Duran Duran brought the love back to late-night TV on Wednesday (April 29), with some help from Nile Rodgers.
The Rock Hall-inducted British band stopped by ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live to deliver their TV debut of “Free to Love” (via Tape Modern), a funky disco throwback tune that dropped earlier this month.
“‘Free To Love’ has a simple message,” explained Nick Rhodes ahead of the performance. “There is nothing more important than freedom and love. We certainly need a lot more of both in the world right now.”
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Rodgers and Duran Duran have been making musical magic together since the early 1980s, starting the global smash “The Reflex.” While the winters have marched on, Duran Duran found their groove in recent times, and fans have clamored to the one-time heart-throbs. The group was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 2022; their past three albums have crashed the top 5 in the United Kingdom; and their tran-Atlantic tour this year will include a headline show at London’s Hyde Park, the scene of their summer date in 2022 which drew an estimated 70,000 Duranies.
Judging by their latest West Coast TV spot, Simon Le Bon’s vocals have aged like an expensive wine. And their performance, backed by rainbows, unicorns, and cuts from the official “Free to Love” music video, is a sure sign that DD’s live shows will be a party.
“Free To Love” has been a long time coming. Last June, Duran Duran shared an image with Nile Rodgers at Abbey Road Studios. “Stay tuned,” the social post read.
Earlier this week, the Chic founder gave his own update on their latest collaboration. “My love for Duran Duran and what our music together has always been about is the love we share for our song’s deepest meanings,” he writes. “Whatever chaos is going on outside, inside the studio we’re free to love our peace.”
The new wave legends play BeachLife Festival 2026 this Friday, May 1. The follow day, they settle in for a residency at Bleaulive at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Pan-European dates follow from June.
Watch the Duran Duran’s performance of “Free to Love” featuring Nile Rodgers below.
