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Wild Boy: My Life in Duran Duran
Wild Boy is the explosive first inside account of the rise and fall of Duran Duran. The band rose to conquer the globe with a string of unforgettable hits such as "Rio," "Hungry Like the Wolf," and "The Reflex." With Simon Le Bon as their frontman, they were the defining pop act of the 1980s, but Andy Taylor, the enigmatic lead guitarist, is widely acknowledged to have been their musical driving force. Then, at the very height of their achievement in 1985, Duran Duran imploded. Now Andy shares the story of what went wrong. With searing honesty, he charts every moment of Duran Duran's roller-coaster rise from their early days as club musicians through to international superstardom. He captures the glamour and excitement of the band's epic video shoots and the opulence of their world tours. He reveals the truth about the allegations of drug abuse and wild hedonism that dogged Duran Duran. Packed with more than twenty-five years worth of rock 'n' roll anecdotes, Andy tells of his time in the band The Power Station, and explains why Duran Duran reformed with its original line-up in 2003. But Wild Boy is also a moving story on a human level, as Andy describes how the pressures of fame took a terrible personal toll on him and his family. Moving from hilarious to harrowing at the turn of a page, Wild Boy is a must-read for anyone who lived through the 1980s, or who cares about music.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2008
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September 8, 2008
Given the total lack of perspective or responsibility in this his own chance to set the record straight, it’s no surprise Andy Taylor and Duran Duran parted ways…twice.
For those of you not in the know (and I assume that is most of you) Andy Taylor is the original guitarist for Duran Duran, a band that has sold 80 million albums and created some of the most iconic music of the 80s and early 90s. Andy was there from near the beginning of the band through its heyday of the albums Rio (“Hungry Like the Wolf,” “Save a Prayer,” and the tile track), through Seven and the Ragged Tiger (“The Reflex,” “New Moon on Monday”), into their live album (with the single “Wild Boys”) and their James Bond theme “A View to a Kill”. He left in 1985, soon after a disastrous show at Live Aid. He rejoined the band for a reunion in 2001 and a new album, Astronaut, and then in 2006 he parted ways again.
Now, right here, I have to admit, Duran Duran is my junkie addiction; they are the music soundtrack to my adolescence. I was born in rural Iowa, and after years of being surrounded by corn and dirt and rednecks, this upscale band with their slick sound and obscure poetic lyric and glamorous lifestyle and great clothes and models in body paint sailing on yachts seems like Nirvana. I still love them, to this day, even after the bad albums and cocaine lifestyle and even though (and this is where my Duran friends will flame me) there are so many other bands today making more relevant music than Duran Duran. They are my Sugar Smacks, my ridiculous obsession that I intend to make no excuses for.
Wild Boy is Andy’s account of his life both inside and outside the band. The sections about Duran Duran mostly concerns their start, their meteoric rise to fame as the “Fab Five,” their drug and alcohol abuse, their spin-off projects, and Andy’s departure (along with agoraphobic drummer Roger Taylor). There are a lot of problems with the book, not the least of which is that the book is shallow on new facts and insights, the narrative is extremely dull, and Andy personally lacks quite a bit of self-reflection and perspective.
Much of the book sounds as if it were ghost written. Many sections feel like journalistic accountings and facts anyone could get off of the internet. It certainly lacks personality and color, and it doesn’t delve deeply at all into the development of the band’s unique sound, the specifics of how Duran Duran songs are created, or the invention of their iconic band image.
The rags to riches start is good, but it’s also expected. It was interesting to hear Andy’s particular bent on it, though. What’s also expected, but much less welcome, is how every chapter ends like a Behind the Music special – that tired, old “but on the horizon, trouble was brewing” structure. In Andy’s telling, the music doesn’t just take a backseat to the lifestyle, the music gets shoved in the dark and dirty trunk and forgotten like an old map. Oh, but we get plenty of the drinking, the drug-taking, the nympho groupies, the fabulous famous people, etc. In fact, the boring structure and the lack of creative musical detail seems to imply that Andy showed up, recorded his guitar sections, and then left to do more coke. He let them dress him, he didn’t have much say in creation or production of the albums, and every so often he’d contribute a musical line or song, but that was almost it.
Almost. Then there are the furious rages and arguments. Andy mentions many, many times where he was angry, upset, and/or enraged about almost every small thing he could find. Sometimes he just internalizes this hatred, and other times he has food fights with a band member, or he screams and insults and throws things. It’s funny, because these little temper tantrums are all throughout the book on almost every page, and yet Andy never says, “Maybe I have an anger management problem” or “Even though I’ve quit the cocaine, maybe I should lay off the alcohol.” Some heed is given to his depression from early childhood and his father’s death, but depression seems to be a good excuse for him to do nothing about his problems and not make any changes toward his juvenile and self-destructive actions. Depression you can blame on outside events, I suppose; your rages and drinking you actually have to take responsibility for.
I know, I know, I am being an ass, and my friends who are fans of the band are going to say I have no right. These are my personal feelings from reading the book. I wholly concur you may see it different.
There is a small section where Andy explains how tours work, what buses get loaded and how it’s all put together. That’s some unique insight. One wishes he would have provided such detail to the studio sessions (like how they achieve their distinct synth/guitar blend). And really, Andy could have been more aggregate and brief with the trashed hotel rooms and huge hospitality bills, the personal failings of bassist John (which Andy has no problem discussing in lieu of examining his own culpability), and the timeline of concerts and famous people he encountered. There is so much here that Andy breezed over, primarily the music; it seems he wasn’t really present mentally for these sessions.
I admit that Andy is not the only problem in a band with egos and substance abuse. However, I was hoping he’d at least claim his corner – his responsibility for Duran Duran’s artistic vision as well as his responsibility in the band’s internal problems. Neither of these insights is in this book, which otherwise sometimes reads like a freshman term paper and at other times like a trashy, clichéd version of the over-indulgent rock lifestyle.
No wonder they parted ways…twice
For those of you not in the know (and I assume that is most of you) Andy Taylor is the original guitarist for Duran Duran, a band that has sold 80 million albums and created some of the most iconic music of the 80s and early 90s. Andy was there from near the beginning of the band through its heyday of the albums Rio (“Hungry Like the Wolf,” “Save a Prayer,” and the tile track), through Seven and the Ragged Tiger (“The Reflex,” “New Moon on Monday”), into their live album (with the single “Wild Boys”) and their James Bond theme “A View to a Kill”. He left in 1985, soon after a disastrous show at Live Aid. He rejoined the band for a reunion in 2001 and a new album, Astronaut, and then in 2006 he parted ways again.
Now, right here, I have to admit, Duran Duran is my junkie addiction; they are the music soundtrack to my adolescence. I was born in rural Iowa, and after years of being surrounded by corn and dirt and rednecks, this upscale band with their slick sound and obscure poetic lyric and glamorous lifestyle and great clothes and models in body paint sailing on yachts seems like Nirvana. I still love them, to this day, even after the bad albums and cocaine lifestyle and even though (and this is where my Duran friends will flame me) there are so many other bands today making more relevant music than Duran Duran. They are my Sugar Smacks, my ridiculous obsession that I intend to make no excuses for.
