Brit Awards honour for Duran Duran

Duran Duran are to be rewarded for their years of hits with an honorary prize at the Brit Awards next year.

The band - which recently reunited their classic line-up for shows around the world - will be given the outstanding contribution award.

Duran Duran became global stars on the back of hits such as Rio and Save A Prayer.

Their career has endured a quarter of a century although a splinter in the ranks in the mid-1980s saw only Simon Le Bon and Nick Rhodes carrying the mantle from the band's heyday.

However, drummer Roger Taylor, bass player John Taylor and guitarist Andy Taylor recently rejoined, playing a triumphant London show last month.

The band, who have sold 70 million records worldwide, will be recognised at the Brits on February 17, and will be among the acts to perform at the glitzy event.

Brits committee chairman Peter Jamieson said: "Whilst this award recognises past achievements which are much deserved, I am just as excited about the band's vibrancy today which augurs well for continuing success."

Past recipients of the outstanding contribution award include U2, David Bowie, Sir Elton John and The Who.