I've been aware of Duran Duran since 1980, when New Musical Express wrote a very positive article about the band, and one of their live concerts. They had no records out yet, but the accompanying photograph and descriptive words regarding their performance got my notice. When Melody Maker and Sounds posted favorable news stories about Duran Duran, I knew they were someone I had to hear for myself. In 1981, their first record appeared; the 7" single for Planet Earth, with Late Bar on the B side. I bought it as fast as I could find it. Not so simple: I was living in Van Nuys, located in Los Angeles and Planet Earth was only available as a UK import record. Which meant, seeking it out in L.A.'s better record stores that carried European, Australian, Canadian and Japanese import LP's, 12" singles, 10" singles and 45 RPM singles. Planet Earth/Late Bar was the first time I heard them, played on my living room stereo system. I was hooked. Later, when Careless Memories come out on UK 12" vinyl and later, Girls On Film on UK 12" vinyl, I bought them but even then, L.A. radio stations still weren't playing Duran Duran. I just couldn't understand why this amazing band received no airplay on L.A.'s stations. Finally, in October 1981, their debut album was released in the UK. Of course I paid for the import. I wasn't going to wait for a US release. Later in October, I saw them play at The Roxy, on Sunset Boulevard. It was their second concert in the USA that year; their first was days earlier, at The Palladium in New York City. In 1981, they performed in no other US venues. I still own that ticket from The Roxy. I've followed this band through every passing decade, watching them evolve, explore and often, defy convention. I have Japan issues of their albums on CD, with exclusive bonus tracks. And, when others forgot this illustrious band, I continued buying their albums in the late 1990's and into the 21st Century: Medazzaland, Pop Trash, Astronaut, Red Carpet Massacre, All You Need Is Now, Paper Gods. In every instance, I bought the most deluxe versions available. It's been a long wait. Too long, honestly. I've anticipated the next new music from Duran Duran for a long time. Now at last, it's here. Future Past is a most appropriate title. I can assure you, I'm not disappointed at all. I'm 67 years old now, looking back on the Past with nostalgia, looking forward to the Future, and where the music will take me. Duran Duran will always accompany me on my journey. It was meant to be this way.