by Mark Nobes, chief editor
This video was filmed at the MEN Arena in Manchester on 16 Dec. 2011. You can watch the original video further down the page and also in the playlist on the main Duran Duran page.
Planet Earth was
Duran Duran's debut single that was taken from their self-titled album.
It was released on 2 February 1981 and peaked at No.12 on the UK
singles chart, but did better in Australia where it reached No.8.
Planet Earth Vinyl with sleeve (Front)
The B-side on both the 7" and 12" singles features the track "Late Bar" (2:54). The 12" features the Night Version of Planet Earth on the A-side, and also includes the single version on the B-side. The B-side on North American releases is "To The Shore". The Night Version featured on some earlier releases of the Duran Duran album in the U.S.
The video was directed by Russel Mulchany (he directed a dozen of the band's videos) and features the band in all their New Romantic glory - keyboardist Nick Rhodes is wearing what appears to be the frillliest shirt on planet Earth! Indeed, this was one of the first videos of the 1980's to fully acknowledge the New Romantic style playing against an icy backdrop, and their stage is on the top of a giant ice shard. It's all fake, obviusly, but it looks impressive enough for this stage in the 1980s. The boys are embracing the new romantic fashion style, and There are also special effects fearuting the four elements.
The band can be seen playing against an icy backdrop, and their stage is on the top of a giant ice shard. It's all fake, obviusly, but it looks impressive enough for this stage in the 1980s. There are also special effects fearuting the four elements.
Three other singles were also released from the Duran Duran album; Careless Memories, Girls On Film and My Own Way.
At this stage of the early eighties, music video production was still in its infancy. Although the Planet Earth video looks a bit dated compared to later Duran Duran videos, these were exciting times for producers and directors who, no doubt, had great fun experimenting with special effects and twiddling their knobs.
Three other singles were also released from the Duran Duran album; Careless Memories, Girls On Film and My Own Way.
Simplyeighties.com