Andy Taylor dishes the Duran Duran dirt
Here's some unexpected news: Former Duran Duran guitarist Andy Taylor is about to release a new tell-all memoir of his days with the band - from start to (presumed) finish.
Titled "Wild Boy: My Life in Duran Duran," the 300-page-plus tome is set for release on Sept. 9. by Grand Central Publishing. Taylor left Duran Duran shortly before the recording of the band's latest album, "Red Carpet Massacre."
I've only had the book in my hands for less than a day now, but flipping around, I can tell it's really something else. The prologue gets this off quickly, describing the nightmare of performing at Live Aid on July 13, 1985, in Philadelphia -- a performance that would be the last for the original lineup of the band until 2001:
"Just as everything seems to be coming together fine, I notice Simon's voice is getting a tad croaky. He looks great, but it's been a while since we were last onstage together, and one gig isn't enough to get the voice back in shape. I can tell he is straining to hit the high notes and there's still THAT note to come as the song reaches crescendo. ... 'With a view-yoo-ow to a kill!!' he screeches ... All bloody live."
It won't take long to get into the meat of this book, which ought to be on the holiday lists for a lot of serious Duran Duran fans this season.
Relive the music, movies and culture of the greatest decade ever with Times online editor Steve Spears. A teen during the decade, Steve is obsessed with everything from Duran Duran to Journey, John Hughes to John Cusack, and parachute pants to Reaganomics.
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I'm glad Andy is doing so well. He's so talented and it's true that Duran Duran needs him but I don't think he's going to come back at this point.
He obviously needs some time to recuperate and get his head on straight.
Posted by: Celeste | March 12, 2009 at 10:07 PM
I'm glad Andy is doing so well. He's so talented and it's true that Duran Duran needs him but I don't think he's going to come back at this point.
He obviously needs some time to recuperate and get his head on straight.
Posted by: Celeste | March 12, 2009 at 10:07 PM
I'm glad Andy is doing so well. He's so talented and it's true that Duran Duran needs him but I don't think he's going to come back at this point.
He obviously needs some time to recuperate and get his head on straight.
Posted by: Celeste | March 12, 2009 at 10:06 PM
Andy RULES!!! And I hope he comes back to the band. They sure need him!
What disturbs me more than Andy leaving is Simons eleven year songwriting block. I remember during the production of Medazzaland he had writing block then and Nick and Warren were writing lyrics because Si didn't have it him.
Then in this book, Andy alledges Si was still struggling with writers block as late as 2003-2004.
Not good...and I hope he rediscovers his muse.
Duran Duran needs to complete the aborted album "Reportage" under the direction of a GOOD producer, get Andy back and come back ROCKING the HOUSE!
At least for one last hurrah. The clock is ticking on these guys...
Gemini Changeling
Posted by: | September 09, 2008 at 11:18 AM
RCM sucked bad. Just a terrible album. DD rules for sure but it has been a long time since the peak.
Posted by: Semaj | September 04, 2008 at 03:28 PM
Yes, I have heard "No Mercy", and I agree it is good stuff. I believe when Jones started working with Andy, he had cleaned himself up and been straight for a few years. He couldn't be around the drug use because he didn't want to relapse.
Posted by: Bassnote | August 24, 2008 at 04:56 PM
i thought it was john taylor who had the drug problem.
Posted by: CHAD | August 24, 2008 at 03:20 PM
Bassnote, have you ever listened to Steve Jones "No Mercy" album? Very good stuff.
And for a Sex Pistol not to work with you for drugs says a lot.
Posted by: sparky | August 24, 2008 at 01:02 PM
Those are fighting words Greg!
Posted by: Melissa | August 24, 2008 at 09:22 AM
ugliest...Duran...Duran...band...member...
Posted by: Greg Williams | August 23, 2008 at 11:01 PM
Oh how I adored Andy Taylor, I didn't think he was as cute as John but he would have been the one I wanted to hang out with. He looked like so much fun to hang our with (of course this was in my delusion that none of them were doing drugs, I was a young lass when I first came across Duran)
Finish the book and do tell all!
Posted by: specialk | August 23, 2008 at 05:31 PM
Sorry, forgot to use a question mark there.
Posted by: Bassnote | August 23, 2008 at 01:49 PM
Didn't Andy have a serious drug problem when he first went solo. I remember something about Steve Jones (former Sex Pistol) ending his working relationship with Andy because of the drugs.
Posted by: Bassnote | August 23, 2008 at 01:49 PM
Please let us know when you get to the "coked up" shopping cart story.
Posted by: % | August 23, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Andy was always my favorite. I thought John Taylor was cute but it was Andy who was to my liking. I even still have my little "I Love Andy Taylor" button. I can't wait for the book!
Posted by: Melissa | August 23, 2008 at 08:56 AM
It goes without saying I'm trying to get an interview with Andy for the podcast. We'll see what happens.
Posted by: Spears | August 23, 2008 at 07:57 AM
I wondered when this would happen. Andy was so irritated about the inclusion of Timbaland on Red Carpet Massacre.
I guess this tell all means he won't be returning to the band as I had hoped.
Posted by: Marissa | August 23, 2008 at 07:39 AM