AFTER SAILING THEIR WAY TO SUPERSTARDOM WITH RIO, DURAN DURAN’S THIRD ALBUM SAW THEM THREATENED WITH BECOMING VICTIMS OF THEIR OWN SUCCESS. IN DANGER OF BEING OVEREXPOSED, THE FIVEPIECE SAVED THEIR REPUTATIONS – AND THEIR MONEY – BY SPENDING THE YEAR ABROAD…

MARK LINDORES

After a whirlwind two years which had seen them release two albums, tour the world twice, become video age posterboys and spark scenes of fan hysteria, Duran Duran were firmly established as one of the biggest bands in the world. However, as Duranmania reached its zenith, the group was perilously close to implosion due to constant scrutiny into their personal lives – be it from the press or the ardent acolytes that followed their every move with militant accuracy. As the band began work on its third album early in 1983, the decision was made to write and record abroad to avoid a burgeoning backlash and a hefty tax bill. “It’s an adventure story about a little commando team,” Simon told Rolling Stone. “The Seven is for us – the five band members and the two managers – and the Ragged Tiger is success. Sevenpeople running after success. It’s ambition – that’s what it’s about.”