the years, but I don't think he does much solo piano work. I've heard John joke that Nick doesn't practice. There's a live concert video from 1981 New Years, which is very good. Nick is kind of busy running the machine but they actually had another guy on stage playing an electric piano as well as some guitar, sax, and backup vocals. He did a lot more than NIck did, lol. I've always thought the best talent in that band was John Taylor channeling the amazing Bernard Edwards on bass. The rest of them are good but the standout musician is John. ruclips.net/video/T4dKTblXrF4/видео.html
That's not fair. Yes, John Taylor is one of the best bass players ever, but if you take out Rhodes' keyboards, you lose a lot of that unique sound. The beauty about them, Duran Duran, is how they work together.
@@Maxim89Il I agree, you couldn't have Duran Duran without Nick. He's fundamental to the band. But I don't think it's unfair to say that John is a far better player than Nick is. I consider Nick to be a conceptual artist who can also play keyboards. I've just never seen him display much musicianship, but that's not a knock on him. The songwriting on the Arcadia album is quite good and I assume he wrote those songs himself with SImon providing the lyrics?
That's what I mean when I say your comment is not fair. It doesn't mean you're not correct, I just don't think the comparison is fair. Yes, John Taylor is the best musician in the band, but he's a legendary bass player. There aren't many bassists in that class. See my point? In order to appreciate Nick Rhodes, don't compare him with John Taylor, but compare him with other keyboard players of new wave. Then you'll see that in terms of what he does and the musical tapestries he creates, Nick is one of the best.
The Edge does the same thing on his guitar when he plays. The individual parts are too many and too intertwined to be able to play them all at once. They are BOTH AMAZING!!
Funny you should bring up the Edge in this topic as years ago('84!) I read a U2 fan after s gig saying he liked them as they didn't use tapes like other bands ( they weren't fake)..even on that tour highly visible was a reel to reel...now they have computers under the stage.
My statement was not meant in ANY WAY to disparage The Edge or U2....And certainly not saying anything bad about Duran Duran's musical prowess. If you've ever seen the documentary called "It Might Get Loud" with The Edge, Jimmy Page, and Jack White you'll see the expertise with which ALL of these gentlemen play.
Duran Duran blew my mind when Hungry Like the Wolf came out. I loved the first three Duran albums as such a contrast to the loud guitar rock I was used to. I thought Nick Rhodes, now there is a guy who is playing keyboards in an electronic way, not in a piano way. Nick was a genius for programming the arpeggiator on his keyboards, the results being an infectious kinetic driving force throughout the verses of Hungry Like the Wolf and other songs. Nick is a true original musician who plays the keyboard equipment, more than he plays every single note by hand. He plays every single note that is IMPOSSIBLE to play by hand! Nick is underrated. He is right up there as parallel to The Edge in U2, another musician who creates the music using all the equipment and features available, not just by picking each note by hand, The Edge also creates worlds of music that are impossible to play by hand. I come from an amateur guitar background, I learned to play rock songs from friends, later by listening to 33 RPM vinyl albums, sometimes at 16 RPM to pick out each note at half speed, one octave lower. I taught myself Cheap Trick, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Stones, and other songs. Nick Rhodes made me realize that music, and the whole wide world, was not limited to power chords, nor 3 chords. Music and the world could be exotic and mysterious and catchy as heck! There's the old famous Joe Pass, a jazz guitar wiz, who made tuturial videos that are still in print and available. Joe Pass says he wants to play his wide variety of jazz chords as easily and simply as possible, not to make it hard for him to play, but to make the music flow easily and relaxed because he can easily play the chords. He wants to play it as easy as possible, that takes forethought, study, research, and creativity! That's what I also think about Nick Rhodes. If I had a request for this channel, I would love to see something about setting up an arpeggiator feature like Nick Rhodes does it. Especially for Hungry Like the Wolf, that exotic, calliopi carnival rush!
If Nick could play piano proficiently then John Jones (Wedding Album, Liberty Producer) wouldn’t have been needed to fill in on the albums or play piano in the back ground as he did at The Royal Albert Hall in ‘91 - or indeed when they played the MTV unplugged show. The band then dispense of a World Class guitarist (Warren Cuccurullo) and they find themselves to be an average sounding live band. It’s a plain fact. Sure, Nick is great at programming - he should be after all these years with the practise he’s had. Now I read about how disappointed the fans are that DD have not been considered for nomination into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Perhaps the reason is that they are not the best musicians after all, preferring to employ the cream of session players to fill in. Makes sense really if you listen to songs off the Strange Behaviour, Big Live Thing, Dilate Your Mind, Ultra Chrome Latex and Steel, Latest & Greatest, Let it Flow, Up Close Tours - Sorry, but the band do not deserve the accreditation until they quit with the EDM and start sounding organic again.
The truth is they always have extra keyboardist from the beginning both in studio and in live concert that not only play nick's part but also composing most of the synth parts. They had Andy Hamilton in their early albums. Then they had Jonathan Elias and Daniel Abraham in Big Thing who composed most of the synth parts. And they had John Jones in Liberty and Wedding Album as you have said it, and yet nick takes all the credits
M Shadow - Totally agree. I interviewed JJ for the 25th anniversary of TWA and it was a favourite part of his life. I know he is disappointed about the lack of credit for it. Sure he got credits on the album itself but that was about it. He did a lot more than just produce the album. Then you have Magus who did absolutely nothing in support of the milestone 25 years. I find it bizarre - just really bad management.
lakechaney - I’m a fan of DD as much anybody - but that doesn’t cloud my expectations or make me throw my toys out of the pram because DD haven’t had the esteemed honour of induction into the RARHOF. My musical taste is extensive and I have to share out my love to a lot of artists! Lol I’m merely saying that Duran Duran have abandoned their dna and chasing a dream that will never become real. They persist in these ridiculous collaborations in the hope of capitalising major success again. The fact of the matter is that they are no longer unique and sound very average with maybe three stand out songs from their last album Paper Gods (the dreadful artwork for that album is a discussion for another day). If you really must compare Tupac with Duran - then ok. You have to consider that Tupac was consistent. He was massive throughout his career. Hip Hop is hardly EDM and besides music does move in mysterious ways! I hope for better things with the new album - but i doubt an album of guitar and drums will materialise with Moroder at the helm.
Musicianship includes song and sound arrangement not just technique. Unless the producer created Hungry like the wolf I would argue that Nick did not just stumble across creating that arpeggio with the phased synth arrangement. The keyboardist roll is coming up with sounds that work in the greater song with other instruments. Greg Hawkes of The Cars is another great example of this.
I think nick shines more in the studio work than playing live and like you said there are so many layers of sounds overlapping each other you would need 2-3 keyboard plays to bring out all of that.
The reason for backing tracks is that it is basically impossible to recreate the Studio versions due to the number of tracks used. Like the BASS LINES that John Taylor cannot possibly play live! The band is awesome regardless and they sound great live. But live performances is always different than what is done at studio level.
@@VaughnGeorge "Like the BASS LINES that John Taylor cannot possibly play live!" ruclips.net/video/T4dKTblXrF4/видео.html Except this is 1982 and the bass is played live. What I want to know in this video is are the arpeggios on Rio (first track) coming live out of a J8 or off reel to reel tape which somehow the drummer has to sync to? Could the J8 be taking sync from a 707 click and that click is being fed to the drummer as well so that everything stays in sync? Either way it's 1982 so it's not like they have some backing track coming off DAT etc.
From a Bass player: no John Taylor never played along to prerecorded bass lines on tape for live shows !! Lol. Every show I’ve seen he’s absolutely live. The crap like that I’ll buy is that he overdubbed two basses on Hold Back the Rain.
When I hear the name Duran Duran or Nick Rhodes I automatically think of the awesome synth on save a prayer, that little pitch bend it was probably a happy accident but it’s epic.
Great channel! Here's the thing, many people think keyboard players are pianists, and that's it. When you look at Elton John, Paul McCartney or Alan Price, they have a wonderful piano sound, and it's the way pianists are perceived. In progressive rock, like Richard Wright or Keith Emerson, the keyboard becomes more of an organ, but it's still a very clear instrument. What those people don't understand is that New Wave is something different! In Duran Duran, A-Ha, or Depeche Mode, the keyboard becomes not a piano, but the whole backdrop, the main production tool. It's all the sounds you hear that are not guitar, bass, or drums, it's the atmosphere, it's the unique sound of New Wave music.
The problem is that everything you said to justify the extensive use of pre-recorded material could apply just as well to a guitarist, and yet for some reason we accept it with a keyboardist in a way we wouldn’t with a guitarist. Then there’s the question - where is the line to be drawn, at what point does something cease to be a live performance? If “the end result is what counts”, why not just have it ALL prerecorded, so it can be absolutely perfect every time? I think the issue people have always had with Nick Rhodes is that there’s never seemed to be much evidence of any technical skill as a keyboard player, which begs the question - what does he do that literally anyone with access to the same technology couldn’t do?
Exactly on point! But there's some important thing that need to be clarified. Nick has nothing to do with the end result or the production such as mixing, mastering, producing, it's all done by the engineers and producers not by Nick!. You can look it up. If the video maker want to talk about the end result, every member of Duran including the programmers, the engineers, the producers and sessional players are very much defining the end result. The video maker is clearly very much in favor of Nick so he doesnt give a fair assessment and sort of misleading the viewers with false information and misconception about the end result.
Exactly on point! but there is some important thing that need to be clarified. Nick has nothing to do with the end result: the mixing, mastering and the production, all of it is done by the engineers and the producers not by Nick! you can look it up. If the video maker want to talk about the end result, every member of Duran including the programmer, engineers, producers, and sessional players very much contribute and define the end result. The video maker is clearly very much in favor of nick so he doesn't give a fair assessment and sort of misleading the viewers with false information and misconception about the end result.