Wild Boy is Andy’s account of his life both inside and outside the band. The sections about Duran Duran mostly concerns their start, their meteoric rise to fame as the “Fab Five,” their drug and alcohol abuse, their spin-off projects, and Andy’s departure (along with agoraphobic drummer Roger Taylor). There are a lot of problems with the book, not the least of which is that the book is shallow on new facts and insights, the narrative is extremely dull, and Andy personally lacks quite a bit of self-reflection and perspective.
Much of the book sounds as if it were ghost written. Many sections feel like journalistic accountings and facts anyone could get off of the internet. It certainly lacks personality and color, and it doesn’t delve deeply at all into the development of the band’s unique sound, the specifics of how Duran Duran songs are created, or the invention of their iconic band image.
The rags to riches start is good, but it’s also expected. It was interesting to hear Andy’s particular bent on it, though. What’s also expected, but much less welcome, is how every chapter ends like a Behind the Music special – that tired, old “but on the horizon, trouble was brewing” structure. In Andy’s telling, the music doesn’t just take a backseat to the lifestyle, the music gets shoved in the dark and dirty trunk and forgotten like an old map. Oh, but we get plenty of the drinking, the drug-taking, the nympho groupies, the fabulous famous people, etc. In fact, the boring structure and the lack of creative musical detail seems to imply that Andy showed up, recorded his guitar sections, and then left to do more coke. He let them dress him, he didn’t have much say in creation or production of the albums, and every so often he’d contribute a musical line or song, but that was almost it.
Almost. Then there are the furious rages and arguments. Andy mentions many, many times where he was angry, upset, and/or enraged about almost every small thing he could find. Sometimes he just internalizes this hatred, and other times he has food fights with a band member, or he screams and insults and throws things. It’s funny, because these little temper tantrums are all throughout the book on almost every page, and yet Andy never says, “Maybe I have an anger management problem” or “Even though I’ve quit the cocaine, maybe I should lay off the alcohol.” Some heed is given to his depression from early childhood and his father’s death, but depression seems to be a good excuse for him to do nothing about his problems and not make any changes toward his juvenile and self-destructive actions. Depression you can blame on outside events, I suppose; your rages and drinking you actually have to take responsibility for.
I know, I know, I am being an ass, and my friends who are fans of the band are going to say I have no right. These are my personal feelings from reading the book. I wholly concur you may see it different.
There is a small section where Andy explains how tours work, what buses get loaded and how it’s all put together. That’s some unique insight. One wishes he would have provided such detail to the studio sessions (like how they achieve their distinct synth/guitar blend). And really, Andy could have been more aggregate and brief with the trashed hotel rooms and huge hospitality bills, the personal failings of bassist John (which Andy has no problem discussing in lieu of examining his own culpability), and the timeline of concerts and famous people he encountered. There is so much here that Andy breezed over, primarily the music; it seems he wasn’t really present mentally for these sessions.
I admit that Andy is not the only problem in a band with egos and substance abuse. However, I was hoping he’d at least claim his corner – his responsibility for Duran Duran’s artistic vision as well as his responsibility in the band’s internal problems. Neither of these insights is in this book, which otherwise sometimes reads like a freshman term paper and at other times like a trashy, clichéd version of the over-indulgent rock lifestyle.
No wonder they parted ways…twice
November 12, 2008
When I was 16, it was all about Duran Duran. They were so glamorous! They drank champagne on yachts! They dated models that I could never hope to be like. The way they pronounced D'jeurahn D'jeurahn was like music to my Midwestern ears. As I grew older, and got to college my tastes grew more sophisticated and I became a fan of other pasty English boy bands, but when I saw this book, I just had to read it. I had to admit that I did not have very high expectations. Celebrity bios are not always that great, and Andy was always at the bottom of my totem pole of Duran love. I was pleasantly surprised, though. I found the book very entertaining. It had juicy details without being lurid and trashy. I especially enjoyed the sections where he was growing up and the early days of the band, although I found the chapter where he explained why he quit the band the second time sort of tedious. A fun read!
On a side note, Nick was always my fave Duran (who knew that he was such a pain?) and I wept heart broken tears when he got married. Reading the book, I got a mean little flare of pleasure to find out that, according to Andy, Julie Anne really was as horrible as I knew her to be in my teenaged heart! Anyone else?
On a side note, Nick was always my fave Duran (who knew that he was such a pain?) and I wept heart broken tears when he got married. Reading the book, I got a mean little flare of pleasure to find out that, according to Andy, Julie Anne really was as horrible as I knew her to be in my teenaged heart! Anyone else?
April 25, 2009
Things I learned from Any Taylor:
He really hated making the "New Moon on Monday" video.
He single-handedly wrote every Duran Duran song ever done, minus lyrics.(love ya Andy, but not buying it)
He and JT were giant coke heads through much of the 80's.
Juliane was DD's "Yoko" and (my inner Duranie could not be happier!)
DD tours had loads of excitement including bloodshed and knife fights.
They had to cheat to beat Spandua Ballet at British trivia game show. (C'mon guys! Like you could not have done this legit, coke-headedness aside?!?!?!)
Andy had a low tolerance of Nick and his control freak, pretentiousness.
Andy blew the coup again instead of being forced to work with people like Justin Timberlake. (Can't blame ya Andy, the new record sucked!)
Despite it all, Andy remained a good hubby and father, good for him. Andy's father seemed like a wonderful man too.
Fun read, whether Andy truly wrote it or not. I liked his take on things, and would gladly read a tell all by any of the remaining four. I miss Andy in the band. DD is not the same without him!
He really hated making the "New Moon on Monday" video.
He single-handedly wrote every Duran Duran song ever done, minus lyrics.(love ya Andy, but not buying it)
He and JT were giant coke heads through much of the 80's.
Juliane was DD's "Yoko" and (my inner Duranie could not be happier!)
DD tours had loads of excitement including bloodshed and knife fights.
They had to cheat to beat Spandua Ballet at British trivia game show. (C'mon guys! Like you could not have done this legit, coke-headedness aside?!?!?!)
Andy had a low tolerance of Nick and his control freak, pretentiousness.
Andy blew the coup again instead of being forced to work with people like Justin Timberlake. (Can't blame ya Andy, the new record sucked!)
Despite it all, Andy remained a good hubby and father, good for him. Andy's father seemed like a wonderful man too.
Fun read, whether Andy truly wrote it or not. I liked his take on things, and would gladly read a tell all by any of the remaining four. I miss Andy in the band. DD is not the same without him!
October 13, 2014
I was an obsessed, screaming, drooling Duranie in my early-mid teens and Andy's autobiography reminded me of all those idolised good times, as well as filling me in on the bad times I was mostly unaware of as a squealing fangirl.
