All the elements were in place: a sold-out show, a top 10 album, a super blood moon. Duran Duran were poised to thrill — and thrill they did.

The band opened the show with the title track from their 14th studio album, Paper Gods. To help out with backing vocals, English singer/producer Mr. Hudson joined Duran Duran onstage. That night, I realized that I could sing along and also concentrate on taking photos from the pit.

Knowing that the fans would be ecstatic with a few old hits, Duran Duran followed with “Hungry Like The Wolf,” “A View To A Kill,” and “The Reflex.” Each ’80s and ’90s Duran hit was met with ear splitting screams and enthusiastic dancing.

It was a warm, muggy night and many fans left with sweat streaming down their foreheads. The crowd was a nice mix of couples, families with their kids, and, yes, groups of women who were yelling out, “I love you Simon!” “I love your pants!” “John, marry me!” and “Niiiick!”

Photos: Duran Duran at SDSU Open Air Theatre