The problem is that the 80's when synths became a thing. You had to learn how to program them. You had to program them to a get a particular sound, if you was lucky enough to have a keyboard with RAM, you could store that program. Most used a few different keyboards, set to a specific program, just to play a specific melody. You may see them play a few odd keys on the keyboard. What you don't see, or appreciate is the amount of time spent, fiddling with all those settings to play the correct sound for a particular section of a song.,
Right. And he didn't answer my Google search questions that lead me to this vid. Can Nick actually play whole compositions or just make noises? Does he know standards or just chords? Did he learn to read music or does he play by ear? I thought it was an interview, not an opinion.
I must be the odd one out ..i literally just got back from my rock gig playing rock in my rock band with no keyboards and was happy to see this video waiting ..as I'm a huge fan of depeche mode Duran Duran Howard Jones Sparks tangerine dream ..human league ..flock of seagulls..cars..etc etc etc..i also love prog rock and metal and punk ..if it's goood music its good music.. Nick Rhodes is part of a 5 piece puzzle which makes a beautiful painting 👍🏻☮❤
The Controller is genius, his atmospheric keyboards are omnipresent in Duran Duran, he's the mastermind, "the one behind the wheel". As for his flamboyance (which I love) is part of his personal universe from outer space. Behind that he is a calm, collected, down-to-earth music exquisite, a true connoiseur of art. Like he breathes in art and exudes art in all sorts of possible ways. As a hardcore Duranie, I feel his influence on stage and out of stage is impressive, as a true architect of sound, not exactly a mere keyboard player. Btw, he's never got stuck as regards to how DD should sound, but has been constantly evolving with the times and the possibility of musical evolution given by new technology and digital media. Like a Rennaissance man who fell down to earth from a faraway planet, he's behind every detail. And nope, he's not a poser, but someone with a taste for the debonair in life. There are peoole like that, especially amongst the New Romantic movement. Think of ABC's frontman Martin Fry and you'll get what I mean. As for his omnipresence, I guess he's for Duran Duran what Alan Wilder used to be (and still is) for DM. (Warning! ALan Wilder Fanboy Alert here lol 😂) As Vaughn has well stated, he's not 'right in your face", but more of an underlying, subdued, yet still impressive floating presence, which makes sense for an artsy, introverted type as Nick is.
No offence meant George. It just seems to me that an accomplished musician like you would choose to focus on musicians/songwriters capable of creating and performing more more lush/complex compositions. I guess I missed the point, and perhaps defer to your experience.
I think you woulndt find many of those in the music scene - in most decades. Its one thing being a professional musician - and another having an ear for sound, and how to arrange that sound, within the context of a band, to sell that sound, and to engage millions with that sound, and repeat this consistently over almost 40 years is maybe what VG is so intrgiued by. David Bowie sung about Sound and Vision - NR was well aware of the essence of successful popular music - was look, and sound - and VG also appreciates this. It would be naieve to reduce NR to a simpleton - or even worse - to deny him as a mastercraftsman - which he is.
I think one thing worth mentioning for Nick Rhodes. He is a primary song writer. A LOT of DD songs are Nick Rhodes and Simon Le Bon. Not to dismiss John Taylor because JT is writing his own bass line, but I think JT is adding the input after NR and SLB have laid the ground work.
A very fair video to be honest. What people also need to remember is that the New Romantic movement partly grew out of and embodied the DIY spirit of punk, whereby anyone could pick up an instrument and make music. Quite often these musicians were not schooled in music theory and technique. Aaaaaaaaand there's nothing wrong with that. Duran Duran are awesome!
I think what you're really saying is that in a live show, there's no proof Nick is a good musician due to the pre-recordings playing on stage. Sometimes I get the impression Nick is in the group for more cosmetic purposes when you see them performing, but his contribution to the band could be more than we know. The other members also seem more visible and vocal in the splinter groups Power Station and Arcadia. Case in point, in one of my favorite Duran Duran music videos ("Serious"), Nick is only seen playing the keyboard for about two seconds, while the other guys are going at it. Listen, no offense to Nick, I love entire group.
A good use of auto sequenced keyboards is the plippy background that continues throughout hungry like the wolves. Always thought that was somehow played but the Sky Arts documentary on the making of the classic album suggests otherwise. Then there was Guru Josh with 1990s infinity with the mad arpeggios. Just the route note played every time and the system does the rest. I was fooled for so long. I agree, it's the end result that counts
You say the end result is most important. But face it: a guitarist or a bas player needs to play every note too! They can't fake it, right? And there is also something like "honor"; you need to WANT to play your own music! I grew up in a musical family, my brothers both play piano and one of them plays almost all instruments. That makes you feel good, right? You play music and you get in the zone! Having a member of Duran Duran not doing what one might expect.. sad. Like I know that Madonna is not a great singer, so when I went to her concert I wasn't disappointed. But that is all she has! Yes, Nick Rhodes HAS to play the piano. By now, he should have learned anyway
It's not about that,if you could check a Duran's song in the studio DAW you would surely see so many keyboard tracks,now you either rent two other keyboard players in a live set or if you are alone have to rely on backings,a bassline it's just that does not change much from studio to live,about guitars where on records there are many overlays,in live the whole thing is very barebone and it's just about "the emotional moment" but the result is way less interesting and full than on record.
@@gautamasakyamuni6688 I've seen Prince, Madonna, Robbie Williams and some more less famous people play. I can understand that a studio record is hard to play live (exactly). But isn't the Live performance more important? That doesn't happen every day, at least not for me. My man was recently at Rammstein. They do a lot of performing on stage, not necessarily music, but Fire and Fireworks. Still, they own their musical skills.
totally agree, he is a Genius..... the melodies, the sound,the effects that he could surround Duran Duran with , they are simply out of this world.......plus he is also a fascinating person,who impersonates his music and,as someone came here from anther planet, helooked like it with his hair, his make up, the clothes and the stage presence.....seeing Simon, John, Andy and Roger sweating and rocking it out....he was always like an absent presence on the high back of the scene ,creating spacial atmospheres, with which Duran songs became unique!
There’s noodlers and then sound sculptures and that’s Nick Rhodes. A million people can noodle and show off their ability but how many of those can claim millions can hum their keyboard lines from songs on top 10 hit singles? Nick adds beautiful layers to the music.
Very accurate. I'm more of a guitarist, and I've met many shredders. They play fast, and they think that makes them amazing, but what they make sounds s**t and you would never put it on at home for pleasure. I don't know if David Gilmour and Brian May are amongst the fastest guitarists, but what makes them the greatest ones is their ability to create a unique melody, an adventure in sound, with their solos. Their solos grip your soul! I don't know if Rhodes is as good in terms of technique as piano greats like Freddie Mercury, Paul McCartney and Elton John, or as technical as keyboard pioneers like Ray Manzarek or Keith Emerson, probably not, but when it comes to the idea of forming layers of sound, I doubt many can compete with Nick Rhodes. What Nick Rhodes might not fit many other bands, but it's a big part of what makes Duran Duran great! You can't have Duran Duran without Nick Rhodes, Simon Le Bon, and John Taylor. Those are the three who know the secret formula to their thing!
been a fan since childhood and I have always been inspired by the band's music. I have taken the first steps to learning piano and credit Nick for all the inspiration he gave me to start at age 44.
Imagine gtr players thinking like that! Oh, let’s only make chords and let the backing tracks do it’s job! The horror! Backing tracks serve to help, maintain the the overall sound but when it does play the majority parts of ones playing it becomes cheating! And it’s definitely not all about the end result, it’s about the show, the performance of the musicians too! Ex. Keith Emerson, Rick Wakeman and the list goes on and on! He might be a good producer but not a good keyboard player or is he afraid of something? 🤘🏻👊🏻
It's about the sound at the end of the day, it's complex so you can't play it all, Nick is a really interesting guy great to listen to him on any subject. Great channel Vaughn.
It may be the end result that counts, but as a keyboardist I also think it's important how you feel and how authentic you are. I would not want to do almost nothing at the gig. I would always try to add live keyboard playing.
Thank you for making this video. I've heard these accusations so many times. Of course he can play his keyboards, he can also compose music, he can take art photographs and what else not. He is so charismatic and talented!
Yes he can play but its very basic no need to be classicaly trained not even require music school he's more of a studio composer. I'm a self taught keyboard player so I can relate. Elton John, Billy Joel now then can really play!
Thanks for this! People need to understand that playing the synthesizer is not like playing piano or organ. I'm a classical musician, and the feeling that I get from Nick Rhodes' input is that it's like he's conducting from the back, as well as playing; he's orchestrating. The sound Duran Duran has is largely due to Nick. Of course the other band members are skilled and know their parts, but Nick is the one that gels the sound together. Also I've seen him "cover" other band members during live performances when they were struggling, which I'm not sure non-musicians would have noticed at all. That takes a lot of skill and awareness of music in the moment. I haven't watched your 1st video, so apologies if you've already made these comments. I adore Nick Rhodes and Duran Duran. They're a wonderful pop band for classical musicians who want more complexity in the music.
It makes me happy to see Nick Rhodes getting the credit he deserves! His talent has always been apparent to me, but people think because he doesn't LOOK like someone who is going full throttle, he's not playing the instrument! They think you should be shredding a guitar riff or beating on drums to be talented. Not so!
Not unlike seeing Rachel Z playing with Peter Gabriel. Seems to just be stabbing about. Then you see her playing complex jazz compositions with her band. Oh! She’s actually phenomenal!
![Coheed and Cambria - Searching for Tomorrow [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/hDsYGLbmadg/mqdefault.jpg)
Check out my first Nick Rhodes video here : ruclips.net/video/gL_VB1_Tj7c/видео.html
You should do a video about The Cure.
The Cure is yet another Great!
He plays traditional piano on Come Up and See Me the B side to the Reflex. You can also see him doing the fancy run on View to a Kill which at least shows he can run up and down scales on a piano. Also., when he is pushing buttons, it is often the movie on screen behind them that he is controlling
Nick playing the piano ruclips.net/video/vjbask1naGQ/видео.html
i think in this case, the tape has a backing tune, don t think he would play it that way, that s the only video that shows nick close to a classic piano , but give him de doubt benefit jaj
Nick is a master of "layers". Without his incredible talent at weaving melodies into the music, Duran Duran would not have lasted for over 40 years. I've been a fan since the beginning. Absolutely love Duran Duran.
