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June, 1981
The month was a whirlwind of excitement and anticipation for the music scene. While The Velvet Reverie was riding high on the success of Dreams in Dusk, Duran Duran made their highly anticipated debut with their self-titled album. Their flashy, energetic style and New Romantic aesthetic electrified the industry, signaling the arrival of a fresh sound that would soon dominate the airwaves.
For The Velvet Reverie, this month was a mix of frantic promotion, tour preparation, and stolen moments of quiet intimacy. Valerie and John’s secret relationship added a layer of complexity to their already hectic schedules. While the public saw the camaraderie between the two bands as an industry friendship, no one suspected the tender glances exchanged between Valerie and John behind the scenes.
While Duran Duran charmed the UK press with their high-energy performances and glossy visuals, The Velvet Reverie cemented their place in the global spotlight. Valerie appeared on the cover of Harper's Bazaar and Rolling Stone, accompanied by a profile that praised her for being a “muse of the 1980s,” celebrated as much for her smoky voice as for her unconventional beauty.
Their promotional appearances ranged from a heartfelt interview on The Tonight Show, where Valerie opened up about the emotional depth of Dreams in Dusk, to a fiery performance of “Off to the Races” on Top of the Pops, earning them praise for their theatricality and intensity.
Meanwhile, the announcement of their Dreamscapes Tour sent fans into a frenzy. With stops across Europe, North America, and Asia, it promised to be an immersive experience, blending haunting visuals with the band’s ethereal soundscapes.
Duran Duran’s debut coincided with The Velvet Reverie’s preparation for their Dreamscapes Tour. As Valerie, Daniel, Ethan, Lina, Lucian and Soren attended interviews and radio sessions, they also made time to celebrate their friends’ success. Both bands crossed paths frequently, often sharing advice and encouragement.
At their rehearsal studio, the focus was all on The Velvet Reverie’s upcoming tour. Setlists were finalized, stage designs were debated, and the band worked tirelessly to ensure every detail was perfect. Valerie’s nerves about performing new tracks like “Stuck with Me” and “Wiped Out!” were soothed by John’s quiet confidence in her.
One evening, after a particularly long day, John joined Valerie in the studio. Watching her practice, he marveled at her presence. When the session ended, he pulled her aside.
“You’re incredible,” he said, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
She smiled, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten. “Coming from you, that means a lot.”
“You always say that.” John rolled with his eyes with a mischievous smile.
“I’m not lying,” she said before kissing him.
Their relationship remained their private sanctuary, a stark contrast to the chaotic and public nature of their careers. As Duran Duran’s star rose and The Velvet Reverie prepared to take their sound to global audiences once more, both bands found solace in their shared passion for music and the unshakable bonds they had formed.