He writes from the heart - his passion for music, his mistakes, his adored wife and family (lovely to know he's still with Tracey), and of course, his life as a member of the world's biggest pop group from the 1980s. It's all there - the albums, video shoots, tours and hedonistic partying, as well as the bust-ups and break-downs and his version of him twice leaving the band. Despite the split, he talks about Simon, John, Nick and Roger with respect and affection, acknowledging their differences but appreciating the amazing times together.
I came away from this feeling that I knew Andy, that I knew Duran Duran. They had their fair share of problems behind the scenes, but their glossy exterior fuelled my teenage dreams and this book was a wonderfully nostalgic trip down first-love lane!
He writes from the heart - his passion for music, his mistakes, his adored wife and family (lovely to know he's still with Tracey), and of course, his life as a member of the world's biggest pop group from the 1980s. It's all there - the albums, video shoots, tours and hedonistic partying, as well as the bust-ups and break-downs and his version of him twice leaving the band. Despite the split, he talks about Simon, John, Nick and Roger with respect and affection, acknowledging their differences but appreciating the amazing times together.
I came away from this feeling that I knew Andy, that I knew Duran Duran. They had their fair share of problems behind the scenes, but their glossy exterior fuelled my teenage dreams and this book was a wonderfully nostalgic trip down first-love lane!
December 20, 2008
OK, once a Duranie, always a Duranie. This book was GREAT fun and gave some insight to things we heard about but didn't always know about for sure. Fights, fallouts, etc - good dirt, in other words.
I always kind of considered Andy to be the "Ringo" of the group, as he was the one I was least interested in. I have a much greater appreciation for him now because of this.
I know this is a somewhat "fluff" read - but so what? I love biographies and this was a subject I was very intrested in. Can't always read the classics, you know.
If you liked this group, you might want to pick this up. It's a quick read and fun to boot.
I always kind of considered Andy to be the "Ringo" of the group, as he was the one I was least interested in. I have a much greater appreciation for him now because of this.
I know this is a somewhat "fluff" read - but so what? I love biographies and this was a subject I was very intrested in. Can't always read the classics, you know.
If you liked this group, you might want to pick this up. It's a quick read and fun to boot.
June 4, 2012
I enjoyed this book far more than I expected to, even for a Duran Duran fan. I have to say my prejudice against rock stars and their writing ability predisposed me to this book being mediocre. It's not Hemingway, but the man writes like he speaks. As such, the book comes across as an affable guy telling the story of how he used to be in a band, write music, do drugs, and met his wife.
I brought this book along on a trip to Sri Lanka where many of Duran Duran's videos were shot. Taylor's story provided a great backdrop to my trip. He tells of his life growing up in England, how his mother left him when he was just a child, how he answered an ad to join a band that became Duran Duran, how the band's star skyrocketed, and ultimately his personal struggles.
Reading all this was a lot of fun. He describes the other rock stars he meets along the way such as Rod Stewart and Robert Palmer. He describes the stupid stuff the band did, like the night John Taylor got drunk and cut up his feet dancing on vodka bottles. He tells of how Simon Le Bon used to wind up hotel clerks by complaining about the quality of the hotel's porn.
The best part is near the end of the book where Andy Taylor talks about the creative side of Duran Duran. He simply gushes over the process and his feelings when realizes they've put out a good song. I loved reading him describe the first time he heard the American remix of "the Reflex" by Nile Rodgers, describing how the music and lyrics came together and the first time he heard the "tah nah nah nah" to open the track. He called "The Reflex" one of the best pop songs.
This is a fun book that starts off simple and just gets better and better. His only regret, falling into an elephant bathing pool in Sri Lanka and swallowing a mouth full of elephant piss.
I brought this book along on a trip to Sri Lanka where many of Duran Duran's videos were shot. Taylor's story provided a great backdrop to my trip. He tells of his life growing up in England, how his mother left him when he was just a child, how he answered an ad to join a band that became Duran Duran, how the band's star skyrocketed, and ultimately his personal struggles.
Reading all this was a lot of fun. He describes the other rock stars he meets along the way such as Rod Stewart and Robert Palmer. He describes the stupid stuff the band did, like the night John Taylor got drunk and cut up his feet dancing on vodka bottles. He tells of how Simon Le Bon used to wind up hotel clerks by complaining about the quality of the hotel's porn.
The best part is near the end of the book where Andy Taylor talks about the creative side of Duran Duran. He simply gushes over the process and his feelings when realizes they've put out a good song. I loved reading him describe the first time he heard the American remix of "the Reflex" by Nile Rodgers, describing how the music and lyrics came together and the first time he heard the "tah nah nah nah" to open the track. He called "The Reflex" one of the best pop songs.
This is a fun book that starts off simple and just gets better and better. His only regret, falling into an elephant bathing pool in Sri Lanka and swallowing a mouth full of elephant piss.
November 1, 2014
I was the biggest Duranie ever. I made deals with God if he'd just let "The Reflex" video be #1 on MTV. I'd do this or that. Now, years later I've had the opportunity to meet JT several times. I read his book and now Andy's and I laugh at how I could have been so in love as a teenager with these obnoxious, self absorbent people. Well, I was a kid and they were... in their heyday...the hottest thing around. Andy's version didn't hold back. He didn't sugarcoat their hedonistic, all about me personalities. I'll give him that. This wasn't well written, it skipped all over the place, but it took me back to 1984. I definitley don't look at them the same as 30 years ago, but I've enjoyed going back and rewatching the videos....man JT and Nick were hot!
December 8, 2008
Fascinating! I'd have to say, until I read this book, Andy Taylor was the member of Duran Duran that I knew the least about/cared the least about. That's all changed! What a hilarious, down-to-earth guy! I'm floored by the fact that he basically quit DD so that he could get off the drugs and spend more time with his cute family. Interesting, too, are the tensions within the group. They were always presented as a united front at first, and then later you got the impression that Nick and Simon were BFF's. Not remotely true. Nick Rhodes sounds like a nightmare to even be around, let alone work with. Very, very interesting book. Breezily and clearly written, too. He's not going to win a Nobel Prize for Literature, our Andy, but he writes a good memoir: concise, coherent, clever.
Also, as someone who has suffered from post-partum depression, my heart just went out to him and his sweet wife when he recounted the severity of her depression after having their first child. Congratulations to them, too, for going on to have a total of four, and for raising such lovely kids.
Also, as someone who has suffered from post-partum depression, my heart just went out to him and his sweet wife when he recounted the severity of her depression after having their first child. Congratulations to them, too, for going on to have a total of four, and for raising such lovely kids.
January 21, 2014
When I read some of the comments on this book at Amazon, it looked to me like this book was going to be a bitchfest and finger pointer about everything that went wrong in one of the biggest acts of the 80's, Duran Duran. I was very skeptical about getting this for the following reason:
In highschool, I was an absolute KISS freak. Ate, lived, and breathed the band, and they had a magic on stage that was a beautiful thing, something that was like a place in your heart that made life joyful. Then Gene Simmons released his autobiography KISS and Makeup and within the time it took to read the book, he destroyed the magic and beauty of the band unmercifully for me. From that point on, KISS was decimated in my eyes. I became a casual listener of anything they released afterwards, but this this special thing that I felt a part of was dead. Then about a year ago, I read original drummer Peter Criss's autobigraphy and it was a total bitchfest from someone who should not be throwing stones at anyone. Between Peter and Gene, I don't even bother looking in the KISS section anymore when I go to music stores. Sometimes, private things should be kept private.