I totally agree Nick is the master in the keyboards,I don't care if people criticize or comment smack,Nick is the best in the keyboards & for the music for DD.👍👍👍
I met Nick Rhodes after a concert in a hotel bar with the rest of the band... Simon and Warren were there as well,Roger and John did not tour that album.It was the greatest and Lastest tour. Nick spent an hour talking with us about their albums.. likes and dislikes... he was so down to earth. No ego
. No bullshit, he enjoyed our comments about their songs . A star !
That's a great comment, because some idiot in the comment section was trying to describe Nick as a "poser" because of his makeup (stone-age logic, go figure).
At the same time, I've read fans saying how Nick is a very friendly and inviting person, and not even once have I read of a fan being disappointed after an encounter.
Love this💜
Thank you !! I believe this to be true and many have said that Nick is a true gentleman ! VG:-)
I have had amazing meetings with him as well! Nick is usually the only one that interacts with fans after shows, from my experience. In New Orleans this past February, he did something he honestly disliked for me for my birthday which was that day: he gave me what what become my next tattoo! He is so engaged with everyone.
Nick is a music and melody creator, just like Vince Clarke. He IS Duran Duran.
Nick Rhodes is an architect, not a structural engineer. And he is the one I most respected in the band, And Simon says he is the “organizer”.
The controller.
The Controller 🙂
Who really cares if he can play or not. He still is a master at creating great sounds. That's all that matters to me. So I think he is still one of the most creative musicians out there. I love Nick Rhodes. ❤
Raina Ream you ate absolutely correct !! VG 😎🎹👍
Thanks you I really appreciate for the lovely comment and kind words,I just
want to say thank you for the supporting of my music I hope you won't stop listening to my songs?I want you to send me a direct message via Hangouts using my personal email.Also endeavor to add your name to the text so I can know you are the one texting because I don't reply unnecessary massage Hangouts mail'
duranduran144600@gmail.con🌹
Realy True
Greetings From Super Extremes- Sri Lanka
💚 💛 ❤ 💙 💜
Thusitha Thanthirige
He’s a Synthesist, not a pianist.
@@dwaynecarroll6098 He never progressed.
Nick models his style after Brian Eno who is the Great Experimenter. He loves analog synths primarily because of the ‘tactile warmth’ they bring to a song. So, when I see him in concert, I often see him fiddling with knobs so he can shape sounds live! I know of few keyboardists who can do this live confidently. He plays synths using their whole range of sonic capabilities. They are not pianos! They can do pianos, but that is very limiting. Nick can do about 10 or more layers live in one song using triggers and then messing with them at appropriate points. I’ve studied and modeled his playing for decades! He is a Brian Eno student of production on the fly! One of the best out there!
@ Mist Réme - Thank you for saying that. It’s interesting listen to people criticize Nick when he’s the creative genius and founder of the band! What have any of the critics created?
King Trance like their omission again from the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame nominations this year, there has always been some kind of conspiracy against Duran Duran over the years. ‘Posh Tossers’ seemed to be the British critical acclaim for them. I honestly think it had a lot to do with jealousy.
I'm happy Nick got the recognition he very well deserved from Roland Award this year :)))
Ten layers more than Dom. :-)
Critics don't need to have any musical ability or training, that isnt their job.
Please cover nicks work in Arcadia. That album is pure genius from beginning to end in every detail. Not a bad song on the album and every song is dressed up in audio effects that were crafted with love and great thought. The promise, lady ice, missing, el Diablo . Keep me in the dark. This album is so consistent from romantic lyrics to the matching energy of the music . Every song is like a perfect fingerprint.
I agree, a masterpiece.
I adore this album
My favorite non-Duran Duran Duran record. It truly is a masterpiece, and one of my all-time favorites.
Nick Rhodes is the guy that really made me want to play piano, keyboards and synthesizers. A very understated and underrated musician.
Nick’s real strengths are in the studio as an arranger/composer. They call it his laboratory. He adds numerous parts to the songs. His role should never be minimized. You wouldn’t do that to a composer or an arranger now, would you?
This.
I've met Nick in Brazil, in 2017 when the band played on Lollapalooza, he was so nice with all the fans, actually all the band members was. We had a conversation one day and he is absolutely fantastic, I'm proud to be his fan.
Duran Duran were my Kings in my teenage years. Fantastic live. No one would ever call Nick a concert pianist. He was in a pop band ffs. The simplicity of the melodies were genius.
Kym O'Driscoll yes exactly , it’s all about layering and the end result .
I actually auditioned a friend who was a Grade 8 level pianist for one of my early bands. We knew he could really play so we were all buzzing with expectation. Everything was setup, keyboard ready. When my friend walked in the room he just froze and stared blankly. Then he said “Where’s the music guys”... He was a great reader and that was it but literally useless creatively in a band situation.
Nick has always been underrated as far as what he can do, but to hear "He can't play," is mind-boggling to me. He creates so much atmosphere for DD's music. Pop on a pair of good headphones and listen to just one track - I highly recommend "The Chauffeur." Decades later, I can STILL pick up new elements in that song (and many others). So many artists today use backing tracks. Easier question would be 'show me one(s) that don't. (Great vid!)
Hiya, well said. However, re: backing tracks, my take is different. Sometimes backing trax are needed for extra sounds due to studio overdubs etc in order to create the same sound. In my own case, I play, kbds and guitar in pub gigs etc and need backing trax for 2 reasons: 1) becoz I'm a solo artist and 2) where I am in Spain, pub owners generally will not pay for more than a 'duo.' So having a band isn't an option.
I’m not against backing tracks at all (and there are other ways of doing some things, like playing sampled lines with your feet, etc).
I’m not gonna be the one saying anything bad about Duran Duran or Nick Rhodes.
But those recordings made back in the day had loads of money, producers and often composers and session players doing the magic, and Nick may (or may not) have some credit for those elements.
Many keyboard players never left this doubt on the table, because you could watch them create and play those beautiful synth lines/chord progressions.
Maybe Nick is the real thing, but I have yet to see him do its magic with synths (if someone can point me to a video with that, I would deeply appreciate it).
The sounds on the first record are incredible. He managed to build sounds nobody had ever heard with half-assed equipment. That is mighty impressive.
As a fan of Nick, I have done a good bit of research in terms of what he does and can and can’t do. Let’s make no mistake! Duran Duran would not be what they are without Nick. He is that band, and I’m not saying the other members don’t matter because they absolutely do. But nick is the one that pays incredible amounts of detail to every aspect. I know there was a comment in the video about backing tape and I’m not sure weather they use them or not but I do however know that a lot of what nick does is sequenced. Both live and in the studio. Roger Taylor (the drummer) has to play along to it. There is a video of them playing save a prayer at Live Aid 85 and you can see him start the sequencer and clearly play the lead in the intro using the pitch bend. He plays! He definitely plays a part live in addition to what is going on with sequencers and backing tracks. You can see several examples of this article in current live recordings as well.
All this said, he is no virtuoso. He doesn’t need to be and as one of my main influences, I’m glad he’s not! As a drummer, I would have never gravitated towards the synth if it wasn’t for his influence. I wish there was a lot more info out there on him however, I believe part of Nicks essence is the mystery around him!
Dean!! Hi and thank you for this posting!! Brilliant and it shows that you really understand Nick role perfectly!! VG:-)
Does Nick Rhodes own the Duran Duran band name? Coz when JT quit the band, Simon, Nick and Warren still functioned as Duran Duran.
Nick Rhodes is an amazing keyboard player. He is the heart and Soul of Duran Duran!!!
He is indeed and he is my favourite member of DD!! VG 🎹👍😎
Wishful thinking he's a poor player.
@@tonyh8965 Please tell me more Tony. I am trying to understand your comment. Their albums have some pretty amazing synth arrangements on them since Rio. Thanks, DS
@@tonyh8965
I see that you have made numerous negative comments here about Nick and his talent (or lack thereof), and I am sincerely curious to know why a person would expend so much energy watching videos about a musician for whom they have no respect. 🤔
Nick is so cool and he makes it look easy, but make no mistake, he is an outstanding musician. And I interviewed him many years ago. He's a lovely guy. Long may 'The Controller' reign.
I met Nick Rhodes after The Greatest and Latest Tour ... the most down to earth guy you could meet.. listened to our comments good and bad about DD songs ... a sincere person beyond the rockstar image ... he lived a dream many chased !
Thank you for sharing that my friend !! VG :-)
That’s awesome
2 times?
Arcadia’s So Red The Rose was a masterpiece in electronic music.
Like one critict said: So Red The Rose is the best album Duran Duran never made.
what difference does it make as long as the group released good music
Es uno de mis álbumes favorito!
Simplemente fabuloso!
It is one of my favorite albums! Simply Amazing!
It's correct but the keyboard lines were recorded and performed by more than four keyboard players who were invited to the project. Also guitars, drums & bass guitars, even you can read it in the back of the LP
Criminally underrated album
I think if you want to know how he plays, it’s more obvious in songs like Union of the Snake, and a View to a Kill. In those songs he plays the more intricate sampled sounds, short stabbing bursts that have amazing rhythmic qualities, and in between he plays the simple pad sounds that support melody on one of the other keyboards. If you watch closely you see how focused he has to be to get from one expression to the next. I’m more than a little surprised that Vaughn says that he cannot find examples of how Nick Rhodes plays live as Nick plays these songs among others pretty much the same even with different equipment. His approach is often times the same. When studying Nick play these songs, one could better see the genius, and audacity of his approach. The question should be “How does he play,” not “Can He Play,” as it’s obvious he can. He is not a Piano man though. He is a synth player. In short he handles sequenced rhythms, and plays his patches live. He’s incredibly fun to watch, so... just watch him.
Thank you Neil!! I appreciate you passion and insight !! VG:-)
well said, indeed!
