Duran Duran Feared 30-Year Career Was Over

Duran Duran have told Sky News they feared their 30-year career was over after Simon Le Bon was hit with a serious throat condition during their tour last year.

The band, formed in 1978, were forced to cancel a series of dates when lead singer Le Bon became unwell mid-way through one of their concerts.

Drummer Roger Taylor told Sky News: "It was one of those moments when you think: 'Is this it? Is it all over after thirty years?'.

"It was a pretty scary moment for the band because he's the one guy you can't replace."

Simon Le Bon said it was a "very challenging time for everyone".

He explained: "We started the tour in February 2011 and about three months in I lost my voice in the middle of a show and didn't get it back again for another three months.

"I had a bleed on my vocal folds, a haemorrhage. It required a lot of rest and a holiday with the family."

The band restarted their tour following Le Bon's recovery and have now released a concert film, entitled A Diamond In The Mind, of the Manchester gig they performed in December.

Known for a string of hit songs such as Hungry Like The Wolf, Ordinary World and Rio,the group have tipped two current bands to follow in their footsteps and remain successful for years to come.

Taylor told Sky News: "Coldplay are showing they can stand the test of time - and they have made it in America."

Le Bon revealed: "I have a lot of respect for the Arctic Monkeys, They write great songs they have a fantastic rhythm section which is the heart of any band."

Duran Duran will be playing at the Olympics concert in Hyde Park to mark the start of London 2012 on July 27.

:: A Diamond In The Mind is available now on Blu-ray and DVD.