Duran Duran's 'Rio' cover model finally identified

The model for the cover of Duran Duran's “Rio” has finally been identified.

The iconic artwork was originally painted by American artist and illustrator Patrick Nagel, then designed by Malcolm Garrett to resemble a classic cigar wrapper from the 1950s. However, although it has become one of the most memorable album covers of all time, the subject has remained a mystery – until now.

An Instagram account called @nagel_angel spent “countless hours” searching for the original reference photo Nagel used. They have now identified model Marcie Hunt (now known as Marcie Dinkel) as the subject of the famous portrait.

Although Nagel died two years after creating the illustration, his assistant Barry Hahn reportedly confirmed that Hunt was the original inspiration.

Duran Duran itself took to social media to repost @nagel_angel's discovery, which Hunt herself commented on below. “It's so cool! I had absolutely no idea until now that this photo of me was being used for the Rio cover,” she wrote. “Very exciting! I love Duran Duran and often danced to their music in the 80s…and later at my wedding.

Take a look at the two photos below:

NME caught up with Duran Duran last year, where they spoke about their anticipation of playing the Glastonbury Festival. Surprisingly, the band never played the massive Worthy Farm festival, which will return this year from June 26-30.

Talk to NMEfrontman Simon Le Bon said: “I'd love to (do it) – we just need to get the slot right, that's all.

“We've had the chance to do it before, but it wasn't on the main stage and I think we'd love to do it, for sure. I'm sure we're in negotiations (with Glastonbury), and if not, we will be. »

However, they are expected to headline Latitude Festival this year, alongside Cruel World Festival in California alongside Blondie and Interpol.

They are also set to feature at the Montreux Jazz Festival alongside many other names including Kraftwerk, The National, Raye, The Smashing Pumpkins, Alice Cooper, PJ Harvey, Justice, Jessie Ware, Massive Attack, Air, Lenny Kravitz, Sting. , Janelle Monáe, Michael Kiwanuka, Paolo Nutini, Soft Cell and more.

Separately, Duran Duran removed a photo with a Tesla Cybertruck after backlash online.