Vaughn George my pleasure. There is even a bit in “When the lights go down,” where Nick botches his parts (a de-tuned patch) on a live televised show and the band are all laughing at him. I don’t think people understand the enormity of Grace under pressure NR has considering the amount of sound he generates in a performance. Synths are a different kind of lovely beast, Obviously I don’t have tell you that! Not a lot of people get the types of performances. Last recommendation, and I’ll leave off, Live in London, “Night boat,” you can watch how he raises the moody intro, the swelling he creates with the envelope filters is so bad ass. Very Eno. The man is good, and will not wait for haters to catch up.
It is very difficult for synth players to translate their work from the studio to the stage. There is a great part in Depeche's brilliant "101" documentary when Alan Wilder is interviewed during soundcheck. He flat out demonstrates how a key part of a song is accessed by hitting one key on the keyboard. Many of the interesting sounds and effects can only be done that way. But he also shows that most melodies are played on the keys. He even was clear to point out that mistakes can often happen, messing up a song by simply hitting the wrong key. If you havent seen "101" yet, its a fantastic trip..check it out.
He actually hit a wrong key during that scene, and also points out that forgetting where sounds were on his Emax sometimes happened (since up to 8 different sounds at once were assigned to different zones of the keyboard).
It would be very weird if he couldn't play. He's certainly had enough time to practice. And I bet he can play 1000 times better than 99% of the people who say he can't play. Can he play as well as Elton John or Billy Joel? No; he's a keyboard player in a band not a pianist/singer.
You've hit the nail on the head mate!! Cheers !! VG:-)
Yes exactly , most keyboard players in electronic bands are not trained pianist . There are a few like Alan Wilder or Ernst Horn but most are not .
Couldn't have said it better.. I agree 100%
@@Shadowman820 Alan Wilder Ernst Horn Martin Gore
@@simonamercuryjackson1874 Mmmm Martin Gore is a great composer but technically speaking he's not in the same league as Alan Wilder or Ernst Horn , he himself said has said so on many occasions .
The answer is yes. He can play, and play very well. One great video that proves this is in the Red Carpet Massacre video when it shows a short clip of him playing (very compently) the song Falling Down on a Grand Piano so he's obviously went to lessons over the years. Also watch the Live in London concert and What Happens Tommorow at the chorus 🙂
But why I like him so much is he was essentially a self taught beginner with keyboards and synthesis. I read in a biography he used to be called "One Finger Rhodes" and Andy Taylor used to annoy him because in the early days Nick couldn't tell the difference between a Minor and Major chord (probably why in a lot of the early live performances videos you see him using Fifths).
Nick cares about the overall sound when it comes to song writing and will use every MIDI message/sample/sequence to his advantage to acheive it. As said before the guy CAN play but he can also utilise technology to his every advantage 😉.
Hey Gary !! Thank you for the great posting !! I hope you will subscribe because a lot more Duran Duran is coming soon!! VG :-)
Hmmmm... I've just watched that and what you describe is not exactly what we are seeing. Watch it again. In my view, Nick is a brilliant technician and creator. He understands sounds and synthesizers as well as anyone and has an incredibly creative mind. His importance to DD cannot be overstated. In many ways he is DD. But he is not a keyboard player.
Nick has come up with some the coolest sounds ever. In the studio you lay many tracks down. So live, you MUST have tracks set to "auto".
Early 1980s it was funny Nick used to put a pile of synths around him but usually he played only a string synth most of the time.
@@CraigScottFrost Yep, thats true. Although many of his parts were prerecorded and came from tape.
Nick Rhodes, although not a pianist in the pure sense of the term, is a genius, as over the years he has managed to create great melodies and fantastic grooves! He is the soul of Duran Duran, and continues to characterize the Band's so personal Sound! he also he is a great programmer, not for nothing Roland has chosen him as testimonial of their Synthesizers! And then that he is great is easy to understand because he is Nick Rhodes and the others are not
Well said man!! VG :-)
Nick is an amazing composer, songwriter, producer and performer. He doesn't need to be Franz Liszt to write masterpieces. :)
I've actually seen Nick Rhodes play the piano and was surprised by his proficiency. I just can't remember where the video is. But, it doesn't really matter if he can play well or not. It's his choice. I study classical piano because I love the challenge - to challenge myself. However, the music that I create is very simple. Perhaps one day I will apply the years of classical practice on my own compositions.
Good to hear from you again David!! I hope all is well. VG:-)
Maybe the video about the making of RCM? It shows him playing a piano.
@Jimmy Jenkinson Where's the link?
I really believe that this video will not appear or simply does not exist. A true musician would not have to pretend to play live. That just makes no sense, in any live DD video you can see Nick hitting the keys erratically because he is not performing.
What are we talking about by saying that he can be seen currently playing proficiency an instrument that he does not dominate?
Just watched the video. Not really any the wiser, I'm afraid. All I will say is that when I watch Nick playing, he doesn't seem to be playing any of what we are hearing. The one exception being the pitch bend melody in 'Save a Prayer'. Surprised you didn't mention that. Not hard to play - but sounds awesome!
I don’t think he is much of a player, but he composes well and the man knows and loves his synths. More of a technician.
I'm with you completely. He doesn't play a lot of original stuff, but he's a wizard with sequencing and brilliant synthesist. As a composer he's incredibly underappreciated. But as a Keyboardist....meh.
Yes, totally agree. I'd say the same about Gary Numan. I'm much more interested in people who come up with great sounds and melodies rather than someone who just plays well. Not that I can do either 😂
Nick Rhodes and Richard Barbieri are absolute geniuses on a synth. They can do things in a different way that classically trained musicians never could.
Youre right about DD still being top of game. Of all the acts of their era, Simon's voice is holding up best.
OH YES!! VG:-)
I saw them live several years back. My wife, who was never a big DD fan, was really impressed. “They’re not just a novelty, they really do play!”
It’s the age-old “Ringo” argument: technique vs. feel. Nick’s not technically the best, but what he plays is always perfect for the song.
That would be the case if he played - he doesn't, he's a glorified trigger pedal
Dominic Crimmings I’ve seen him live with DD. He plays the lead lines.
Ringo was an awesome drummer - Neil Peart would have destroyed the Beatles 🤪
@@dominiccrimmings6925 daaaaaamn.
I remember overhearing my sister playing “7 and the Ragged Tiger” when J was about 4. I was instantly hooked, and Duran Duran became the point on which I turned leading my Young American mind into a huge fan of Brit (formerly the country whose ass we kicked) music. I’m still an oddball in the States, as I couldn’t name nor care less about anything on our radios to the point I removed the antenna from my car in 2006. I’m a fan of a lot of the “assumed” (often correctly) bands associated with new wave, post-punk, goth, shoegazer and 4AD/BeggarsBanquet weirdness :) but it saved me from so much utter garbage like Aerosmith (Steve Tyler, you pimped your own underage daughter out as a total SLUT for your own music videos? You’re sick).
Nick Rhodes is a self-taught keyboard wizard. He's not a keyboard player, he's a pianist. You can't compare Nick with any other pianist. It's like trying to compare Eric Clapton and Eddie Van Halen. Like Eddie, Nick in a innovator. His music is incomparable to anyone else. I lost track of the number of times I've seen Duran Duran in concert. Simon may be the lead vocalist but Nick conducts the show, night after night and his mastery over the keys leads the way.
You mean he's a keyboardist not a pianist.
Nick Rhodes was one of the first to master synthesizers at their full potential. He is a master sculptor.
Just no. He's rubbish. He can't play.
Everybody change but Music Duran Duran still have charm. This band proved longstanding profesjonalism and talent in electronic music 🌝
Thanks you I really appreciate for the lovely comment and kind words,I just
want to say thank you for the supporting of my music I hope you won't stop listening to my songs?I want you to send me a direct message via Hangouts using my personal email.Also endeavor to add your name to the text so I can know you are the one texting because I don't reply unnecessary massage Hangouts mail'
duranduran144600@gmail.con
Nick Rhodes is the founder of Duran Duran and went to art school. He’s not a classically trained musician but he does contribute to the overall sound of Duran Duran. There is an excellent video from resonant fire called Duran Duran the reflex synth multi track. That will show everybody an example of what he contributed as a sonic architect to the drums, bass, guitar, and vocals. I’d say he’s akin to Brian Eno in that respect.
With John Taylor I believe, followed by Andy, and Simon was the final part of the jigsaw. And together they created one of the best pop bands on the planet! Creative and individual. :-)
Again wrong opinion. The truth is John is the creator of duran and the brain of dd as John's the one who started the band first with David Twist and then with Stephen Duffy at his art college, and it was John who created the whole concept of the band particularly their image and sounds and also plotted out in detail and make certain that it happens successfully.
@@kingofnebula199
I have always thought that Nick and Simon were the "brains" of DD. They did come up with A View To A Kill. I know that for a fact.
BarrySlisk you got it all wrong. The FACT is John was the one who came up with all ideas for the band's sound and image including the James Bond theme it was John's idea, he met Cubby Broccoli at the party and John asked Cubby, "when he's gonna make a decent James Bond theme again?." Cubby Broccoli agreed to work with John, so John worked with John Barry to make the James Bond theme. John barry composed most of the keyboard parts of a view to a kill and working the chords arrangement, not Nick. Simon wrote the lyrics not the music.
BarrySlisk The FACT is John Taylor's the real BRAIN and mastermind of dd. John was the one who created the band first with David Twist and then with Stephen Duffy at his art college. His band's name was Shock Treatment before he changed it to Duran Duran. John started off playing guitar before he switched to bass because he couldn't find a bass player. Nick only joined the band LATER. In fact nick couldn't play any instrument at the time, the reason he could joined the band was just because he's a childhood friend of John. Then, John met The Berrows the owner of the Rum Runner who later on became their manager. John decided to work with The Berrows and took his band playing at the Rum Runner. It was John who made the whole concepts of the band particularly their sounds and image, and made the greatest contribution to their musics overall. John's very particular about the band's sound which he aspires to be a Chic meet Sex Pistols. John doesn't want the bass just being a rhythmic backdrop he wants the bass to move the music. Duran's music is marked by John's prominent and melodic basslines. His innovative basslines are an amalgamation of disco and rock and roll's grooves which is the soul that carries duran's musics, his bass playing is steady and continually leading the melody through the entire songs. John's the one who plotted out in detail and directing the band, also make certain that it happens successfully.
