Arena is a live album by the English pop rock band Duran Duran, released on 12 November 1984 through Parlophone. In 2004, the album was reissued on CD in remastered form with two bonus tracks.
Arena was Duran Duran's first live album, released at the peak of their commercial success in late 1984. It included one new song, the studio recorded "The Wild Boys", which as a single was a worldwide hit, reaching no. 2 in both the UK and the US.
Arena was released together with a number of corresponding releases, including the conceptual concert film Arena (An Absurd Notion), a documentary tour book and a board game. An edited version of the film with just the live performances, As the Lights Go Down, was also released. Arena marked the last album release featuring the complete original five-piece line-up of the band until the 2004 album Astronaut.
Critical reception
Upon its release, Smash Hits reviewer Dave Rimmer criticised the album for its lack of "any kind of live feeling", but still gave it a 7 out 10 rating for its "competent" content.
Track listing
Personnel Credits adapted from the liner notes of Arena.
Duran Duran Simon Le Bon - lead vocals, ocarina on "The Chauffeur" Nick Rhodes - keyboards, synthesizers, sound effects, backing vocals Andy Taylor - guitars, backing vocals Roger Taylor - drums, percussion John Taylor - bass guitar, backing vocals
Additional musicians Andy Hamilton Raphael DeJesus B.J. Nelson Charmaine Burch
Technical George Tukto – engineering Jason Corsaro – engineering ; mixing Duran Duran – production Nile Rodgers – production
Artwork Assorted Images – sleeve production Mike Owen – outer photography
Charts
Weekly charts + Weekly chart performance for Arena Chart (1984–1985) Peakposition Australian Albums (Kent Music Report) 8 European Albums (Music & Media) 1 Finnish Albums (Suomen virallinen lista) 8 Italian Albums (Musica e dischi) Select "Album" in the "Tipo" field, type "Duran Duran" in the "Artista" field and press "cerca". 1
Year-end charts + 1984 year-end chart performance for Arena Chart (1984) Position Canada Top Albums/CDs (RPM) 75 Dutch Albums (Album Top 100) 63 UK Albums (Gallup) 31
+ 1985 year-end chart performance for Arena Chart (1985) Position Canada Top Albums/CDs (RPM) 72 Dutch Albums (Album Top 100) 33 German Albums (Offizielle Top 100) 25 New Zealand Albums (RMNZ) 32 UK Albums (Gallup) 73 US Billboard 200 61
Certifications and sales
References
External links