Duran Duran vs Spandau Ballet

Duran Duran vs Spandau Ballet is peak '80s New Romantic rivalry - two of the most stylish, successful bands from that era, battling for supremacy on the charts and in the style stakes.

The New Romantic Scene

Both bands emerged from the UK's New Romantic movement in the early '80s - all about fashion, synthesizers, and a more glamorous, art-school approach to pop music. They were part of the same London club scene initially (the Blitz Club and all that), wearing makeup and frilly shirts, rejecting punk's nihilism for something more decadent.

The Competition

The rivalry was intense because they were so closely matched:
- Both had huge hits around the same time (1981-1984 especially)
- Both made expensive, exotic music videos that defined MTV's early era
- Both were incredibly photogenic and fashion-forward
- Both appealed to screaming teenage fans

Spandau Ballet had "True," "Gold," and "Through the Barricades" - sophisticated, romantic pop. Duran Duran had "Hungry Like the Wolf," "Rio," "The Reflex" - more urgent, slightly edgier pop-rock with funk influences.

Different Trajectories

Duran Duran ultimately became the bigger global phenomenon, especially in America. Their videos were more cinematic and adventurous (yachts in the Caribbean, shooting in Sri Lanka). They had that dangerous glamour - Simon Le Bon's vocals, John Taylor's bass, the whole package.

Spandau Ballet was massive in the UK and Europe but never quite cracked America the same way. They were perhaps a bit more earnest, a bit more "nice guys" compared to Duran's rock-star swagger.

The Rivalry Vibe

From what I recall, there wasn't vicious personal animosity like some other rivalries - it was more competitive jockeying for position. Both bands wanted to be the New Romantic band that mattered. Magazine covers, chart positions, who got the better festival slots - all of it was scrutinized.

There was definitely some sniffiness between camps. Duran Duran fans thought Spandau was too soft, too safe. Spandau fans thought Duran was all style over substance (ironic, given both were quite style-focused).

Legacy

Duran Duran has had more staying power - they're still touring, still culturally relevant, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Spandau Ballet had their reunion tours but internal legal battles (the band sued their songwriter Gary Kemp over royalties) damaged their legacy somewhat.

Both bands represent that brief, glorious moment when British pop was the most stylish thing in the world.

6.2bn all-time streams (3 Nov '25)

2.0bn all-time streams (31 Oct '25)