Nick doesn't write, arrange, and produce their music. All of duran's member write their music together and John is the one who first come up with the song writing and compose the music's structure. Their musics are composed from John’s bassline and the rhythm section between John and the drummer. John locking in the drum and set the rhythm and the chord for the melody. Then, the producers do the final touch: mixing, mastering and producing the album. It was Colin Thurston who arranged and produced their early albums NOT nick. It was Nile Rodgers who produced The Notorious album. It was John Jones their producer for Liberty and Wedding Album who composed the synth parts, arranged it, and produced those albums NOT nick.
You are completely right in the notion that it is the end result that counts, however, a live played show, an organic preformance, is so much more interesting than just a backing tape. That - is the result that counts. I think.
How is bringing on a bunch of session musicians to back-up where a song contains more guitars than there are actual guitar players within the band a better option than back-tracks? A rubbish arguement in my opinion. When I go to a concert, regardless of genre, I wanna hear the sound of that particular band. Not some re-arranged, stripped rendition.
@@D.Appeltofft You found quite a lot of things to argue about there that I didn't say in any way ...
@@amillionorangedolphins9663 Well, what did you mean, then?
Actually the piano parts were played usually by Andy Hamilton (played sax too) during the early and mid80s DD tours. To see Hamilton and Nick sharing keyboards parts check out DD live in Palladium 1982.
THANK YOU! Nick Rhodes does play keyboards. Look at videos from them in the studio. Duran Duran songs have so many layers with the keyboards that it is impossible to play them all live. After a Duran show in Nashville, I actually got Nick's set list. On it were the settings or presets for each song. Very cool to find that out. Looking forward to more videos! ❤️
Thank you April !! More on the way!! VG:-)
Can you share these April? :D
@@dbrouwer2007 I've shared them to my page...
Great video Vaughn, thank you again. I love Duran Duran from 1993. My favourite album is Notorious. I remembered about Vince Clarke, he plays simple melodies or pads and it doesn't mean that he cannot actually play. He make a all of work in the studio, he prepares all his melodies and sequences into backing tracks, and he just control the whole song behind keyboard or monitor, sometimes he plays guitar. He said that he's doing it because of bad experiences with technique from past and because of he is still very nervous about live shows. So the whole show is on Andy Bell. And they are still good.
Miroslav thank you for your kind words and I'm pleased to see you understand my points !! VG:-)
The weird thing is even though they were musically poles apart some of the ways Nick's keys war or clash with Andy Taylor's guitar work worked very well. On Seven & The Ragged Tiger they're both battling to be heard it seems. But on A View to a Kill & especially The Finest Hour (from Astronaut) the guitars & synths are amazing together. Seriously, check out that instrumental break in The Finest Hour when you get the chance. Lots of layers & the guitars & synths blend together so well you can't tell which is which.
Not so keen on the last few albums sorry..
The most advanced he ever played is the chord progression at the end of Notorious. Still he is one of the all time greats
Well he's hardly billy joel or billy Preston but it doesn't matter, he just adds texture to the track and I'm sure he knows his way round a keyboard than any current pop act.
Bang on the buck there Neill!! Well said!! VG:-)
I saw the reunion concert from London (2005) and when Simon presented each member of the band, they each played a solo. I was looking forward to hearing what Nick was going to do and was a bit disappointed when all he did was wave his hands above the keyboards to make weird sounds.
That was because he´s not a musician. I´m a DD fan but also a musician and I can´t find a live performance of him, just faking performing. It was very disappointing for me.
I envy you for being there, I have the concert in DVD, and Nick does a funny gesture to Simon after the solo, a down to earth expression as saying: well, lad, that is all, take it or leave it. Still like it.
Nick has an attachment that turns his keyboards into a theremin.
First of all I want to sat that I am a Duran Duran fan. Don't care too much for Paper Gods or Red Carpet Massacre (except for a few songs) but mostly like all the rest of their stuff (and actually loved Astronaut). I don't know whether what Vaughn says is completely accurate or not, but if it is , IMO, it would be pathetic. Duran Duran has some complex keyboard parts , but any keyboardist worth their salt should be able to play them with no problem. For examples of this refer to Tony Banks from Genesis and watch and hear the parts he plays. They are way more complicated than any in Duran Duran's songs. Furthermore I do not appreciate Vaughn's insistence on producers vs "common" people comparisons. I might mot be a music producer but when I go to a concert I want to see as much live as possible.
Carlos Nunez Reach up for the sunrise was a good song.
@@cellblocknine5385 Yes it was!
Carlos Nunez What is your favorite song
@@cellblocknine5385 My favorite Duran Duran song? It's difficult to name just one. I think I can narrow it down to two: Astronaut and Beautiful Colours. There are tons of others I love as well, though.
This video also makes me think of gary Numan’s “Cars.” Mainly because the synth parts played in “Cars” is not complex at all, however does it sound amazing and sophisticated?? You bet. 😎😄
Synthesizers are very easy to play. I like that some of the presets already have sounds that can match every other key. At first I was afraid to try playing any synths, but once I did everything fell into place. Presets make things very easy to understand sounds.
Maybe you play twinkle twinkle little star try playing some Genesis, Yes ect... tell me if thats easy lol!!!
Great Review - from a passionate Duran Duran fan, and of course my 3rd favourite band - Depeche Mode. Keyboard players - like NR - are in place to provide the texture, the sounds, the movement, the atmosphere. He pieces together sounds - whether he is the most technical player on a piano is not really important - its what he contributes to Duran Duran sound - and the direction he can take the band. I think too - when you think of the age NR when he contributed to the Chauffeur - i mean - its fucking utterly one of the best bits of music in the history of music. I also pick up this when i hear Secret Oktober - the atmoshere and increasing intensity. Or listening to who whole Arcadia album - talk about atospheric presence. I also like the sound of Do you Believe in Shame - the start - you almost see a picture - its utterly incredible. I can ramble and ramble...but i wont. Like Vaughn said - its the contribution and expert pianist skills are not important - its what he brings to the vision of duran duran.
I'm a pianist and I never heard of the guy before, but yesterday I googled _"Best Keyboard Player Ever"_ and for whatever reason, Nick Rhodes tops a couple of lists- not just near the top, but the #1 spot. Naturally, I put _Nick Rhodes solo_ and *I found it particularly strange there's no footage of him playing????*
I'm a pianist too and have watched Nick Rhodes stand behind his keyboard many many many times over the last forty years. His hands obviously are on the keys for the sustained or rhythmic parts and he does occasional melodic parts like in Save A Prayer while using the modulation wheel. Other than that, we don't always hear a lot of what he's 'playing' seemingly. It's always been a curious thing to me, the keyboard playing of Nick Rhodes!!
Being a keyboard player is a lot more than just the playing. You've got to realize that you've got a world of sounds at your fingertips. Managing THAT is a colossal thing. Creativity through sounds is a massive effort to deploy successfully. Nick has always done this incredibly. I love the sounds he picks for parts!
In a nutshell, yes Nick Rhodes can play. I play keyboards and synthesizers because of him. I've been playing since 1984 ever since The Reflex was number 1 on the charts. That was the funkiest song I had ever heard and instantly fell in love with it. And, it is still my all time favorite song. I had to learn how to play it so keyboards became my obvious instrument of choice and I've been playing them ever since. Because Duran Duran has such a vast and varied catalog of songs, can you imagine having to remember all the keyboard parts for every song they play live? Nick has always taken advantage of various technologies and has admitted in many interviews that he chooses to play the strongest keyboard melodies live. You must remember he only has two hands. Nick is a master of layering sounds and would require at least 8 hands to play various songs. Thankfully with the advent of sequencers, he can sequence backing tracks and now choose which parts of their songs he wants to play live. Nick Rhodes is a true innovator and has led the way for the inclusion of keyboards and synthesizers in modern music.
Duran Duran reminds me very much of Japan. Japan's keyboard player was Richard Barbiari, who also approached keyboards very differently as well. Very atmospheric, much like Nick.
Personally I’ve always felt weather the music was simple or complex it really doesn’t matter to me if it sounds great to my tastes.
Nick Rhodes May not be a super virtuoso, but he doesn’t have to be cause of the style he has created for his band’s music as a whole.
Nick Rhodes= musician.
And a good one at that.
AMEN!! Perfectly said!! VG:-)
Vaughn George you are the best, buddy.
Love your insights for all the bands you’ve covered. Glad you are visiting Duran Duran and I know one day you’ll cover New Order quite extensively. Also I showed my wife your channel and the “warning! ⚠️! Alan Wilder fan-boy alert’ we both lost our minds with laughter.
Thank you for that. 🙂
Yeah, sick of this debate being a keyboard virtuoso and being able to read music doesnt make you a brilliant musician, any 11yo can be a great technical player, with classical training, but being able to write songs and a good production/ sound designer is what defines real talent imho,, that what defines a music genius is, DAWS, sequencers can overcome technical deficiencies, thats how bands like DD, DM, HL, NO etc, could articulate the songs in their head, with, advent of DIY recording tech e.g. synths drum machines sequencers, otherwise where still be listening to prog rock!
@@waddy707 Amen to that man!! Spot on!! VG:)
Weather as in the conditions outside?
I think Nick Rhodes proved you don’t have to be Tony Banks or Keith Emerson to play keyboards in a band. much like Richard Barbieri of Japan. They both had an understated style and could create a different moods alongside traditional instruments.
Sometimes it’s about what you “don’t play” and that is the end result .
In many ways, Nick Rhodes reinvented the keyboard. The likes of Elton John, Paul McCartney, and Alan price have proven the piano to be an instrument capable of leading in rock; the likes of Richard Wright and Keith Emerson (and also Alan Price, actually), showed that the keyboard can be used as a leading instrument; Nick Rhodes showed the keyboard can be the backdrop and production mechanism of the song.