Duran Duran was the second major rock act I got into before discovering metal in the 80's, and like KISS, they had a magic all their own that just pulsed through my body every time I listened to them, so I was seriously on the fence about reading this. BUT after having such a wonderful experience reading Duran Duran bassist John Taylor's autobiography, I figured I would give Andy a chance.
I am very happy to say that the customer comments on Amazon are very inaccurate. Andy gave what I felt was an honest account of being in a band that was dubbed "The Fab Five". From their meager start in England to worldwide fame that led them into the usual vices of the rock and roll lifestyle, Andy is very on point about everything, and I never felt like he was pointing fingers at anyone; he merely described certain situations with DD keyboardist Nick Rhodes that were less than savory, but at the same time, he had no problem taking responsibility for his own misgivings and faults that led to Duran Duran's eventual breakup, and reunion in the early 2000's (after which he mysteriously left again due to friction within the band). By the same token, he also spoke of the magic that he formed with Nick Rhodes that helped define the Duran Duran sound, and gave much credit to Nick. He also spoke very candidly about his family and wife of 25+ years, both of which encountered some pretty big obstacles in life. I thought this book was very endearing, and I'm glad I read it.
I think the only thing I would have liked to see was Andy talk about his guitars-which models he used throughout the years, how he dealt with an ever-changing musical atmosphere, what kind of amps he used, etc but that is just the guitarist in me talking.
In highschool, I was an absolute KISS freak. Ate, lived, and breathed the band, and they had a magic on stage that was a beautiful thing, something that was like a place in your heart that made life joyful. Then Gene Simmons released his autobiography KISS and Makeup and within the time it took to read the book, he destroyed the magic and beauty of the band unmercifully for me. From that point on, KISS was decimated in my eyes. I became a casual listener of anything they released afterwards, but this this special thing that I felt a part of was dead. Then about a year ago, I read original drummer Peter Criss's autobigraphy and it was a total bitchfest from someone who should not be throwing stones at anyone. Between Peter and Gene, I don't even bother looking in the KISS section anymore when I go to music stores. Sometimes, private things should be kept private.
Duran Duran was the second major rock act I got into before discovering metal in the 80's, and like KISS, they had a magic all their own that just pulsed through my body every time I listened to them, so I was seriously on the fence about reading this. BUT after having such a wonderful experience reading Duran Duran bassist John Taylor's autobiography, I figured I would give Andy a chance.
I am very happy to say that the customer comments on Amazon are very inaccurate. Andy gave what I felt was an honest account of being in a band that was dubbed "The Fab Five". From their meager start in England to worldwide fame that led them into the usual vices of the rock and roll lifestyle, Andy is very on point about everything, and I never felt like he was pointing fingers at anyone; he merely described certain situations with DD keyboardist Nick Rhodes that were less than savory, but at the same time, he had no problem taking responsibility for his own misgivings and faults that led to Duran Duran's eventual breakup, and reunion in the early 2000's (after which he mysteriously left again due to friction within the band). By the same token, he also spoke of the magic that he formed with Nick Rhodes that helped define the Duran Duran sound, and gave much credit to Nick. He also spoke very candidly about his family and wife of 25+ years, both of which encountered some pretty big obstacles in life. I thought this book was very endearing, and I'm glad I read it.
I think the only thing I would have liked to see was Andy talk about his guitars-which models he used throughout the years, how he dealt with an ever-changing musical atmosphere, what kind of amps he used, etc but that is just the guitarist in me talking.
September 13, 2017
I really enjoyed this. It was great to get an alternate view from someone within the band that wasn't the singer or bass player.
April 20, 2017
This line on Nick Rhodes:
"Fuck you, you revlon wearing tosser." bahahaha.
From what I gathered Andy was the least favorite band member dubbed by fans as the ugly one. He wasn't, I've seen interviews of him, he's handsome and a great guitarist. Compared to John Taylor's book, this is more entertaining and hilarious. Whilst John Taylor has a more diplomatic voice, you can tell he's more sensitive while Andy, still maintain class, he doesn't hold back. It has plenty of juicy bits and funny stories. Learnt more about the band members in this one.
Simon Le Bon-Optimistic, adventurous, funny, fat? I beg to defer.
Roger Taylor- Shy, quiet, avoids confrontation.
Andy Taylor-The rock n roller, hilarious, down earth, a hot head?
John Taylor- Sensitive, warm, too stunning for his own good, a coke head.
And last and not least.
Nick Rhodes-Another stunner, the brains in the band, arty, glamorous. A douche?
There is a funny story how the band pranked Nick during a live show by bringing a stripper the ugliest they could find while doing his solo and his than ex-wife Julianne went berserk. It had me screaming with laughter. Andy gives the impression that Julianne is an utter bitch.
Another funny story when they were filming the video for "Save a Prayer" upsetting monks and Andy falling in a puddle full of elephant piss (yikes)
He talks about his childhood and when he joined Duran Duran, and the early Rum Runner days and how him and Nick didn't get along. At all.
The thing is he kept telling how Nick is controlling, bossy, hard to be around, let alone work it but he doesn't bring an example as a writer you have to show me not tell me. The only time he mentioned an argument was than they were both drunk. Although this is well written book (ghost written I suppose.) I'm not picking sides here but it got me asking if Nick is so unbearable than why he didn't get sacked? How the other band members put up with him after all those years? I mean Andy was the one that left the band. Twice. He seemed quite hot tempered maybe the story needed a villain so Nick Rhodes fitted into it. I don't know.
I found it a little overbearing when Andy kept criticizing Nick for hooking up with a rich model/heiress about bringing her tour with him and that she's not one of them. I think that was Nick's problem and if he was happy at the time so be it.
There is a lot of drama involving the band, he doesn't hold back on John's cocaine addiction and other issues while reading I thought no wonder Roger left I would do the same. But he's back now and more talkative.
This got to be the best biography I read about this band highly recommend it. Probably the best I read since Motley Crue's The Dirt.
"Fuck you, you revlon wearing tosser." bahahaha.
From what I gathered Andy was the least favorite band member dubbed by fans as the ugly one. He wasn't, I've seen interviews of him, he's handsome and a great guitarist. Compared to John Taylor's book, this is more entertaining and hilarious. Whilst John Taylor has a more diplomatic voice, you can tell he's more sensitive while Andy, still maintain class, he doesn't hold back. It has plenty of juicy bits and funny stories. Learnt more about the band members in this one.
Simon Le Bon-Optimistic, adventurous, funny, fat? I beg to defer.
Roger Taylor- Shy, quiet, avoids confrontation.
Andy Taylor-The rock n roller, hilarious, down earth, a hot head?
John Taylor- Sensitive, warm, too stunning for his own good, a coke head.
And last and not least.
