Burning The Ground Exclusive
NEW 2025 Transfer!
NEW Meticulous Audio Restoration!
Original post date: December 22, 2016
In late 1984, Duran Duran unleashed “The Wild Boys,” a pounding, futuristic anthem that marked a darker turn for the band and became one of their most iconic singles of the era. The track was conceived as part of a proposed film project based on the William S. Burroughs novel The Wild Boys: A Book of the Dead, with the idea pushed by director Russell Mulcahy (who had helmed many of the band’s most lavish videos). While the film never came to fruition, the song and its accompanying video pushed boundaries—and budgets—at the time.
Produced by the legendary Nile Rodgers, “Wild Boys” was the only studio track on the band’s live album Arena and perfectly fused the band’s pop sensibility with Rodgers’ cutting-edge production and dancefloor sensibilities. The result was a sonic assault of heavy synths, aggressive guitar stabs, tribal drums, and Simon Le Bon’s defiant vocal delivery.
The Extended Mix takes the drama up several notches, building the tension with a long, cinematic intro that recalls the dystopian atmosphere of the video. The breakdowns and effects-laden passages give the song more room to breathe and further highlight Rodgers’ intricate production.
Chart-wise, “Wild Boys” was a smash. It reached #2 in both the US and UK, blocked from the top in the US by Hall & Oates’ “Out of Touch.” It also gave Duran Duran their first #1 in Germany and South Africa, proving the band’s international staying power as they transitioned from New Romantic heartthrobs into global pop powerhouses.
Fun fact: Simon Le Bon nearly drowned during the filming of the video, which featured the band tied to a windmill and submerged in a water tank. It’s a miracle the band made it out intact—both literally and figuratively.
The B-side, “(I’m Looking For) Cracks In The Pavement (Live),” was recorded during the band’s 5 March 1984 show at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto. This is the same concert where the video for “The Reflex” was filmed—capturing the band at the height of their early-’80s hysteria with screaming fans and high-voltage energy. The live track offers a grittier, rawer take on the Seven and the Ragged Tiger album cut, giving fans a peek into the band’s powerful live presence during their Sing Blue Silver tour.
“Wild Boys” remains a touchstone of mid-80s maximalism: all attitude, danger, and style. It’s the sound of a band pushing their limits—and taking us along for the ride.
SIDE A:
The Wild Boys (Wilder Than Wild Boys) (Extended Mix) 8:00
Producer – Nile Rodgers
SIDE B:
The Wild Boys (45) 4:18
Producer – Nile Rodgers
(I’m Looking For) Cracks In The Pavement (1984) 4:10
Engineer [Live Recording] – George Tutko
Engineer, Mixed By – Jason Corsaro
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
OBI Strip: Near Mint
Insert: Near Mint
U.S. CHART HISTORY:
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | The Wild Boys | U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | #2 |
| 1984 | The Wild Boys | U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music / Club Play | #27 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: EMI – S14-102
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Maxi-Single
Country: Japan
Released: Nov 21, 1984
Genre: Electronic, Pop
Style: Synth-pop
CREDITS:
- Engineer – Jason Corsaro
- Photography By [Front] – Francesco Scavullo
- Producer, Arranged By, Written-By – Duran Duran
- Sleeve [Sleeve Producer] – Assorted Images
NOTES:
From the LP “ARENA”
Track B2 was recorded live on tour 1984.
Mastered at Masterdisk.
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
burningtheground.net
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon 2M Black PnP MkII
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
DAC: Alpha Design Labs GT40a USB DAC
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 25 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!
Password: burningtheground
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Thanks Paul – always love when you treat us to Japanese releases, I love seeing how they tinkered (or just added an obi strip and insert in this case) with iconic sleeves we know so well.
I always wished they’d done an extension of “A View To A Kill”. Imagine my surprise to find one on YouTube, done in recent times, that has a cinematiic, Bond-esque slow open that finally kicks in and blows you away. I’ve wondered if this version is “a recording of indeterminate origin”, an unreleased studio take, or a fan-made masterpiece done with today’s software. Whatever the case, it should have been officially released, though songs from films usually involve complex publishing deals and restrictions which likely prevented a club mix.
I’m always amped up when you post something from Duran Duran. They have a vast back catalogue of 12” singles, which is definitely reflected on this site over the years.