Is Nick Rhodes likely to do a fast piano solo like Elton John or Keyboard solo like Keith Emerson? No, even though that doesn't mean he can't do it. What he is likely to do better than anyone is use multiple layers and create the perfect backdrop for the song, and if that's not a great keyboard player, I don't know what is.
Before Rhodes, it was either the guitar or the keyboard taking the lead in the song. Rhodes showed that there's another way, and that's to free the guitar and bass to do funky riffs while the keyboard fills everything else and creates the atmosphere so needed.
Check out DD at the Palladium in 82. Lots of Nick shots. JT is the real understated genius
I agree.
And john is the only one that reckoned as a real talented musician by people outside of duran's fans
Words of truth there wouldnt be duran duran without john taylor! He's the real brain of dd
john is the brain and the architect of duran who creates the whole concept of the band, their albums and the one who's planning out. but ignorant people often disregard him just because he's a pretty boy.
duran wouldnt have made it this big if it wasnt for john, his talent and his brilliant mind. he's the one who's directing the band and come up with the ideas that send the band to massive success. the james bond theme, the concept of their albums and the band's sound and look all of it are john's creation. he makes the album cover, posters and their music. all his bandmates including robert palmer and tony thompson said john is their ideas man who makes the concept of the band and their music.
he's also the key to their sound. duran's songs are all bass driven and all of their hits like rio, girls on film, wild boys, planet earth and even their latest songs are marked by john's basslines and that's what draw people to duran
Actually John and Nick come up with the covers for the albums, Nick did the photos for RCM. Duran Duran isn’t about one person, it is a group that bounce ideas off each other, and work as a team.
Nice video Vaughn,
As mentioned previously, Nick Rhodes is the reason I bought my first synthesiser and wanted to be in a band.
I have seen DD many times from 81 to the current day and obviously, given my fascination with Nick Rhodes, my focal point has always been him, what he’s using and what he’s playing.
Without doubt he’s not a pianist, I have never once seen him (or heard him) sit and play the piano.
Even the cover version of “Come up and see me (make me smile)” that DD used to play live with the piano intro wasn’t even played by Nick Rhodes.
However, for what it’s worth my observations are as follows:
1) NR is an ideas man and the DD sound and aesthetic is I would say 80% down to him
2) With the complexity of layers (tracks) within each song it would be impossible to play live so can understand why most are sequenced or multi tracked and NR just plays the route chords or embellishments over the top.
3) His ear for a melody remains undiminished and incredible - two examples for me would be the synth middle eight in “Girl Panic” or the underrated brilliance of “What are the Chances”.
4) Although perhaps not played live - all were programmed by NR in the first instance.
Add to that the sequence arpeggios on the first two albums - Planet Earth, Careless Memories, Sound of Thunder, Rio, Save a Prayer, Hold Back the Rain. All fantastic.
His visual, his dalliance with pop art, Andy Warhol, his side projects The Devils (with Stephen Tin Tin Duffy - the original DD singer) or Arcadia or TV Mania (with Warren Cuccurullo) are all ( as you say) massively underrated and makes Nick Rhodes the last complete pop star
After all, how many other keyboard players can you name these days?
🎹🎧
6 minutes in and I'm none the wiser!
Andrew Brown I guess you’ll just have to keep watching ....
At the end of the day, people are paying good money to hear musicians actually play their music, not listen to anything that's been pre-recorded. I don't believe anybody should have to line up for tickets, (Sometimes for hours,) just to have someone lip-synch, or cut corners all in the name of perfection, Because If that's the case it just makes them a studio band.
Why would you think it’s all in the name of perfection?
I pay good money to be entertained.
I couldn’t care less if some form of backing track or sequencers are used. I want it to sound as good as it can and if that means using technology to support the performance then so be it.
Why would anyone want to see a band live that can’t reproduce the sound that has gotten you to buy a ticket to see them in the first place?!
Howard Jones makes his fans aware if he’s doing an acoustic or electronic gig so they know what they’re paying money to see and hear.
And I think the majority of people buy their tickets online that’s days. They don’t line up.
I’m going to see OMD later this month. I hope to god it’s not live!
Sadly. these days most fans can't be bothered they are there to be seen while they dance and sing along. Most of the audience wouldn't know if a lead vocal is lip synced or not, let alone a keyboard part. So tracks and sequencers are used. Fans go home happy... if you want real players executing perfect music this is the wrong area of the music biz. Jez Brett's comment only solidifes my point (and I have no issue with what Jez said, it's the truth)
@@KidMrRemixes Lol.. so you want to pay full price for a reproduction of the Mona Lisa then..lol
Nah people go to live music for the experience overall, not that particular ass bullshit you went on a rant about. If you had some sense in the first place you’d realize that not only does a large portion of music sound better on wax than what could be replicated on a stadium scale, but you’d also realize backtracking is present in some shape or form in 9/10 of concerts on the scale of an Arena (excluding solely acoustic genres). But aye keep hating from the sideline
I only see bands who use sequencers.
So evidently your narrow world view is incorrect :-) x
Nick Rhodes has given the musical world amazing sonic textures. I remember taking my bureau drawers and staggering them so that I could pretend that they were synthesizers. Thank you, Nick Rhodes.
Right on John!! VG:-)
Roger Taylor isn't a drum virtuoso either. He never claimed that he was. He just contributed to DD, being creative with whatever skill and ideas he had, which fits in with the DIY/punk ethos typical of the era. From what I have seen and read he also seems to be a really good time-keeper, having had to play along to many sequenced parts from Nick's keyboards from the start.
During Roger's absence the band worked with a number of drummers who clearly are technically more advanced than him. For example, "Notorious" features fan-tas-tic drumming by Steve Ferrone. But Roger knows his limitations and works within those boundaries. Probably the same can be said about Nick. I believe it was Simon who once remarked that none of the members individually are musical geniuses, but together the band definitely is more than the sum of its parts.
That said, Roger seems to have picked up quite some stuff along the way, judging from this demo video for Roland TD-30KV Electronic Drums: ruclips.net/video/R2nCmomRFx4/видео.html
I would be very interested to learn more about what both Roger and Nick actually do during live performances, not to proof if they "can play or not", but just to get insight in their way of working.
Just to let you know, I vaguely remember reading Roger saying as much (I was surprised), that he had to work hard 'to stay in sync' with [probably expecting him to say John's Bass playing] all Nick's Electronica-!). We may have read the same article, etc.
Hi...I have been a devout "DURANIE" since i was 11 years old (40) years and pretty much know all there is to know about the guys through the years,Nick has never proclaimed himself to be a great keyboard player in fact he started off playing the guitar but it didn't sit right with him so decided to play the piano (self taught) i might add,we as fans have and i think the band have renamed him as the "controller" in as much as he likes things just so..
Well said !! You get it !! VG :-)
I met him once when he was drunk and he behaved like a complete asshole. But alcohol can do that to people so I give him the benefit of the doubt and know he’s probably not like that when he’s sober.
Well, we cant judge someone's character solely based on one or two encounter but the fact is almost all his partners and everyone who work with Nick can't stand him.
A.C. B. ART Of course. I wasn’t interested in him either. I was just an observer. Consider me a fly on the wall in this situation.
I love Nick I love all of Duran Duran, but I love Nick even more. He takes all these threads of sound and weaves an artistic tapestry of music. And then there was his vision for how he wanted the band to do when they started...without Nick there would not have been Duran Duran.
Absolutely right you are Ruth!! VG 😎👍👍
And to still carry Duran Duran even when his childhood friend and co-founder left him :((( It proves his love and dedication to music
When I first saw live keyboardists using sequences - I was like WHOA - that's possible?!!! I want that
6 mins in and you've said NOTHING.....WEIRDO BLOKE.
Short concentration span ?
Thats youtube, no?
@@JoeyLevenson Unfortunately it does seem to be all too common on RUclips these days. I've gotten into the habit of skipping to the middle of videos like this, and still find myself skipping most of the way through. There's only so many hours in the day, if somebody can't make their point succinctly it's on to the next video.
Vaughn George - Rude and Patronising as well as condescending? To hear your growl through gritted teeth as you tell everybody to “Watch the fu*#ing video” 20 times does nothing to convince me to watch anything else you produce in the future. Not cool at all.
John Archbell you really don’t need to be here If you don’t want to 😎
He's more ornamentation to the sound than a player. I do think he's picked some stuff up over the years, but I don't think he does much solo piano work. I've heard John joke that Nick doesn't practice. There's a live concert video from 1981 New Years, which is very good. Nick is kind of busy running the machine but they actually had another guy on stage playing an electric piano as well as some guitar, sax, and backup vocals. He did a lot more than NIck did, lol. I've always thought the best talent in that band was John Taylor channeling the amazing Bernard Edwards on bass. The rest of them are good but the standout musician is John. ruclips.net/video/T4dKTblXrF4/видео.html
Thank you for this comment.
Paul Mckenzie absolutely true👌
That's not fair. Yes, John Taylor is one of the best bass players ever, but if you take out Rhodes' keyboards, you lose a lot of that unique sound.
The beauty about them, Duran Duran, is how they work together.
@@Maxim89Il I agree, you couldn't have Duran Duran without Nick. He's fundamental to the band. But I don't think it's unfair to say that John is a far better player than Nick is. I consider Nick to be a conceptual artist who can also play keyboards. I've just never seen him display much musicianship, but that's not a knock on him. The songwriting on the Arcadia album is quite good and I assume he wrote those songs himself with SImon providing the lyrics?
That's what I mean when I say your comment is not fair. It doesn't mean you're not correct, I just don't think the comparison is fair. Yes, John Taylor is the best musician in the band, but he's a legendary bass player.
There aren't many bassists in that class. See my point? In order to appreciate Nick Rhodes, don't compare him with John Taylor, but compare him with other keyboard players of new wave.
Then you'll see that in terms of what he does and the musical tapestries he creates, Nick is one of the best.
My favorites songs is My antartica , finest hour ,and Out of my mind ......!!.
@gerard henry j adore ....😉
Finest Hour is up there for me too.
