I’ve been a Duran Duran fan for nearly a quarter-century, and band founders Nick Rhodes and John Taylor have vied for my affection over those years.
John was my favorite member until the late '90s, around the time that he departed the band; Nick has been my fave the rest of that time.
John was my favorite member until the late '90s, around the time that he departed the band; Nick has been my fave the rest of that time.
My Nick fandom was solidified when I met the keyboard guru in person during a tour after John left. It’s an encounter that’s immortalized in my Blogger profile picture.
I haven’t soured on Nick. But 2020 has been a bigger year for John than for any other member of the band. And now I think I may be back in the John-girl camp.
During the coronavirus pandemic, it has been hard for any band to be at center stage, when new releases (like Duran’s forthcoming 15th studio album) and concerts have been postponed.
And John was personally affected by the pandemic when he became infected, subsequently recovered, and posted about his bout with the virus and his recovery in a hopeful message on social media.
John has added another bright spot to dark times with his “Stone Love Bass Odyssey” series of tutorials and interviews, of which there have been six. With his trusty drum machine and behind-the-scenes help from wife Gela, John has taken Duranies on a joyful ride through some of his biggest hits: “Planet Earth,” “Girls on Film,” “Rio,” “The Reflex,” “A View to a Kill,” and the Power Station’s “Some Like It Hot.” Appealing to more than just musicians, he not only offers tips about technique but also talks about the background of how the songs came to be.
Following the bass tutorials, he’s had a fascinating run of interviews with Duranie friends and colleagues: David Macklovitch from Chromeo (and fiance of John’s daughter Atlanta), Susanna Hoffs of the Bangles, Mark Ronson, Nile Rodgers, Billy Idol, and his partner in rhythm, Roger Taylor.
Despite John’s admittance that he’s not the most technically savvy, he dives head-first into the online interview. He’s a natural, sharing his enthusiasm for music and getting interesting tidbits out of his subjects. Some might fault a lack of fan questions, but really, does anyone actually care what Duran thinks of Depeche Mode?
Instead we get to hear about how one of super-producer Ronson’s favorite songs that he’s ever worked on is “All You Need Is Now.” (Now just play it live again!) We hear about Rodgers’ non-musical passions, like cooking with vegetables and civil rights. And we see a softer side of Billy Idol, who said he was serious about the quarantine so he could meet his new granddaughter.
Roger shares the story of how he played briefly with punk icons the Damned, taking Rat Scabies’ seat behind the drum kit before Brian James kicked him off the stage mid-song. We get an update on the new album (Duran is working on the mixes) and meet his new dog, Luna.
Hopefully, John continues his odyssey with a new series: There’s still “Notorious,” “Sin of the City,” and countless other songs to revisit ... and two more members of the band to interview.
Roger shares the story of how he played briefly with punk icons the Damned, taking Rat Scabies’ seat behind the drum kit before Brian James kicked him off the stage mid-song. We get an update on the new album (Duran is working on the mixes) and meet his new dog, Luna.
Hopefully, John continues his odyssey with a new series: There’s still “Notorious,” “Sin of the City,” and countless other songs to revisit ... and two more members of the band to interview.
For now, watch all six in the series. You won’t regret it. You might even become a John girl (or guy) in the process.
Photo by Christopher Windle
Photo by Christopher Windle