Nick Rhodes-Another stunner, the brains in the band, arty, glamorous. A douche?
There is a funny story how the band pranked Nick during a live show by bringing a stripper the ugliest they could find while doing his solo and his than ex-wife Julianne went berserk. It had me screaming with laughter. Andy gives the impression that Julianne is an utter bitch.
Another funny story when they were filming the video for "Save a Prayer" upsetting monks and Andy falling in a puddle full of elephant piss (yikes)
He talks about his childhood and when he joined Duran Duran, and the early Rum Runner days and how him and Nick didn't get along. At all.
The thing is he kept telling how Nick is controlling, bossy, hard to be around, let alone work it but he doesn't bring an example as a writer you have to show me not tell me. The only time he mentioned an argument was than they were both drunk. Although this is well written book (ghost written I suppose.) I'm not picking sides here but it got me asking if Nick is so unbearable than why he didn't get sacked? How the other band members put up with him after all those years? I mean Andy was the one that left the band. Twice. He seemed quite hot tempered maybe the story needed a villain so Nick Rhodes fitted into it. I don't know.
I found it a little overbearing when Andy kept criticizing Nick for hooking up with a rich model/heiress about bringing her tour with him and that she's not one of them. I think that was Nick's problem and if he was happy at the time so be it.
There is a lot of drama involving the band, he doesn't hold back on John's cocaine addiction and other issues while reading I thought no wonder Roger left I would do the same. But he's back now and more talkative.
This got to be the best biography I read about this band highly recommend it. Probably the best I read since Motley Crue's The Dirt.
November 26, 2013
(Wild Boys! Wild Boys! - can you hear it in your head? yes! or as Simon would, uh, sing - UUUUH!)
Okay, this was the necessary follow up to John Taylor's book and is the complete yin. Details, Dirt - it's all here, and it gives you a better sense of what was happening (how John wrote a book featuring the picture of his bandaged foot but no mention of the incident is beyond me). Lots of great stories and strong opinions about the songs, videos and tours, as you might expect.
Andy also redeems himself as the Duran Most Suspect and yes, you can see where leaving the band made sense for him. I now completely understand and appreciate his contribution to the band and, for the first time ever, I'm listening to Duran songs for the guitar (I know, I know).
Morgan Richter does a great and hilarious comparison here:
http://preppiesoftheapocalypse.blogsp...
John's book - and photo selection (with the exception noted above) - is brilliantly edited and Andy could have used some help, here. Chapters in the latter half seem off-topic and some musings about life in LA, celebrities he has met, etc read as complete filler. But his own story is sweet and compelling; I loved hearing about his family and his loyalty and love for them were heart-felled and generous. I wish his story ended on a happier note - both for us fans and for him, personally, and I find myself filled with fondness for the previously overlooked Duran.
Okay, this was the necessary follow up to John Taylor's book and is the complete yin. Details, Dirt - it's all here, and it gives you a better sense of what was happening (how John wrote a book featuring the picture of his bandaged foot but no mention of the incident is beyond me). Lots of great stories and strong opinions about the songs, videos and tours, as you might expect.
Andy also redeems himself as the Duran Most Suspect and yes, you can see where leaving the band made sense for him. I now completely understand and appreciate his contribution to the band and, for the first time ever, I'm listening to Duran songs for the guitar (I know, I know).
Morgan Richter does a great and hilarious comparison here:
http://preppiesoftheapocalypse.blogsp...
John's book - and photo selection (with the exception noted above) - is brilliantly edited and Andy could have used some help, here. Chapters in the latter half seem off-topic and some musings about life in LA, celebrities he has met, etc read as complete filler. But his own story is sweet and compelling; I loved hearing about his family and his loyalty and love for them were heart-felled and generous. I wish his story ended on a happier note - both for us fans and for him, personally, and I find myself filled with fondness for the previously overlooked Duran.
December 16, 2011
Was Andy Taylor the wildest of the Duran Duran wild boys? After reading this autobiography, I'd say that title actually belongs to pretty boy John Taylor. The lanky bass player was promoted aggressively as a teen idol, but he was a marvelously fucked up drug addict for nearly twenty years.
For his part, Andy was a serious boozer and cokehead during the band's glory years. He writes: "On one embarrassing occasion someone found me staggering about next to a Coca-Cola machine. I was so wired that I actually thought I could get a line of coke from a vending machine."
I always dismissed Duran Duran as a David Bowie/Roxy Music rip-off. But Andy says it's not true. "We were an unstoppable hybrid between the Sex Pistols and Chic: guitar music with a disco beat." There's some truth to what he says. But whatever. This is his autobiography and he can rewrite history anyway he wants.
For his part, Andy was a serious boozer and cokehead during the band's glory years. He writes: "On one embarrassing occasion someone found me staggering about next to a Coca-Cola machine. I was so wired that I actually thought I could get a line of coke from a vending machine."
I always dismissed Duran Duran as a David Bowie/Roxy Music rip-off. But Andy says it's not true. "We were an unstoppable hybrid between the Sex Pistols and Chic: guitar music with a disco beat." There's some truth to what he says. But whatever. This is his autobiography and he can rewrite history anyway he wants.
March 16, 2009
After reading this I came to the realization that all 5 members will not get back together again. Nothing juicier than a band member scorned though - he had some pretty nasty things to say about John and Nick in particular which surprized me because I always assumed it was Simon's massive ego that might have pissed him off. If you are a fan, I highly recommend it. Besides the smut, there's some really funny stories about the band and other artists they came across in the 80's (Rod Stewart and The Faces, Motley Crue etc.) Also, really interesting learning about DD's music making process which I hadn't heard before. In the end it's really about Andy and it was great to finally hear his side of the story as to why he left. Also hearing about his personal struggles with his wife's pregnancies and his father's death made you see a much different side to him.
January 4, 2015
In retrospect, I wish I hadn't read this. It made me not really care for several members of the band if the things told about them are actually true. Also, Andy seems to not take much blame for things that happen although later in the book he does admit several times to being at fault. It was not written well and who knew you really could overuse parentheses??? Disappointing.
March 14, 2017
Growing up in the 80's was a fun time, at least for me it was. Music was upbeat and lively, MTV brought life to the bands we adored, and all the wild, funky styles that we played with. So, I was very much like the other typical teenage girls in the 80's and fell in love with the group Duran Duran. I knew EVERYTHING about them, or so I thought. I think being young and naive has a tendency to paint your heroes as flawless. Never would I have agreed with anyone that told me Duran Duran did drugs or got blasted and trashed hotel rooms and the likes of other wild pop stars. Now, here I am, 45 years old, still a big fan of the band, and reading this telling memoir from the one member who I always thought was the outcast. In a way, I see that I was right. But, to also read this and think, is he telling the truth or just trying to write a best-seller?
This book really gave some raw and unfiltered details about the band that I think a lot of us fans refused to believe of accept and also painted my heroes in a much different light. Not all of the light is negative, but not all is positive either. It's a memoir of one member's take on the happenings with the band and a much different perspective than John's telling.
