<P> Freed from some internal writing conflicts, the band returned to the studio to rewrite and re-record many of the songs on Medazzaland . (Taylor's work remains on only four tracks .) This album marked a return to the layered experimentation of Big Thing, with intricate guitar textures and processed vocals . The track "Out of My Mind" was used as the theme song for the movie The Saint, but the only true single to be released in the United States was the quirky "Electric Barbarella", which was the first single ever to be sold online . The video for this single, featuring a sexy robot purchased and played with by band members, had to be censored before airing on MTV, but there was little of the controversy that had surrounded "Girls on Film". "Barbarella" peaked at No. 52 in the US in October 1997 . Although Medazzaland was released in the US in October 1997, the album was never released in the UK . "Barbarella" was later released in the UK as a single from the 1998 Greatest compilation album and peaked at No. 23 on the UK chart in January 1999 . The group played a set at the Princess Diana Tribute Concert on 27 June 1998 by special request of her family . </P> <P> Duran Duran parted ways with Capitol / EMI in 1999, although the label has since used Duran Duran's back catalogue to release several compilations of remixes and rare vinyl - only B - sides . The band then signed what was intended to be a three - album contract with Disney's Hollywood Records, but it lasted only through the poorly received 2000 album Pop Trash . This slow - paced and heavy album seemed out - of - keeping with earlier band material . Rhodes' intricate production and Cuccurullo's songwriting and experimentation with guitar sounds and time signatures were not enough to hook the public, and the album did not perform well . The dreamy single "Someone Else Not Me" lasted barely two weeks on the radio, although its video was noted as the first to be produced entirely with Flash animation . While supporting Medazzaland and Pop Trash, Duran Duran toured with bassist Wes Wehmiller and drummer Joe Travers . </P> <P> In 2000, Le Bon approached John Taylor with a proposal to reform Duran Duran's classic line - up . They agreed to part company with Cuccurullo after completing the Pop Trash tour . Cuccurullo then announced on his website that he was leaving Duran Duran to resume work with his 1980s band Missing Persons . This announcement was confirmed the next day by Duran Duran's website, followed a day later by the news that John, Roger, and Andy Taylor had rejoined . To fulfill contractual obligations, Cuccurullo played three Duran Duran concerts in Japan in June 2001, ending his tenure in the band . </P> <P> Throughout 2001, 2002 and 2003, the band worked on writing new material, initially renting a house in St. Tropez where sound engineer Mark Tinley built a recording studio for their first serious writing session . They then returned to London to do some self - financed work with various producers (including old friend Nile Rodgers) and search for a new record deal . It proved difficult to find a record label willing to gamble on the band's comeback, so Duran Duran went on tour to prove the drawing power of the reunited band . The response of the fans and the media exceeded expectations . The band played a handful of 25th - anniversary dates across 2003, starting with two arena dates in Tokyo filled to capacity . Tickets sold out for each show within minutes, and celebrities turned out en masse for reunion dates . Amongst these were a number of shows at smaller venues that the band had played on both sides of the pond when they first got together in the early 80s . In August, the band were booked as presenters at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards, only to be surprised with a Lifetime Achievement Award . They also received a Lifetime Achievement award from Q magazine in October, and the equivalent Outstanding Contribution award at the BRIT Awards in February 2004 . </P>

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