Duran Duran are to take over BBC Four for a night with two new documentaries.
Featuring previously unseen archive footage, rare demos and fascinating insights into the group – who first formed in Birmingham 40 years ago – both will air as part of ‘Boy On Film – A Night With Duran Duran’ on June 29.
Viewers who tune in for ‘There’s Something You Should Know’ will get special behind the scenes access to the iconic group – made up of Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor and Roger Taylor – as well as the highs and lows they’ve experienced over the last four decades.
Immediately following that ‘A Night In’ will see the band delve into their early inspiration, including the TV shows, music and films they grew up on during the 60s, 70s and 80s.
Bassist John said: "Without the BBC, there would be no Duran Duran. Forty years ago this October, the BBC first aired ‘Barbarella’.
"It was while watching that late-night screening of the Jane Fonda sci-fi epic that members of a burgeoning Birmingham post-punk band decided the name of one of the films characters – Durand Durand – would make for a cool and unusual band name.
"The BBC provided us with a constant stream of the best contemporary music throughout the ’70s, just when we were coming of age and finding ourselves as individuals and future artists.
"Everybody who was anybody went through the doors of Top Of The Pops and The Old Grey Whistle Test, and we were there soaking it all in, so it is with great pleasure we present our curated night of music on BBC Four this coming June 29.
"These documentaries and clips have allowed us to explore the origins of the band through personal experiences and cultural touchstones. Even the savviest fans will find surprises."