At the Lytham Festival, Duran Duran delight sold-out crowds

Those sun-kissed beaches of early Eighties videos were far removed from today's leaden skies, drenching showers, and windy coast. At the much-anticipated Lytham Festival, Duran Duran's appearance was a communal experience of sheer joy - and not just for the 20,000 fans dancing in their plastic ponchos but also for the band themselves, who seemed surprised by the warm reception.

"I think John is in love with you," Simon le Bon told the fans after Save a Prayer and Rio performed for the encore, and as bassist John Taylor struggled to leave the stage. Considering the high energy and musicianship on display throughout the 19-song set, one would never guess Duran Duran has been around for 40 years. While they are not a heritage act, they are still an effective, genuinely inspiring, and still relevant band. Invisible and All of You followed immediately after a dramatic Wild Boys that opened the show, songs from their most recent album, Future Past.

For me, the punky Friends of Mine from their debut album was one of the highlights of the set. There were some new songs, and then there were classics, like A View to a Kill and Girls on Film. A giant video screen displayed the Ukrainian flag in yellow and blue as a backdrop to Ordinary World's action in honor of the people of Ukraine. The 19-song set was full of energy and musicianship, making it hard to believe Duran Duran has been around for more than 40 years. Their legacy, however, has not changed and they remain a fully-functioning, genuinely inspiring, and still relevant band.

During the concert, songs from the band's most recent album, Future Past, were featured, with Invisible and All of You following immediately after Wild Boys. In my opinion, the band's set was well thought out, ning the band's career. I particularly enjoyed the punk-inspired Friends of Mine on their debut album. There were some newer songs and then we heard the classics; everything from A View to A Kill to Girls on Film. On the giant video screens behind the action on stage, the yellow and blue Ukraine flag served as a backdrop for Ordinary World.