Photo by Stephanie Pistel

Duran Duran have unveiled the official music video for their new single Black Moonlight. 

The creation of GRAMMY-winning director Jonas Åkerlund(Madonna, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga), who the band last worked with on their Girl Panic promo, the visuals for Black Moonlight follow Duran Duran through a performative séance – a haunting play on the history of clairvoyance and mysticism, inspired by the Danse Macabre album artwork, which itself features images adapted from a collection of vintage séance photos personally sourced by keyboardist Nick Rhodes at auction. The video was produced by Black Dog Films.

Black Moonlight also sees Duran Duran reunited with long-time friend and collaborator Nile Rodgers on guitar and production, as well as ex-band member Andy Taylor adding guitar parts.

Speaking about Black Moonlight, Nick Rhodes said: “Shooting Black Moonlight was the most fun we have all had on a video set in many years. I have always felt the best music videos are all about the ideas – having a seance in a haunted house was a perfect fit for this song.

“The director, Jonas Åkerlund, truly understands style, attitude, and atmosphere. He seized the moment and created an extraordinarily unique short film with us for the song Black Moonlight. I think a lot of people will be surprised and, I hope, just a little unsettled by the results…”

Speaking about the creation of the video, Jonas Åkerlund said: “Working with Duran Duran is an endless inspiration. It’s a rare gift to work with artists who have such a peerless style and collaborative approach, their videos were one of the main reasons I wanted to make music videos in the first place. I’m so proud to be part of their incredible catalogue of work. 

“From the moment I heard Black Moonlight and saw the album artwork I knew exactly what we needed to do. We all shared an interest in the occult and gothic aesthetics, so we dove into the dark side, together.”

Danse Macabre is available now via Tape Modern for BMG on Black 2LP and CD, with a limited-edition smog 2LP available through HMV and indie stores. The band’s official artist store features exclusive merchandise bundles, a limited Translucent Galaxy 2LP and cassette. Listen here.