Duran Duran's Dom Brown Reflects on Emotional Exeter Homecoming Concert

Dom Brown, the lead guitarist for the iconic band Duran Duran, experienced a profound wave of nostalgia during his recent homecoming concert at Powderham Castle in Exeter, England. Returning to the town where he spent his formative years, Brown expressed deep emotional connections to the places and memories that shaped his early love for music.

Brown, who lived in Exeter from the age of four to twelve, reminisced about his childhood adventures in Bull Meadow Park, where he and friends would sled down hills and explore a nearby derelict building. "This hill, we used to sledge down it when it snowed, and I had a den in those bushes over there. Now based in London, my return to Exeter has stirred a wave of nostalgia," he shared.

Earlier in the day, Brown revisited his childhood home, describing the experience as overwhelmingly emotional. "The pine floorboards were exactly as I remembered, the layout hadn’t changed. My old bedroom still faced the garden; everything seemed bigger when I was a kid, but it was all there. It was emotional," he recalled.

The roots of Brown's musical journey can be traced back to his school days, where an unconventional PE teacher, known as Mr. Newell, played music before classes. "I remember lying on the mat, listening to Pink Floyd’s 'Welcome to the Machine' and being completely transfixed. That was it; I knew I had to do something with music," he stated. This pivotal moment, coupled with hours spent in a local record shop, solidified his passion for music.

Brown's influences include classic rock icons such as Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, and Queen, alongside the blues legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan. His parents' extensive record collection, featuring The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, also left a significant impact on his musical development.

In 2004, Brown joined Duran Duran after filling in for guitarist Andy Taylor, initially as a temporary replacement. His journey with the band has been marked by numerous milestones, including performing at renowned venues such as Madison Square Garden and the Hollywood Bowl. "Playing BST Hyde Park in 2022, in front of 75,000 people, was unforgettable for me," he remarked.

As he prepared for his performance at Powderham Castle, Brown reflected on the special significance of the venue. "Playing here in Exeter, where it all began, is going to be emotional. There will be a special energy in the air," he said, acknowledging the deep connection he maintains with the city.

Despite his global career, which includes running his own studio in London and performing with his covers band, Uncovered: The Electric Rock Experience, Brown remains grounded. "These were my formative years. At that age, a year feels like a lifetime. So, spending eight years here is a major part of who I am," he concluded.

As the lights dimmed and the crowd gathered, it was clear that for Dom Brown, this concert was not just another performance, but a heartfelt return to his roots—a celebration of the past and a reaffirmation of his musical journey.

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