Out of my mind extended version makes my hairs stand on end ....sone haunting shit rite there❤
The Edge does the same thing on his guitar when he plays. The individual parts are too many and too intertwined to be able to play them all at once. They are BOTH AMAZING!!
Correct!! VG:-)
Funny you should bring up the Edge in this topic as years ago('84!) I read a U2 fan after s gig saying he liked them as they didn't use tapes like other bands ( they weren't fake)..even on that tour highly visible was a reel to reel...now they have computers under the stage.
My statement was not meant in ANY WAY to disparage The Edge or U2....And certainly not saying anything bad about Duran Duran's musical prowess.
If you've ever seen the documentary called "It Might Get Loud" with The Edge, Jimmy Page, and Jack White you'll see the expertise with which ALL of these gentlemen play.
@@jaysterling26 Yep, i have it from a reliable source that there's also musicians as well as Techs under their stage.
but can simon le bon sing lol
HAhahahahha I guess I should address that I a video ? VG:-)
ruclips.net/video/HNawLEpsKZs/видео.html watch this link - and you will find the answer quite definately to your question.
No, but he has a great voice. I mostly skip the live performances.
Simon can sing. They made millions by being Duran duran
Haha. You must've seen him botch A View to a Kill at Live Aid. Kidding aside, I think Simon's vocals have improved over the years.
Duran Duran blew my mind when Hungry Like the Wolf came out. I loved the first three Duran albums as such a contrast to the loud guitar rock I was used to. I thought Nick Rhodes, now there is a guy who is playing keyboards in an electronic way, not in a piano way. Nick was a genius for programming the arpeggiator on his keyboards, the results being an infectious kinetic driving force throughout the verses of Hungry Like the Wolf and other songs. Nick is a true original musician who plays the keyboard equipment, more than he plays every single note by hand. He plays every single note that is IMPOSSIBLE to play by hand! Nick is underrated. He is right up there as parallel to The Edge in U2, another musician who creates the music using all the equipment and features available, not just by picking each note by hand, The Edge also creates worlds of music that are impossible to play by hand. I come from an amateur guitar background, I learned to play rock songs from friends, later by listening to 33 RPM vinyl albums, sometimes at 16 RPM to pick out each note at half speed, one octave lower. I taught myself Cheap Trick, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Stones, and other songs. Nick Rhodes made me realize that music, and the whole wide world, was not limited to power chords, nor 3 chords. Music and the world could be exotic and mysterious and catchy as heck! There's the old famous Joe Pass, a jazz guitar wiz, who made tuturial videos that are still in print and available. Joe Pass says he wants to play his wide variety of jazz chords as easily and simply as possible, not to make it hard for him to play, but to make the music flow easily and relaxed because he can easily play the chords. He wants to play it as easy as possible, that takes forethought, study, research, and creativity! That's what I also think about Nick Rhodes. If I had a request for this channel, I would love to see something about setting up an arpeggiator feature like Nick Rhodes does it. Especially for Hungry Like the Wolf, that exotic, calliopi carnival rush!
If Nick could play piano proficiently then John Jones (Wedding Album, Liberty Producer) wouldn’t have been needed to fill in on the albums or play piano in the back ground as he did at The Royal Albert Hall in ‘91 - or indeed when they played the MTV unplugged show. The band then dispense of a World Class guitarist (Warren Cuccurullo) and they find themselves to be an average sounding live band. It’s a plain fact. Sure, Nick is great at programming - he should be after all these years with the practise he’s had. Now I read about how disappointed the fans are that DD have not been considered for nomination into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Perhaps the reason is that they are not the best musicians after all, preferring to employ the cream of session players to fill in. Makes sense really if you listen to songs off the Strange Behaviour, Big Live Thing, Dilate Your Mind, Ultra Chrome Latex and Steel, Latest & Greatest, Let it Flow, Up Close Tours - Sorry, but the band do not deserve the accreditation until they quit with the EDM and start sounding organic again.
The truth is they always have extra keyboardist from the beginning both in studio and in live concert that not only play nick's part but also composing most of the synth parts. They had Andy Hamilton in their early albums. Then they had Jonathan Elias and Daniel Abraham in Big Thing who composed most of the synth parts. And they had John Jones in Liberty and Wedding Album as you have said it, and yet nick takes all the credits
M Shadow - Totally agree. I interviewed JJ for the 25th anniversary of TWA and it was a favourite part of his life. I know he is disappointed about the lack of credit for it. Sure he got credits on the album itself but that was about it. He did a lot more than just produce the album. Then you have Magus who did absolutely nothing in support of the milestone 25 years. I find it bizarre - just really bad management.
lakechaney - I’m a fan of DD as much anybody - but that doesn’t cloud my expectations or make me throw my toys out of the pram because DD haven’t had the esteemed honour of induction into the RARHOF. My musical taste is extensive and I have to share out my love to a lot of artists! Lol
I’m merely saying that Duran Duran have abandoned their dna and chasing a dream that will never become real. They persist in these ridiculous collaborations in the hope of capitalising major success again. The fact of the matter is that they are no longer unique and sound very average with maybe three stand out songs from their last album Paper Gods (the dreadful artwork for that album is a discussion for another day).
If you really must compare Tupac with Duran - then ok. You have to consider that Tupac was consistent. He was massive throughout his career. Hip Hop is hardly EDM and besides music does move in mysterious ways!
I hope for better things with the new album - but i doubt an album of guitar and drums will materialise with Moroder at the helm.
What’s your point. David Bowie did exactly the same thing.
Musicianship includes song and sound arrangement not just technique. Unless the producer created Hungry like the wolf I would argue that Nick did not just stumble across creating that arpeggio with the phased synth arrangement. The keyboardist roll is coming up with sounds that work in the greater song with other instruments. Greg Hawkes of The Cars is another great example of this.
I think nick shines more in the studio work than playing live and like you said there are so many layers of sounds overlapping each other you would need 2-3 keyboard plays to bring out all of that.
The reason for backing tracks is that it is basically impossible to recreate the Studio versions due to the number of tracks used. Like the BASS LINES that John Taylor cannot possibly play live! The band is awesome regardless and they sound great live. But live performances is always different than what is done at studio level.
Well said John!! VG:-)
@@VaughnGeorge "Like the BASS LINES that John Taylor cannot possibly play live!"
ruclips.net/video/T4dKTblXrF4/видео.html
Except this is 1982 and the bass is played live.
What I want to know in this video is are the arpeggios on Rio (first track) coming live out of a J8 or off reel to reel tape which somehow the drummer has to sync to?
Could the J8 be taking sync from a 707 click and that click is being fed to the drummer as well so that everything stays in sync?
Either way it's 1982 so it's not like they have some backing track coming off DAT etc.
From a Bass player: no John Taylor never played along to prerecorded bass lines on tape for live shows !! Lol. Every show I’ve seen he’s absolutely live. The crap like that I’ll buy is that he overdubbed two basses on Hold Back the Rain.
@@VaughnGeorge No not well said-John is very wrong on that one about JT not playing all his bass lines live- he can play every single one live
When I hear the name Duran Duran or Nick Rhodes I automatically think of the awesome synth on save a prayer, that little pitch bend it was probably a happy accident but it’s epic.
Great channel! Here's the thing, many people think keyboard players are pianists, and that's it. When you look at Elton John, Paul McCartney or Alan Price, they have a wonderful piano sound, and it's the way pianists are perceived.
In progressive rock, like Richard Wright or Keith Emerson, the keyboard becomes more of an organ, but it's still a very clear instrument.
What those people don't understand is that New Wave is something different! In Duran Duran, A-Ha, or Depeche Mode, the keyboard becomes not a piano, but the whole backdrop, the main production tool. It's all the sounds you hear that are not guitar, bass, or drums, it's the atmosphere, it's the unique sound of New Wave music.
I could have not explained that any better myself!! Thank you Maxim , you really get where I am coming from !! Cheers !! VG:-)
The problem is that everything you said to justify the extensive use of pre-recorded material could apply just as well to a guitarist, and yet for some reason we accept it with a keyboardist in a way we wouldn’t with a guitarist. Then there’s the question - where is the line to be drawn, at what point does something cease to be a live performance? If “the end result is what counts”, why not just have it ALL prerecorded, so it can be absolutely perfect every time? I think the issue people have always had with Nick Rhodes is that there’s never seemed to be much evidence of any technical skill as a keyboard player, which begs the question - what does he do that literally anyone with access to the same technology couldn’t do?
Exactly on point! But there's some important thing that need to be clarified. Nick has nothing to do with the end result or the production such as mixing, mastering, producing, it's all done by the engineers and producers not by Nick!. You can look it up. If the video maker want to talk about the end result, every member of Duran including the programmers, the engineers, the producers and sessional players are very much defining the end result. The video maker is clearly very much in favor of Nick so he doesnt give a fair assessment and sort of misleading the viewers with false information and misconception about the end result.
Exactly on point! but there is some important thing that need to be clarified. Nick has nothing to do with the end result: the mixing, mastering and the production, all of it is done by the engineers and the producers not by Nick! you can look it up. If the video maker want to talk about the end result, every member of Duran including the programmer, engineers, producers, and sessional players very much contribute and define the end result. The video maker is clearly very much in favor of nick so he doesn't give a fair assessment and sort of misleading the viewers with false information and misconception about the end result.
The problem is that the 80's when synths became a thing. You had to learn how to program them. You had to program them to a get a particular sound, if you was lucky enough to have a keyboard with RAM, you could store that program. Most used a few different keyboards, set to a specific program, just to play a specific melody. You may see them play a few odd keys on the keyboard. What you don't see, or appreciate is the amount of time spent, fiddling with all those settings to play the correct sound for a particular section of a song.,
Right. And he didn't answer my Google search questions that lead me to this vid. Can Nick actually play whole compositions or just make noises? Does he know standards or just chords? Did he learn to read music or does he play by ear? I thought it was an interview, not an opinion.
Hmm.. Are you under the impression bands just walk on stage - and improvise?
