Beautiful Colors: The Posters of Duran Duran by Andrew Golub
What’s your favorite Duran Duran song? The track that was the game-changer… You heard it once and knew you were hooked! For me it was “Rio”. For Duran Duran archivist Andrew Golub, it was “The Reflex”. One listen, and he was a devoted fan. In fact, Andrew, known as Durandy, has been collecting paper-based Duran Duran ephemera for more than 20 years. He’s amassed the largest Duran Duran archive in the world, which includes over 1,500 posters, more than 10,000 pages of magazine articles, 150 books, and memorabilia such as a board game, a briefcase and a zippered purse. Ready to view the collection? Now you can, thanks to Golub’s recent publication, a coffee table book titled Beautiful Colors: The Posters of Duran Duran.
A Duran Duran show poster from 1980 (photo courtesy of Andrew Golub)
There’s a certain magic surrounding Duran Duran–perhaps it’s that unforgettable blend of music, art and fashion. In the early 1980s, the band set the standard for poetic lyrics, powerful melodies, cinematic music videos, and flawless design on every front. This same level of quality can be found in Durandy’s thoughtful curation of truly unique finds, such as rare posters, limited photographic prints, and fan club-issued memorabilia. Early and previously unseen works are also included in the diverse mix.
Andrew Golub
Not only is Andrew Golub an avid collector, he’s one of the kindest, most delightful people you will ever meet. He’s not about hoarding the merchandise behind closed doors–he wants to share it! The items from his archive have been featured in a variety of venues and programs, including the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum and A&E’s Biography. In addition, selections have appeared in two film documentaries (including this one), as well as two public exhibitions.
A Duran Duran New Romantic poster from 1981 (photo courtesy of Andrew Golub)
The culmination of Golub’s detailed collecting, Beautiful Colors: The Posters of Duran Duran explores the band’s career through posters and other printed memorabilia. Encompassing the years 1978-2013, the carefully restored posters and prints of Beautiful Colors follow every chapter of the band’s history, from Duran Duran’s formative years to their current endeavors. Duranies, you’re in luck!
A trio of posters featured in Andrew Golub’s Beautiful Colors (photos courtesy of Andrew Golub)
Not to mention, the book showcases some amazing art, design and photography. The artists and designers give insight into their creations, adding a whole new layer of meaning to the Beautiful Colors experience. Another true highlight: a foreword by Duran Duran keyboardist Nick Rhodes!
Andrew Golub sharing his commemorative poster with Duran Duran band members
What’s next for Durandy? True to form, his goal is to continue sharing his archive, making it more accessible to fans around the world through his website. Thank you, Andy Golub. You’ve taken us back to the days of watching Duran Duran travel the world in Anthony Price suits, singing along while guessing which band members would sport a new hair color during their next appearance, and dreaming of the design for their new album cover, button or poster.
Andrew Golub conversing with Duran Duran bassist John Taylor
For more information, don’t forget to check out the Beautiful Colors Facebook page, as well as Durandy.com. The site includes posters, centerfolds, pin-ups, rare photography, and much more. Not to mention, there’s a collection of videos that feature Durandy and his exhibitions (such as the piece below, which covers his 2001 Seattle poster exhibition)…
As Durandy notes about the event, “It was a beautiful premiere that turned all attending adults back into giggling, wistful teenagers by night’s end.” And therein lies the magic of Beautiful Colors…
A special thank you to Andrew Golub for inspiring today’s post!
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