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Duran Duran's John Taylor recounts the story of one of pop music's most extraordinary bands while sharing his compelling personal journey in his new autobiography, "In the Pleasure Groove: Love, Death, and Duran Duran."
Taylor, Duran's bassist, famously co-founded the band with keyboardist Nick Rhodes, and that back story set in Birmingham, England, is one of the most engaging parts of Taylor's book.
Taylor hailed from a working-class family in Birmingham's Hollywood, while there was something more magical about Rhodes, whose mum owned a toy shop nearby. The musically like-minded individuals also shared the common bond of both being only children.
Taylor and Rhodes started out as glam-rock fanboys, their shared love of Bowie and Roxy Music inspiring them to become brothers in musical arms. The two would create the Duran concept before any of the other players came on board.
Taylor and Rhodes were happy to remain left of the spotlight, Taylor writes. Soon, Roger Taylor would join on drums, followed by guitarist Andy Taylor, and finally, singer Simon Le Bon would bring the poetry.
Together, the band would ride a new wave into the 1980s, writing and recording some of the biggest hits of that decade and beyond.
Along the way, John Taylor shares his run-ins with various celebrities who crossed Duran's path, including a hilarious exchange with Sting.
Augmenting Taylor's memories from those whirlwind early days are his own diary, postcards he sent to his parents, and fan club dispatches. Throughout the book, Taylor's voice truly shines through.
Duran always has been a "divine diplomacy," but Taylor shares few details of the inner workings and inevitable disagreements that come when band members gather to write and record — and share credit equally for the ensuing material.
But on a personal level, Taylor writes more freely. As Duran grew increasing successful so, too, did Taylor become more reliant on drink and drugs. It all nearly spun out of control. But he eventually found his way to rehab, and here he shares stories of recovery, loss, and learning to love.
"Pleasure Groove" is, by design, an unfinished story. Four out of five original members continue to make viable new music and perform live as Duran Duran.
As for Taylor, the reader comes away with the sense that he is in the best place he's ever been.
Instead of the trivial tiny seductions, it's all about the music now.
Originally posted September 14, 2012. Photo by Christopher Windle.
