Life begins at 40 for Durans

Nile plus of disco don and dance producer

among others. Speaking about the new album, told me: “Mark ( Ronson) has worked on a duet between me and

Having Giorgio Moroder on our record is very special and then we have an incredible producer Erol Alkan.

“It’s groovy, obviously, with Erol’s dance- floor background but it’s quite naked and raw too.”

It was Alkan who introduced Duran Duran – also comprising

– to and now of great created a unique record. Simon on: “Graham has been doing guitars with us and it’s really great.

“We love working with interesting guitarists and Graham is completely open and went unencumbered by any ideas before he hears the music.

“We all got in the studio and started jamming. It really is the music that leads us.” Duran are celebrating their 40th anniversary and were due to headline the event this year until Covid halted their plans.

Now Simon can’t wait to play the band’s first London gig in six years next summer: “It’s the biggest show we’ve done in London as headliners, but this isn’t just our own show – it’s Chic and much more too. We get to play to their fans, and maybe turn a few people on to Duran Duran.”

And fans can expect a few collaborations on stage, starting with Nile, who has a long history producing the band from Wild Boys and beyond: “He’s a friend for life and I love him dearly, there’s a very good chance he will join us on stage for Pressure Off and Notorious.

“The success Nile has had in recent years is extraordinary and I don’t know another artist in the world who deserves it as much as Nile. I can’t think of many artists who have moved music along in a way he has. The life the guy has led is extraordinary.”

Perhaps they can also coax Grace Jones on to the stage to sing Election Day too.

Tickets for the gig will go on sale on Friday.