Danse Macabre

Danse Macabre is the sixteenth studio album by the British band Duran Duran. It was released on 27 October 2023 through BMG and Tape Modern. A Halloween-themed album, the record includes three new tracks, covers and reimagined versions of older Duran Duran material. The band's former guitarists Andy Taylor and Warren Cuccurullo appear on the album. It marks their first appearances on a Duran Duran LP since 2004's Astronaut and 2000's Pop Trash, respectively. Nile Rodgers and Victoria De Angelis of Måneskin also feature as guest artists.
Background and composition
On 20 March 2023, Duran Duran confirmed that they had an album slated for release later that year that would feature former guitarist Andy Taylor on a few select tracks. Inspiration for the concept album came from a Halloween show the band played in Las Vegas on 31 October 2022. As a result, singer Simon Le Bon stated that the record is "about a crazy Halloween party" and "supposed to be fun". Keyboardist Nick Rhodes revealed that the project "metamorphosed through a pure, organic process" and was made faster than anything they had done ever since their debut album. He also explained that the result is something they could not predict, citing the band's core elements—"emotion, mood, style and attitude"—as the essence of the album. It was summarised as "the soundtrack to their ultimate Halloween party". Founding member and bass player John Taylor added that the album "offers an interesting insight into the personality of the band" with music that "packs a real punch".
While Danse Macabre had already been available for preorder in mid-August 2023, it was not officially announced until 30 August. The lead single of the same name was released the same day. According to Rhodes the song was intended to celebrate "the joy and madness of Halloween". Produced by the band, Josh Blair and Mr Hudson, the set of songs will also include covers of Billie Eilish, the Rolling Stones, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Rick James and Talking Heads.