Why Robbie Robertson gets it and Duran Duran doesn’t

Don’t get me wrong, I was born in the 80’s.  I love me some Duran Duran, so I’m not commenting on their music, but the means at which they’ve marketed this new record.

Duran Duran is influential towards modern electronic pop music, but irrelevant at the same time.  They released an album on Tuesday that lacked any stylistic departure or notable collaborations that would make it stand out.  I doubt it even made a splash in sales despite playing high-profile shows at SXSW to push the record.  They’re touring heavily in Spring and Summer playing top festivals like Ultra and Coachella, but they’re club dates lack a contemporary exuberance.  Even arena rockers U2 have had the insight to tour with Muse and Interpol.

On the flipside of Duran Duran, there’s Robbie Robertson.  Robertson was the lead singer and guitarist from The Band, my favorite band to ever exist.  The difference between Duran Duran and Robbie Robertson is that he collaborated and will be touring with twangy rockers Dawes.  This works for the same reason why the Willie Nelson/Ryan Adams collab worked over five years ago.  Robertson has found a contemporary artist who appreciates the historical significance of his music and will drive new fans to see him on top of the hardcore Band fans out there like myself who want to see him.  In addition, the younger band will make the record and subsequent tour more press worthy (examples).

So for you classic bands out there looking to put out a new record, try to think about what bands have been influenced by you and you’ll find out a collaboration might be mutually-beneficial, or at the very latest, have that band on tour as an opener.