This book really gave some raw and unfiltered details about the band that I think a lot of us fans refused to believe of accept and also painted my heroes in a much different light. Not all of the light is negative, but not all is positive either. It's a memoir of one member's take on the happenings with the band and a much different perspective than John's telling.
September 30, 2016
Für dieses Buch habe ich mir tatsächlich drei Wochen Lesezeit gegönnt. Nicht etwa, weil es langweilig gewesen wäre. Ganz im Gegenteil! Ich habe beinahe jedes Kapitel eingesogen und mich zu gern zurück in die 80er Jahre versetzt. Deshalb auch das lange Herauszögern zum Ende hin.
Zugegeben habe ich zu Andy Taylor nie einen Bezug gehabt und bin auch nie ein eingefleischter DD-Fan gewesen. Ich gehörte eher zu der Rubrik der Musikliebhaberin, die von ihnen das Greatest-Hits- und Rio-Album besitzen und ein paar Videos mochten. Um so mehr dürfte es die fünf Herren freuen, insbesondere Andy, dass ich durch dieses Buch meinen Albumbestand ausweite, die Lieder mit mehr Interesse und Offenheit höre und somit derzeit gänzlich auf einer DD-Welle surfe.
Nun zurück zum Buch: verständlicherweise ist der Erzählstil einfach, aber im Gegensatz zu John Taylors wunderbar einlullend. Andy Taylor versteht Anekdoten zu erzählen und er weiß offenbar auch, was weibliche DD-Fans interessiert. Er plaudert frank und frei aus dem Nähkästchen, wobei er doch sichtlich bemüht ist, jeder Person trotz aller Kritik gerecht zu werden. Davon amüsierte mich insbesondere sein Hadern mit Bandkollegen Nick Rhodes. Es ist DAS wiederkehrende Thema im Buch! In Anbetracht dessen, was Taylor von seinen eigenen Verhaltensweisen reichlich preisgibt, kann ich darüber nicht mehr als schmunzeln.
Darüberhinaus berichtet er detailiert davon, was John Taylor entweder nur am Rande, rudimentär oder überhaupt nicht anschnitt, was ich jedoch sehr interessant fand. So zum Beispiel sein erstes Treffen mit den anderen der Band im Rum Runner, die Werbestrategie ihrer Plattenfirma, die Beziehungen der Musiker untereinander, köstliche Anekdoten von diversen Videodrehs, die Arbeit im Studio, die Anstrengungen des Tour-Daseins, die schwere Arbeit der Roadies, seinem Besuch im Weißen Haus, dem Empfang von Lady Di und und und ... Ja, aus dieser Autobiographie gehe ich gut informiert heraus, wenn auch natürlich stets mit dem Wissen, eine von fünf Sichtweisen gehört zu haben.
Zugegeben habe ich zu Andy Taylor nie einen Bezug gehabt und bin auch nie ein eingefleischter DD-Fan gewesen. Ich gehörte eher zu der Rubrik der Musikliebhaberin, die von ihnen das Greatest-Hits- und Rio-Album besitzen und ein paar Videos mochten. Um so mehr dürfte es die fünf Herren freuen, insbesondere Andy, dass ich durch dieses Buch meinen Albumbestand ausweite, die Lieder mit mehr Interesse und Offenheit höre und somit derzeit gänzlich auf einer DD-Welle surfe.
Nun zurück zum Buch: verständlicherweise ist der Erzählstil einfach, aber im Gegensatz zu John Taylors wunderbar einlullend. Andy Taylor versteht Anekdoten zu erzählen und er weiß offenbar auch, was weibliche DD-Fans interessiert. Er plaudert frank und frei aus dem Nähkästchen, wobei er doch sichtlich bemüht ist, jeder Person trotz aller Kritik gerecht zu werden. Davon amüsierte mich insbesondere sein Hadern mit Bandkollegen Nick Rhodes. Es ist DAS wiederkehrende Thema im Buch! In Anbetracht dessen, was Taylor von seinen eigenen Verhaltensweisen reichlich preisgibt, kann ich darüber nicht mehr als schmunzeln.
Darüberhinaus berichtet er detailiert davon, was John Taylor entweder nur am Rande, rudimentär oder überhaupt nicht anschnitt, was ich jedoch sehr interessant fand. So zum Beispiel sein erstes Treffen mit den anderen der Band im Rum Runner, die Werbestrategie ihrer Plattenfirma, die Beziehungen der Musiker untereinander, köstliche Anekdoten von diversen Videodrehs, die Arbeit im Studio, die Anstrengungen des Tour-Daseins, die schwere Arbeit der Roadies, seinem Besuch im Weißen Haus, dem Empfang von Lady Di und und und ... Ja, aus dieser Autobiographie gehe ich gut informiert heraus, wenn auch natürlich stets mit dem Wissen, eine von fünf Sichtweisen gehört zu haben.
January 17, 2020
I became a Duranie after hearing "Hungry Like the Wolf" for the first time at a friend's birthday party. I was that typical teenage girl with posters of them plastered all over my bedroom walls - my world WAS Duran Duran. Please keep in mind that I came from a very small town, and was completely blind to the ways of the world, so I never in a million years even dreamed that my favourite band could do something as evil as....DRUGS - Heavens no!! They were bad boys just because they smoked! Anyway, with Andy's novel, I was quite pleased to read and see how open and honest he was about everything in his own history and that with the band. I had read John Taylor's novel just previous to this one, and in comparison I have to say I enjoyed Andy's just a little more. John's was good, Andy's was better. Andy tells the whole story of Duran Duran, and their rise and fall, as well as his own. It doesn't surprise me Andy and his wife Tracey are still together. The way he speaks of her in his book you know that it was destined to be true love for the two of them. I must admit that I got a kick out of Andy making fun of Nick Rhodes - there may have been some tension between those two, but they came together to make some unforgettable music. A definite must read for any Duranie. I'd LOVE for Simon Le Bon to write a biography and be as open and honest. How interesting would that be?
March 7, 2013
Having read John Taylor's autobiography just before Christmas and found it decidedly scandal-less, I knew this would be the book to dish the dirt, and it certainly did! By the end I had the distinct impression Nick Rhodes is a control freak and a huge pain to work with, and I wonder how the band members get on now, without Andy to stir things up again.
I learned many new things, including Andy's sad home life as a child, and his and his wife's horrific bouts of mental illness. It's amazing he survived, what with the drugs, the booze and the fights. And to maintain a strong marriage and have four kids while on the road is quite a feat.
My only beef with this book is that it isn't written chronologically, so it's a bit confusing having read about something and then finding the next chapter is about something which happened before that. Nonetheless, it's definitely in Andy's voice - complete with typical Geordie colourful language - and he tells it like it is, even if it paints him as a pain in the ass.
Now I think I'd like Nick to write his story. He strikes me as the most enigmatic of the five and I'd love to get an insight into his mind.
I learned many new things, including Andy's sad home life as a child, and his and his wife's horrific bouts of mental illness. It's amazing he survived, what with the drugs, the booze and the fights. And to maintain a strong marriage and have four kids while on the road is quite a feat.
