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Duran Duran have released their new single Free To Love featuring longtime collaborator Nile Rodgers.
Launched on the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show this morning (Thursday 23 April), it is an uplifting, high-energy track built around a euphoric groove. Free To Love delivers an explosive strain of cyber-funk fun, immediate and built for the dancefloor, while carrying a message of positivity, openness and love in the face of a very divided world.
The “Wild Boys” are back on the dancefloor! British legends Duran Duran have just unveiled their first new music of 2026, a high-energy disco anthem titled “Free To Love” featuring their long-time collaborator, the legendary Nile Rodgers.
Released on 23 April 2026, the single is a standalone “cyber-funk” track originally recorded during the Danse Macabre sessions but held back for a brighter, summer-ready release.
A Message of Positivity
The song arrived with a “Jonas Åkerlund-directed” music video and carries a timely message. Frontman Simon Le Bon described it as “disco for the 2020s,” an upbeat call for freedom and positivity in a divided world. Keyboardist Nick Rhodes added that the track is their “anthem for freedom,” stressing that love and freedom are the most valuable currencies we have.
Why This Collaboration Matters
- The Nile Rodgers Touch: This marks another chapter in a partnership that began over 40 years ago with the #1 remix of “The Reflex”.
- A “Cyber-Funk” Sound: Critics have noted the track blends their classic 80s groove with modern synth-pop, featuring Rodgers’ unmistakable rhythmic guitar work.
- Live Debut: The band recently showcased the track with a vibrant performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! alongside Rodgers himself.
What’s Next for Duran Duran?
The single drops just as the band kicks off a massive 2026 tour. Key highlights include:
- BST Hyde Park: A major headline slot in London on 5 July 2026, supported by the Scissor Sisters.
- Las Vegas Residency: A prestigious multi-night run at the Fontainebleau.
- Vinyl Reissues: Fans can also look forward to new vinyl editions of The Wedding Album and Thank You later this year.