Duran Duran unveil their first new music of 2026 with ‘Free To Love’, the brand new single featuring longtime collaborator Nile Rodgers
Tuesday 12th May 2026
Release date: Out now Label: Tape Modern
Global music icons Duran Duran today unveil their first new music of 2026 with ‘Free To Love’, the brand new single featuring longtime collaborator Nile Rodgers. The song, which is accompanied by a Jonas Åkerlund-directed music video starring Clara Amfo – made in association with Italian luxury perfumer Xerjoff - follows the huge news that the band will headline London’s BST Hyde Park for the second time on 5th July 2026, supported by special guests Scissor Sisters. ‘Free To Love’ launched on the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show this morning and is available everywhere now - listen and watch the new music video here.
An uplifting, high-energy track built around a euphoric groove, ‘Free To Love’ features and was co-written by the legendary Nile Rodgers. The new single delivers an explosive strain of cyber-funk - fun, immediate and built for the dancefloor, while carrying a message of positivity, openness and love in the face of a very divided world.
Introducing ‘Free To Love’, Simon Le Bon said: "Free To Love is disco for the 2020s. It's up-beat and up-tempo; it's about freedom; it's about loving the modern world instead of hating it, and that is something we need right now. Be free! Be free to love!”
Nick Rhodes adds: "Every time we plug in and play with Nile, the electricity he generates could light up a whole city. We share a common belief that music is a force for good and something that brings positive energy into the world. 'Free To Love' is our call to all the people out there who want peace, hope and understanding to prevail. An anthem for freedom, which is the most valuable currency we have, and something that should be truly and freely available for everyone, everywhere. 'Free To Love' has a simple message, there is nothing more important than freedom and love. We certainly need a lot more of both in the world right now.
‘Free To Love’ is the latest in a long line of Duran Duran x Nile Rodgers collaborations that first began with a remix of the iconic #1 smash single, ‘The Reflex’ more than four decades ago.
Speaking about their latest work, Nile Rodgers said: “True love is free and unconditional. My love for Duran Duran and what our music together has always been about, is the love we share for our song's deepest meanings. Whatever chaos is going on outside, inside the studio we're free to love our peace.”
The high energy music video for ‘Free To Love’ is directed by the legendary Jonas Åkerlund (Madonna, Beyoncé, Metallica, Lady Gaga), with fashion direction and costume design by Bea Åkerlund, and stars British radio broadcaster, TV presenter, and podcast host Clara Amfo introducing Duran Duran and Nile Rodgers before a spectacular Top of The Pops-style performance.
Posted by Craig Jones