Thanks Paul.
You’re welcome, Mark 🙂
Your description perfectly encompasses the context of this hit single and video – accurately described as a cultural touchstone of the mid-80’s in all its glory. The hysteria surrounding the Fab Five’s rise to unprecedented heights thanks to cutting edge music, professional videos… And of course it didn’t hurt that the boys were easy on the cameras 🙂 Simon Le Bon described the concerts as a sea of screaming fans. Wow. Of course, Simon’s near accident on set made headlines, and a year later he escaped a similar fate while racing his yacht. Thank you for restoring this powerhouse single… Read more »
Thanks so much, Retro Hound! I appreciate your thoughtful comment. You nailed it — the Fab Five were a perfect storm of style, sound, and spectacle. Their visuals were just as iconic as their music, and it’s wild to think how those moments, like Simon’s near-miss on set (and later at sea! In his yacht DRUM during the around-the-world yacht race), only added to the legend. I’m with you on the B-side too — there’s something raw and more atmospheric about it that hits differently. I am so glad you enjoyed the post and the restoration!
Cool post Paul, I had this on 12″.
Always loved the tracks on this single and the impressive cover design (Nick Knight, Assorted Images).
I keep hearing rumours of their album Reportage (scrapped by a record company at the time) making a comeback sometime in 2025 or next year, might be included in a anthology boxset, and not as a stand alone…..Great because Andy Taylor is on it!
Thanks so much! Totally agree — the design work by Nick Knight and Assorted Images gave it that sharp, avant-garde edge that really set the tone. Such a killer 12″ all around. And yes, those Reportage rumors keep surfacing! Fingers crossed we finally get to hear it officially. The idea of it being part of an anthology box set makes sense, and having Andy Taylor involved again just adds to the excitement. That era had so much creative energy — it deserves to be heard!
This era of music was unparalleled. Infectious, dramatic, and visual. The age of the “mini-movie” spearheaded by the likes of MJ & DD can never be replicated. Music post-80’s never again had such a furtile ground of new and experimental things happening. The best newer music digs into these archives for inspiration. Love this song, remember all the drama around the video being made, love Arena, love everything Duran. Actually I believe I still have Arena on CD, LP, VHS… & Laserdisc!!!! ❤️❤️❤️ thx for another awesome post!
Yes! You said it perfectly — this era was lightning in a bottle. The sheer creativity and boldness of the music and visuals were off the charts. Those “mini-movie” videos really were a revolution, and no one did it quite like MJ and DD. Totally agree that post-80s music hasn’t had quite the same daring spirit — though the best of today definitely borrows from that golden age. And wow, Arena on CD, LP, VHS and Laserdisc? That’s dedication and true fandom right there — I love it! ❤️ Thanks so much for the kind words and for sharing the… Read more »
couldn’t help but notice my dearly departed friend, Jason Corsaro, in the engineer credit!!
There was nobody like him behind the engineer’s desk; he worked on so many iconic gems.
“Wild Boys” is still one of my favorite songs. In many ways Jason was critical to the band’s success. He left us way too young.
thanks, means a lot to know he was recognized for his talent by other people
Duran Duran is just so phenomenal! And this song in particular is a standout!! Basing the song around a very trippy and homoerotic novel by William S Burroughs was inspired! Having Nile Rogers producing was genius!! I love that video, too!! Thank you, Paul!!
Jeff
Jeff! Duran Duran were never afraid to push boundaries — musically, visually, and conceptually. Drawing from William S. Burroughs for inspiration was such a bold move, and Nile Rodgers brought that extra layer of funk and polish that elevated it even further. The video is like a fever dream in the best way — surreal, stylish, and unforgettable. So glad you enjoyed the post, and thank you for the awesome comment!
btw, which video did you prefer?
The Films Version is my favorite. I loved how they “sampled” the film, “Barbarella” in the video with clips/audio! Plus, awesome extras of sonic cacophony mixed in. I’d love it if it were ironed out to make a club mix banger with these extra sonic seasonings!! This video was a hot spectacle!! Duran Duran look handsome, fierce, and fabulous here. I wonder what Mr. Burroughs thought of the whole endeavor. An orgasmic and “eye-gasmic” delight would be my guess!!
Jeff