Durandy

A wonnnderful Den this morning with brand new faces!

One of the best ways to spend a cold, overcast day: while raindrops patter a ceaseless rhythm against the window, I remain comfortable and cozy, immersed in archival work, warmed by the Duranie fire that burns within me. And a small space heater.

I hope the Den on November 7th can be filled with happy electric faces sharing their concert stories! So much to discuss with the passion between us…Make room to Zoom next weekend!

On the first plane, bound for London - but not for the reason we’d prefer. We’re missing tonight’s spectacle, but we’ve had the best show we could ask for over the past two weeks. Destined for home, but taking so much of London, Brum, Edinburgh, and Milan with us.

It was a perfect finish to a most magnificent visit in Milan.

Arianna also brought some DD treasures for me… always a great accompaniment to a meal! Just by pure chance, we ended up seated beneath an array of framed images on the wall - including a promo ad for ‘A View to a Kill’. Ahhh, that ol’ reliable Universe having some fun…

Tonight was our last social event, venturing out to a beautiful restaurant, Bistrot Stendhal City Life, to meet my dear friend Arianna Silvestri and her sister, Gabriella. The two were just priceless as Arianna played interpreter and conversation flowed like fine Italian wine.

We finally got our gelato on!

A few more shots around Milan, including the fashion district! Tremendous style, history, and flavor around every corner.

I met so many terrific fans, each keeping my heart busy in a cycle of swelling and melting. Beautiful, distinctive, utterly wonderful Italian women keeping the flames of DD devotion burning bright.

And what a show! Years rolled back, limbs grew sore, voices were destroyed as a room of passionate Duranies danced, sang, and connected!

As evening descended on the city, a whole new frontier of festivity beckoned! Susanna spent some time showing us some amazing sights, then accompanied us to a venue where the tribute band Blue Silver would be performing.

The gathering was special, perfectly sized, and throughly memorable on many levels.

Then I finally met Leonardo Zardi, the sweetest big-hearted gentle giant I could ever imagine! He picked up his book, joined me in a gleeful memorabilia exchange, and made an indelible imprint on our Milan experience.

I met Stefano Scarlata - an extraordinary longtime friend who elevates the art of music in the DD tribute band, Duran Duranies! Total rock star. Soooo good to wrap him up in an overdue hug!

First, a gathering at Milan’s Hard Rock Cafe that felt much bigger than the amount of people might suggest. Susanna Graupner was there - a fantastically constant presence, Christian D’Antonio made his wonderful return, and two new first-time meetings…

Yesterday brought another full menu of meaningful moments, each one unfolding with heart-melting delight. The kind that only comes from Duran-ing with your tribe in a foreign country.

Then she gave me two posters, sending my heart spinning out into the stratosphere. The tender connection didn’t need language to communicate.

A closer look at my memorable meeting with Giuspy Taylor! She made this unique tapestry with buttons showing Italian Duranies, several of whom I recognized!

Yeahhh, I tried to resist… but there was this unsuspecting pole with an inviting little spot…. kinda looked like the perfect space for a sticker.