My only beef with this book is that it isn't written chronologically, so it's a bit confusing having read about something and then finding the next chapter is about something which happened before that. Nonetheless, it's definitely in Andy's voice - complete with typical Geordie colourful language - and he tells it like it is, even if it paints him as a pain in the ass.
Now I think I'd like Nick to write his story. He strikes me as the most enigmatic of the five and I'd love to get an insight into his mind.
December 16, 2011
I wish all bios could be as much fun! I love to read and have read quite a few good books in recent and not-so-recent years, but this one takes the cake. I've been a card-carrying Duran Duran fan for 30 years and looked forward to hearing, in Andy's own words, his story and why he is no longer with the band (again.) A few years ago, I'd read Notorious by Steve Malins, but that story, while still very good, was told by an outsider. Getting the story from an actual band member's point of view...PRICELESS! As I read, I could damn near hear Andy telling this story as if we were sittin' together, havin' some drinks and just chattin', lol. Quite a bit of it made me laugh out loud. I also cried when he spoke of his father's passing. I don't wanna give too much away, so I'll just end my review with this... I sincerely wish all books could be this enjoyable. I'm gonna hafta give it a 2nd read at some point. Yes, (to me) it was that much fun! Thank you, Andy! Thank you for sharing your story. Thank you for the great music. Thank you for being you. Thank you!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2013
Andy always struck me as the down to planet earth Duran2 member, and this book just reinforces my suspicions. I really enjoyed the story of his life before D2 and find his conversational sotrytelling style charming. Must read for D2 lovers. My husband read it (he is often stranded without a book and reads what is on the account on his phone). I was shocked, but more shocked at his response: he was furious on Andy's behalf!
February 11, 2023
What a surprise! I was riveted from the first page. Andy takes us through his life growing up in Newcastle, UK, through his journey in Duran Duran, and after. An intimate, balanced and down-to-earth recount. Highly recommended.
June 5, 2009
I would've given this book more stars if it was possible. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and shall read it again soon!
January 14, 2009
I never wanted this book to end.
September 8, 2017
really enjoyed Andy's story - the good the bad & the ugly - of his time with Duran Duran.
January 9, 2020
I read John Tayler’s memoir and he said he couldn’t remember anything so we should read Andy’s for more info...so I did.
October 9, 2019
Throughout reading this I kept thinking what it was lacking.
And then I got it, it lacks personality.
I felt Andy's writing wasn't flowing, it was repetitive. Once we got to the parts about him leaving and his own band, it finally felt like he was talking about something personal, like up until then Duran Duran was just a facade for him or something.
A certain view point, an angle if you will, was definitely chosen before starting the writing process and it wasn't diverted from at all.
I like Andy and I get what he was telling. I've been kind of rooting for him because I've kinda sided with him over the years.
Although it was made clear there aren't any sides.
Right, this is his book and he is entitled to his point and view and it all.
It was sad in a way, to see he was kind of an outsider...
And then I got it, it lacks personality.
I felt Andy's writing wasn't flowing, it was repetitive. Once we got to the parts about him leaving and his own band, it finally felt like he was talking about something personal, like up until then Duran Duran was just a facade for him or something.
A certain view point, an angle if you will, was definitely chosen before starting the writing process and it wasn't diverted from at all.
I like Andy and I get what he was telling. I've been kind of rooting for him because I've kinda sided with him over the years.
Although it was made clear there aren't any sides.
Right, this is his book and he is entitled to his point and view and it all.
It was sad in a way, to see he was kind of an outsider...
February 1, 2025
I saw my first Duran Duran video in the early '80s, and that was it, I was hooked. I was a superfan and a failed recruiter for my new-found obsession, but one getting no respect, no pay, and no takers. I would not shut up about them. It's low-key embarrassing now the way I went on, but I thought they were the best thing in the world, ever. It started when I was 12 or so; I didn't have a lot to compare it to.
I would've turned into a shrieking wreck if I'd seen them in concert in the '80s, but I had to settle for waiting until around 2005 to catch them live, which I did for nostalgia's sake. I actually got to meet the band and get a picture, but it wasn't earth-shattering. If I could've gifted that experience to myself 20 years earlier, someone would've had to shoot me to calm me down. And I would've gladly taken a bullet if it got me a front-row ticket to The Fab Five.
So of course I wanted to read a book by their guitarist, Andy Taylor, or anyone in the band, really (I have bassist John Taylor's book, too, waiting patiently for a go). Andy was always the band member who seemed to least fit into the group in my mind, and I guess that was true because these days the other four are carrying on without him.
Wild Boy: My Life in Duran Duran came out in 2008, which just goes to show how much my lust for all things Duran has cooled over the decades. Had it come out in 1988, I would've been hovering outside the bookstore when they opened on the first day. Had it dropped in 1984, I would've camped outside overnight (in theory; no way my parents would've let me). I would've been alone on the pavement if I had, 'cause as big as this band was at the time, it seemed like everyone I knew in the small Southern town we'd recently moved to thought my fandom was silly. I was lonely in my nightmare, so to speak.
But as time cools all jets, I didn't pick up a copy until 2020. And I can tell you with confidence that if you are not now and never were a fan of Duran Duran, you can give it a pass. But if you were a kid in the '80s who acted like a damn fool over this band, you'll find it mildly interesting. If you bought insipid teen mags back in the day because the bouncing baby Brits were on the cover, only to discover the interview inside offered nothing more scintillating than their favorite colors, then I think you'll get a little more bang for your buck with Wild Boy.
The simple yet at times slightly stilted writing makes for an uncomplicated read. It was interesting to finally get an explanation of why various members left and returned over the years, why Roger left for a while, and why Andy finally legged it himself, never to return (as yet). Although the details on that last one involved a bit of this and that, and misunderstandings, and ... well, I couldn't explain the exact reasons for the breakup if I tried. Read the book, and you'll understand for the brief time you can hang onto all the muddle.
Reading about Andy's childhood was rather interesting, from the experience of his mother leaving the family, to what it was like in a working-class home in England of the 1960s (spoiler alert: they had an outhouse). I also enjoyed getting the scoop on how he started in music and how he wound up joining Duran Duran.
However, all in all Andy doesn't come off as the nicest chap in the world, if you're paying close attention – you'll notice times he downplays or fails to elaborate on details that may have revealed he wasn't always the greatest guy.
In fact, from how Andy tells it, you get the idea most of the guys had serious asshole tendencies (expect for Roger, who remains nearly as elusive in this book as he has throughout his career). Of course, that picture is painted from Andy's remembrances, and given he left the band and felt screwed over or hurt about a few things from the start, it's hard to say how accurate that portrayal is (though I could easily believe these guys weren't a bunch of perfect sweethearts). It's interesting, as a formerly obsessed fan, to pore over it all either way.
I would've turned into a shrieking wreck if I'd seen them in concert in the '80s, but I had to settle for waiting until around 2005 to catch them live, which I did for nostalgia's sake. I actually got to meet the band and get a picture, but it wasn't earth-shattering. If I could've gifted that experience to myself 20 years earlier, someone would've had to shoot me to calm me down. And I would've gladly taken a bullet if it got me a front-row ticket to The Fab Five.
