As an opening band for Fast Times: The Ultimate 80’s Concert Experience, Rio: A Tribute to Duran Duran took musical theatre to the next level of excellence.
By John Lavitt
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 05-26-2023
Jason “Jake” Jacobs, who takes on the role of becoming Duran Duran’s lead singer Simon Le Bon with aplomb, understands and celebrates the pedigree of the Whisky a Go Go. As one of the most iconic clubs on the legendary Sunset Strip, the Whisky is the transcendent stuff of the American dream, infused with sex, drugs, and rock ‘n roll. From The Doors and Janis Joplin to Mötley Crüe and Guns N Roses, many of the most extraordinary music acts of the past sixty years have rocked out on this stage, night in and night out.
Given a break reluctantly provided by the lengthy quarantines of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Whiskay is a revitalized beauty. Indeed, the old grungy look of the club has been replaced by a Feng Shui masterpiece that flows like a river while still celebrating the majestic oaks of the past looming on the walls. While continuing to revere its illustrious past, the Whisky a Go Go has made the leap into the 21st Century. Thank God for such a revitalization! After all, the history is undeniable: Dustin Hoffman and Katherine Ross share their first kiss outside the club in The Graduate, Oliver Stone uses the dark interior to build Val Kilmer into Jim Morrison in The Doors, and Entourage features the marquee in its opening credits.
Today, every Monday night, Fast Times takes the stage as the nation’s #1 80’s Concert Experience. Holding the all-time residency record at the Whiskay, the cover band performs a wide array of iconic hits from the greatest rock and new wave bands ever to play the Sunset Strip. Indeed, if you want to see Fast Times in action and why crowds celebrate their music week in and week out, check out this YouTube video.
In contrast to Fast Times, Rio: A Tribute to Duran Duran is the epitome of a genuine tribute band. When Rio takes the stage, they do everything in their power to become Duran Duran, providing the audience with a profound sense of seeing the legends live. With panache and verve, they embrace their roles: lead singer Jason “Jake” Jacobs as Simon Le Bon, bassist Gil Barron as John Taylor, drummer Danny Alfaro as Roger Taylor, Rob Paterson as keyboardist Nick Rhodes, and guitarist Wes Garren as Andy Taylor. Indeed, together, they bring musical theatre to life with pure energy.
When asked about his approach to playing in the band, Jason “Jake” Jacobs explains, “I do it to the best of my ability with as much detail as my body and voice will allow. I pay attention to detail. Also, I’m a Duranie and have my Duran Duran fan club member card from 1984!” As a passionate fan and an accomplished performer, Jacobs holds nothing back when he takes the stage. Jason and Jake vanish as Simon takes over with a refined British accent and those iconic swaying hips.
Ultimately, a cover band transforms into a tribute band when musical theatre takes over. Beyond singing the songs, the band does their best to become the characters, embracing the electrical presence of the 80’s icons. From the beginning to the end, Rio took over the stage with Jason “Jake” Jacobs leading the way with an undeniable passion. If the icons themselves from Duran Duran had been in the house, you imagine they would have been proud to have such a fine-ass tribute paid to them.
Photos by John Lavitt