Duran Duran – ‘Rio’

The eighties were an exciting and varied time musically and were notable for the rise of synthesisers and drum machines. Although the decade is often associated with flamboyant haircuts, New Romantic attire and lots of makeup, many great bassists were also able to make an impression during this time. Among them were session legends Pino Palladino and Deon Estus, Level 42 frontman Mark King, and Duran Duran’s John Taylor.

‘Rio’ is an up-tempo pop song with an insistent, driving bassline that is one of bassist John Taylor’s finest recorded lines. The song was the fourth and final single taken from the band’s 1982 album of the same name. It was originally released in the UK in November 1982 and was a Top 10 hit in the singles charts, reaching number 9. It was released worldwide in March 1983 and became a global hit after American audiences had picked up on another single release, ‘Hungry Like the Wolf’.

To download the transcription (with TAB and without), please visit the Free Stuff page.