Back to the 80s as Duran Duran arrives in Auckland

By ANGELA GREGORY


It was back to the 80s for a small but keen group of fans as their heroes arrived at Auckland Airport yesterday.

They were waiting for re-formed 80s band Duran Duran, visiting New Zealand after a US tour.

Tired after the flight from Los Angeles early yesterday morning, the band members seemed keen to beat a quick path through about a dozen devotees.

But such was the gushing enthusiasm of the devoted few that the one-time new-wave pop stars hovered briefly to sign autographs.

Simon Le Bon - also known for his involvement in Whitbread round-the-world-sailing - was the last in the line.

He said he might fit in some sailing in the next few days, and scrawled his tag on LPs, CDs and a pregnant woman's tight fitting T-shirt.

The Avondale mother-to-be, 33-year-old Vanessa Constantine, was delighted, having been a "Duranie" for years.

Dressed in a cream suit and black hat, fellow-fan David Ashby greeted each band member, laying on the compliments, and offering a set list for Saturday's concert.

He said he was exposed to their music when he was "just a tyke" and had paid $150 to be in the gold circle area at the front of the concert.

"It's a dream come true," he said, clutching his freshly autographed LP.

Another looking forward to the concert was Megan Smith, 18, who had been at the airport since 4am.

"I grew up with Duran Duran," she said "I like that they are different from the normal eighties keyboard sound."

Duran Duran will support fellow British pop star Robbie Williams at Western Springs on Saturday.