I must be the odd one out ..i literally just got back from my rock gig playing rock in my rock band with no keyboards and was happy to see this video waiting ..as I'm a huge fan of depeche mode Duran Duran Howard Jones Sparks tangerine dream ..human league ..flock of seagulls..cars..etc etc etc..i also love prog rock and metal and punk ..if it's goood music its good music.. Nick Rhodes is part of a 5 piece puzzle which makes a beautiful painting 👍🏻☮❤
The Controller is genius, his atmospheric keyboards are omnipresent in Duran Duran, he's the mastermind, "the one behind the wheel". As for his flamboyance (which I love) is part of his personal universe from outer space. Behind that he is a calm, collected, down-to-earth music exquisite, a true connoiseur of art. Like he breathes in art and exudes art in all sorts of possible ways. As a hardcore Duranie, I feel his influence on stage and out of stage is impressive, as a true architect of sound, not exactly a mere keyboard player. Btw, he's never got stuck as regards to how DD should sound, but has been constantly evolving with the times and the possibility of musical evolution given by new technology and digital media. Like a Rennaissance man who fell down to earth from a faraway planet, he's behind every detail. And nope, he's not a poser, but someone with a taste for the debonair in life. There are peoole like that, especially amongst the New Romantic movement. Think of ABC's frontman Martin Fry and you'll get what I mean.
As for his omnipresence, I guess he's for Duran Duran what Alan Wilder used to be (and still is) for DM. (Warning! ALan Wilder Fanboy Alert here lol 😂) As Vaughn has well stated, he's not 'right in your face", but more of an underlying, subdued, yet still impressive floating presence, which makes sense for an artsy, introverted type as Nick is.
No offence meant George. It just seems to me that an accomplished musician like you would choose to focus on musicians/songwriters capable of creating and performing more more lush/complex compositions. I guess I missed the point, and perhaps defer to your experience.
I think you woulndt find many of those in the music scene - in most decades. Its one thing being a professional musician - and another having an ear for sound, and how to arrange that sound, within the context of a band, to sell that sound, and to engage millions with that sound, and repeat this consistently over almost 40 years is maybe what VG is so intrgiued by. David Bowie sung about Sound and Vision - NR was well aware of the essence of successful popular music - was look, and sound - and VG also appreciates this. It would be naieve to reduce NR to a simpleton - or even worse - to deny him as a mastercraftsman - which he is.
You obviously are not familiar with the entire body of Nick's work. There is MUCH Lush and Complex material in the catalogue.
I think one thing worth mentioning for Nick Rhodes. He is a primary song writer. A LOT of DD songs are Nick Rhodes and Simon Le Bon. Not to dismiss John Taylor because JT is writing his own bass line, but I think JT is adding the input after NR and SLB have laid the ground work.
You are right David !! Thank you Sir !! VG :-)
A very fair video to be honest.
What people also need to remember is that the New Romantic movement partly grew out of and embodied the DIY spirit of punk, whereby anyone could pick up an instrument and make music. Quite often these musicians were not schooled in music theory and technique.
Aaaaaaaaand there's nothing wrong with that. Duran Duran are awesome!
Thank you Alison !! VG :-)
your too big a fan to be objective on this subject. can u go greg hawks from the cars
I think what you're really saying is that in a live show, there's no proof Nick is a good musician due to the pre-recordings playing on stage. Sometimes I get the impression Nick is in the group for more cosmetic purposes when you see them performing, but his contribution to the band could be more than we know. The other members also seem more visible and vocal in the splinter groups Power Station and Arcadia. Case in point, in one of my favorite Duran Duran music videos ("Serious"), Nick is only seen playing the keyboard for about two seconds, while the other guys are going at it. Listen, no offense to Nick, I love entire group.
So, the answer is: “Yes ... well ... okay, you got me. Actually, not really. He mostly just presses buttons on stage.”
A good use of auto sequenced keyboards is the plippy background that continues throughout hungry like the wolves. Always thought that was somehow played but the Sky Arts documentary on the making of the classic album suggests otherwise. Then there was Guru Josh with 1990s infinity with the mad arpeggios. Just the route note played every time and the system does the rest. I was fooled for so long. I agree, it's the end result that counts
I would love an album review series of "Duran Duran" (1981), "Rio" (1982) and "Seven and the Ragged Tiger" (1983)
You say the end result is most important. But face it: a guitarist or a bas player needs to play every note too! They can't fake it, right? And there is also something like "honor"; you need to WANT to play your own music!
I grew up in a musical family, my brothers both play piano and one of them plays almost all instruments. That makes you feel good, right? You play music and you get in the zone!
Having a member of Duran Duran not doing what one might expect.. sad.
Like I know that Madonna is not a great singer, so when I went to her concert I wasn't disappointed. But that is all she has!
Yes, Nick Rhodes HAS to play the piano. By now, he should have learned anyway
It's not about that,if you could check a Duran's song in the studio DAW you would surely see so many keyboard tracks,now you either rent two other keyboard players in a live set or if you are alone have to rely on backings,a bassline it's just that does not change much from studio to live,about guitars where on records there are many overlays,in live the whole thing is very barebone and it's just about "the emotional moment" but the result is way less interesting and full than on record.
@@gautamasakyamuni6688 I've seen Prince, Madonna, Robbie Williams and some more less famous people play. I can understand that a studio record is hard to play live (exactly). But isn't the Live performance more important? That doesn't happen every day, at least not for me.
My man was recently at Rammstein. They do a lot of performing on stage, not necessarily music, but Fire and Fireworks. Still, they own their musical skills.
totally agree, he is a Genius..... the melodies, the sound,the effects that he could surround Duran Duran with , they are simply out of this world.......plus he is also a fascinating person,who impersonates his music and,as someone came here from anther planet, helooked like it with his hair, his make up, the clothes and the stage presence.....seeing Simon, John, Andy and Roger sweating and rocking it out....he was always like an absent presence on the high back of the scene ,creating spacial atmospheres, with which Duran songs became unique!
There’s noodlers and then sound sculptures and that’s Nick Rhodes. A million people can noodle and show off their ability but how many of those can claim millions can hum their keyboard lines from songs on top 10 hit singles? Nick adds beautiful layers to the music.
Very accurate. I'm more of a guitarist, and I've met many shredders. They play fast, and they think that makes them amazing, but what they make sounds s**t and you would never put it on at home for pleasure.
I don't know if David Gilmour and Brian May are amongst the fastest guitarists, but what makes them the greatest ones is their ability to create a unique melody, an adventure in sound, with their solos. Their solos grip your soul!
I don't know if Rhodes is as good in terms of technique as piano greats like Freddie Mercury, Paul McCartney and Elton John, or as technical as keyboard pioneers like Ray Manzarek
or Keith Emerson, probably not, but when it comes to the idea of forming layers of sound, I doubt many can compete with Nick Rhodes.
What Nick Rhodes might not fit many other bands, but it's a big part of what makes Duran Duran great!
You can't have Duran Duran without Nick Rhodes, Simon Le Bon, and John Taylor. Those are the three who know the secret formula to their thing!
been a fan since childhood and I have always been inspired by the band's music. I have taken the first steps to learning piano and credit Nick for all the inspiration he gave me to start at age 44.
Imagine gtr players thinking like that! Oh, let’s only make chords and let the backing tracks do it’s job! The horror! Backing tracks serve to help, maintain the the overall sound but when it does play the majority parts of ones playing it becomes cheating! And it’s definitely not all about the end result, it’s about the show, the performance of the musicians too! Ex. Keith Emerson, Rick Wakeman and the list goes on and on! He might be a good producer but not a good keyboard player or is he afraid of something? 🤘🏻👊🏻
It's about the sound at the end of the day, it's complex so you can't play it all, Nick is a really interesting guy great to listen to him on any subject. Great channel Vaughn.
Really appreciate the kind comment !! Thank you!! VG :-)
Well, that’s 4 minutes I’m never getting back ...
If only you had spent it inside a plastic bag
I bet your dad thinks the same.
It may be the end result that counts, but as a keyboardist I also think it's important how you feel and how authentic you are. I would not want to do almost nothing at the gig. I would always try to add live keyboard playing.
"It's all about the end result"? Why not get models to mime the whole show then?
Andybaby okay then ....
Maybe because people go there to watch DD and not some random guys pretending to play
Thank you for this too. As you say, there should be more documentary about Nick, so this is great. Thanks!
You are very welcome kristian !! VG 🎹😎👍
Thank you for making this video. I've heard these accusations so many times. Of course he can play his keyboards, he can also compose music, he can take art photographs and what else not. He is so charismatic and talented!
Glad I could add my two cents worth Anne!! Thank you!! VG:-)
Yes he can play but its very basic no need to be classicaly trained not even require music school he's more of a studio composer. I'm a self taught keyboard player so I can relate. Elton John, Billy Joel now then can really play!
Thanks for this! People need to understand that playing the synthesizer is not like playing piano or organ. I'm a classical musician, and the feeling that I get from Nick Rhodes' input is that it's like he's conducting from the back, as well as playing; he's orchestrating. The sound Duran Duran has is largely due to Nick. Of course the other band members are skilled and know their parts, but Nick is the one that gels the sound together. Also I've seen him "cover" other band members during live performances when they were struggling, which I'm not sure non-musicians would have noticed at all. That takes a lot of skill and awareness of music in the moment.
I haven't watched your 1st video, so apologies if you've already made these comments. I adore Nick Rhodes and Duran Duran. They're a wonderful pop band for classical musicians who want more complexity in the music.
Thank you for your positive comments and I am glad you enjoyed the video and found value in it !! VG :-)
It seemed like the bottom line is he's not that great.
It makes me happy to see Nick Rhodes getting the credit he deserves! His talent has always been apparent to me, but people think because he doesn't LOOK like someone who is going full throttle, he's not playing the instrument! They think you should be shredding a guitar riff or beating on drums to be talented. Not so!
Susan thank you !! You absolutely get it!! VG :-)
Not unlike seeing Rachel Z playing with Peter Gabriel. Seems to just be stabbing about. Then you see her playing complex jazz compositions with her band. Oh! She’s actually phenomenal!