So of course I wanted to read a book by their guitarist, Andy Taylor, or anyone in the band, really (I have bassist John Taylor's book, too, waiting patiently for a go). Andy was always the band member who seemed to least fit into the group in my mind, and I guess that was true because these days the other four are carrying on without him.
Wild Boy: My Life in Duran Duran came out in 2008, which just goes to show how much my lust for all things Duran has cooled over the decades. Had it come out in 1988, I would've been hovering outside the bookstore when they opened on the first day. Had it dropped in 1984, I would've camped outside overnight (in theory; no way my parents would've let me). I would've been alone on the pavement if I had, 'cause as big as this band was at the time, it seemed like everyone I knew in the small Southern town we'd recently moved to thought my fandom was silly. I was lonely in my nightmare, so to speak.
But as time cools all jets, I didn't pick up a copy until 2020. And I can tell you with confidence that if you are not now and never were a fan of Duran Duran, you can give it a pass. But if you were a kid in the '80s who acted like a damn fool over this band, you'll find it mildly interesting. If you bought insipid teen mags back in the day because the bouncing baby Brits were on the cover, only to discover the interview inside offered nothing more scintillating than their favorite colors, then I think you'll get a little more bang for your buck with Wild Boy.
The simple yet at times slightly stilted writing makes for an uncomplicated read. It was interesting to finally get an explanation of why various members left and returned over the years, why Roger left for a while, and why Andy finally legged it himself, never to return (as yet). Although the details on that last one involved a bit of this and that, and misunderstandings, and ... well, I couldn't explain the exact reasons for the breakup if I tried. Read the book, and you'll understand for the brief time you can hang onto all the muddle.
Reading about Andy's childhood was rather interesting, from the experience of his mother leaving the family, to what it was like in a working-class home in England of the 1960s (spoiler alert: they had an outhouse). I also enjoyed getting the scoop on how he started in music and how he wound up joining Duran Duran.
However, all in all Andy doesn't come off as the nicest chap in the world, if you're paying close attention – you'll notice times he downplays or fails to elaborate on details that may have revealed he wasn't always the greatest guy.
In fact, from how Andy tells it, you get the idea most of the guys had serious asshole tendencies (expect for Roger, who remains nearly as elusive in this book as he has throughout his career). Of course, that picture is painted from Andy's remembrances, and given he left the band and felt screwed over or hurt about a few things from the start, it's hard to say how accurate that portrayal is (though I could easily believe these guys weren't a bunch of perfect sweethearts). It's interesting, as a formerly obsessed fan, to pore over it all either way.
December 21, 2008
Duran Duran was my favorite band in my boyhood. They got famous around 1981-82, when I was about 10 years old. At that time in my school there were 3 pop bands you could choose from, and you generally chose just one of them: Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, Culture Club. I always thought Spandau were naff, to use a good british term. Culture Club were naff with some catchy tunes. But Duran Duran were awesome, to my 10-11 year old mind. They kind of rocked - in a pop way - and they were a bit arty. They dressed cool, they looked cool, and heck they sounded cool to my young ears. Their videos were of course fantastic and the album cover for Rio is one of the best ever, by any band. They had brilliant tunes: Rio, Girls on Film, The Reflex, Blue Moon on Monday, View to a kill, etc. I used to make top 10 lists for music back then, not to dissimilar I guess to the top 10s I write for ReadWriteWeb nowadays! Anyway Duran Duran were always sitting at number 1 or nearby on my music charts, I think they even got number 1 for the entire year once or twice.
I do recall when I was about 11 having some friendly rivalry with Spandau fans, who hated DD. I had the approval though of a U2 fan, who didn't really like any of the 3 pop bands mentioned above - but he thought DD were the least lame, compared to U2 (remembering that this was U2's serious political preening period, with Boy and War albums).
So Andy Taylor's book. It was a great read, very interesting for me considering I was such a big fan back in my teenybopper days. I was quite surprised to learn that the band was pretty much dysfunctional after about 1983-4, when Andy fell out with Nick and Simon, John Taylor had his troubles with drugs and too many girlfriends(!!), Roger Taylor quit, then Andy quit. The band got back together in the 00's and had a couple of periods of successful touring - made a load of money etc. But they released a couple of bad albums too.
Duran Duran will always be the quintessential early 80s pop band for me, and I was never really interested in them after about 1985 - when a) I'd grown up and moved onto INXS etc and later Guns n'Rose; and b) Duran Duran had imploded.
Good memories, good book.
I do recall when I was about 11 having some friendly rivalry with Spandau fans, who hated DD. I had the approval though of a U2 fan, who didn't really like any of the 3 pop bands mentioned above - but he thought DD were the least lame, compared to U2 (remembering that this was U2's serious political preening period, with Boy and War albums).
So Andy Taylor's book. It was a great read, very interesting for me considering I was such a big fan back in my teenybopper days. I was quite surprised to learn that the band was pretty much dysfunctional after about 1983-4, when Andy fell out with Nick and Simon, John Taylor had his troubles with drugs and too many girlfriends(!!), Roger Taylor quit, then Andy quit. The band got back together in the 00's and had a couple of periods of successful touring - made a load of money etc. But they released a couple of bad albums too.
Duran Duran will always be the quintessential early 80s pop band for me, and I was never really interested in them after about 1985 - when a) I'd grown up and moved onto INXS etc and later Guns n'Rose; and b) Duran Duran had imploded.
Good memories, good book.
January 9, 2009
Ugh. Andy Taylor cry me a river. Seriously, this is such a book filled with Andy taking hardly any responsibility for any part he played in any upset in Duran Duran. It was mostly Nick's fault. Or it was Simon, or it was management, or "fill in the blank". And I'm sorry, I'm all for having cocktails, but it's almost like I could hear Andy laugh about his escapades with drink and making it seem like his drinking was as common and ok as brushing your teeth. He shares stories of John Taylor drinking & drugging as much as he was. At one point he comments that John couldn't remember really anything that happened back in the day because he was so bombed. Well, it certainly sounded as though Andy himself was right there along with him (sometimes not physically, but at least in terms of quantity of intake) so how are we to believe that he actually remembers with full accuracy what went on? I would say that perhaps his recollections are a bit foggy with all the drink & drugs that perhaps are associated with those memories. Look, there were 5 members of Duran Duran. I would certainly expect that all 5 members were a part of the downfall in the mid 80's. Granted in saying all this it is true that I was never a fan of Andy's to begin with back in the day. When he left a second time (because I still don't buy all the "management didn't have my papers in order to come back to the states" b.s. . If management were to take care of all paperwork for the bandmembers, then there's not really any logical reason to think that Andy's would be "overlooked" by them) I was not crushed to see him go yet again as much as I do have to admit as a fan it was great to see them as a full band again. I just don't buy Andy's "woe is me" attempt with this book. With this book I can see more why there is litigation between the band & Andy.
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