In the Pleasure Groove: Love, Death, and Duran Duran by Nigel John Taylor

Oct 17, 2012 Ben Winch rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Rock music books are my escapism, about the only books I can read profitably on the bus, and this ghostwritten autobiography of androgynous chick-magnet bassist John Taylor is a near-perfect example of the form. Judging from this, Taylor is a straight-up dude, a kind of prettier Duff McKagan, who just wants to rock, get high and meet girls, with an occasional interlude for a mild nervous breakdown or a stint reading books in the suburbs and playing house before, inevitably, the road calls to him...more Rock music books are my escapism, about the only books I can read profitably on the bus, and this ghostwritten autobiography of androgynous chick-magnet bassist John Taylor is a near-perfect example of the form. Judging from this, Taylor is a straight-up dude, a kind of prettier Duff McKagan, who just wants to rock, get high and meet girls, with an occasional interlude for a mild nervous breakdown or a stint reading books in the suburbs and playing house before, inevitably, the road calls to him and female screams lift the roof off in Rio, in Rome, in Sydney, in Birmingham. Birmingham? That's right: the boys from Duran came straight out of England's second city with a bullet, and Taylor's loving recreation of the scene and town that spawned them contradicts totally any other stories you may have heard about that post-industrial blight on the Midlands, currently (or at least until they started setting up for the Olympics) the site of the worst traffic and most constant rebuilding in England. (Curiously, tourist information routinely announces it has 'more canals than Venice' too, if that means anything to you.) Still, Taylor's writing this, we must presume, from his pad in L.A., sucking down a non-alcoholic beverage by the pool as he reflects back over the impenetrable wall of his time in rehab to those heady days when he first shook off his glasses, his given name (Nigel) and his reputation as a bookish nerd and strapped on a Big Muff-enhanced electric guitar for some school dance or other where the babes suddenly noticed him and the older kids invited him to get high at decadent late 70s nightclubs with names like Barbarella's and The Rum Runner. All pretty f**king interesting, I have to say, and to this day if I hear 'Girls on Film' (worked up by Taylor and his younger school buddy Nick Rhodes before Duran got together and submitted in demo form by Taylor for his first year's art school assessment) I can't help but think back wistfully myself, to that video for the 12-inch 'Night Mix' which would always be on MTV at about four in the morning and which basically (along with my Marilyn-as-ballerina poster) ushered me into puberty, the women sleek and tottering from 5-inch stilettos into blow-up wading pools or grinding groin-first along a pole covered with shaving foam while John, red-haired with fringe in face and headband, grooved asymmetrically in the spotlight and spotty Northumberland guitar-whiz Andy Taylor (no relation) spat metallised Joy Division-esque trills and riffage over the endless-seeming fade in a shadowy corner. How much better, I used to think, if I'd been John Taylor, high on charlie and newly-initiated to the big league with maybe even a chance of scoring with one of those babes, instead of back in Balhannah, South Australia, about an hour from Adelaide on winding roads by car or f**k knows how long by public transport, and wondering how I'd ever cope with the three years of high school I'd have to endure before I too could be a rockstar. My Duran phase didn't last long, granted, and it came kind of late. From memory, one year my dad gave me a stereo for my birthday, along with three tapes: the Blues Brothers' Briefcase Full of Blues (I loved it), Elton John's Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (I hated it), and the VHS video of the making of Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' film-clip (it perplexed me: did Dad really think I'd like this stuff?). (He told me the salesgirl had suggested it.) Next I bought a few of my own: ZZ Top's 'Velcro Fly' (a letdown after seeing 'Legs' on TV), Madonna's True Blue (good in places) and Bon Jovi's Slippery When Wet (kickass), among others, and then somehow I had a breakthrough... One thing helped: after seeing me poring over Bon Jovi videos, Dad decided if I liked these guys in make-up maybe I'd like David Bowie, and next thing he's got me this pirated VHS copy of the 1973 Ziggy Stardust concert from one of his friends, and it's a revelation. Wow – so guys can do this and get away with it! More, be idolised for it! Not only that, but the young Bowie is skinnier even than me, pasty white, and still the girls are screaming at him, some of them fainting in their ecstasies! But – much as I think he's aged well – I had to admit Bowie was kind of ugly. Disturbing. Too skinny. Not quite a role model... And next year, confusion: I recall writing 'REMAIN IN LIGHT' in marker-pen in pride of place on my rucksack, yet also listening to Duran's Arena (the live album). (I'd discovered a secondhand record shop – Ray's Records – in Adelaide, and was no longer wedded to the current charts.) Hell, I even wrote 'no teenyboppers' next to 'Duran Duran' on my bag – and another kid at school criticised me for that. But after reading John Taylor's book I think I did right: Taylor ain't no teenybopper, and he and the whole band fought – at least inwardly – the perception of their music as pap for teenyboppers. They were a tight band – it's why Arena grabbed me. And John was a big force behind that album – the only band member who weighed in at the mixing sessions (he was there, he said, to make sure the bass was loud enough), and possibly the most passionate live player in the group, the one who couldn't give it up even when the money was made and the others just wanted to lounge around at beach resorts and get married. Not that Taylor complains about any of this – it's what makes him a dude. I mean, hell, I know this has been edited, and maybe in an earlier draft he let slip a couple of digs, but to his credit there is not one diss in this book, and he treats even his own mistakes with forgiveness and light humour. And you know what else? Unlike Bowie, he really was a role model. The guy was the only sex symbol I knew of who had my physique! I can't tell you how mindblowing that was after 10 years of provincial South Australian sports-and-or-tough-guy-obsessed schoolmates. He was (as one of my so-called friends might have said of me) a 'skinny runt', though 6 foot tall and handsome as f**k, and of all the guys in this overdressed band he was the only one who consistently looked cool. And he could play! A post-punk bass hero! Of course in a few months I'd discover Joy Division, and transfer my hero worship to The Cure's tougher-looking skinny runt bassist Simon Gallup, but little did I realise John loved those groups too – he and Nick Rhodes had good taste, no matter how Simon Le Bon (a lovely guy, in John's estimation) tended to over-sell his thin, grating voice and slightly-too-fey lyrics, or EMI to market them as bubblegum. Their first two albums were produced by Scott Thurston, man! (Thurston engineered Iggy Pop's Berlin albums and played shit-hot lead guitar on Iggy's New Values and the Lust For Life tour.) They worked with Nile Rogers from Chic. (He loved them.) And when Duran broke up cos Taylor liked the sun of L.A. better than the rain of Ol' Blighty and was sick of leaving his American wife to go on tour, he hooked up with Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols and Duff and Slash from Guns 'n' Roses (none of whom you could call soft or too pop or faggy) and played as an equal member in their party band, usually starting the set with a version of Duran's 'Planet Earth'. I mean, I actually love this guy. If I met him I'd shake his hand and say 'Thanks, man! You gave colour to my youth in homophobic monotone outer suburbia. You showed me there's another way to be a man. Rock on, Mr John Taylor. You are a legend.' Now if only I hadn't thrown out my copy of Arena when I discovered the Jesus and Mary Chain – I could use a listen to 'New Religion' right about now, though I barely remember it. Except that the bassline kicks ass. Bravo. A light read but an inspiring one.

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Sep 30, 2012 Melissa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

Yes, I was a Duranie in the 80's, 90's and even more so now. Yes, John Taylor is my favorite. I used to tell people I wouldn't get married unless I could marry John. Ah, youth!!

I knew John had substance abuse issues. I knew the band exploded worldwide and then imploded. I knew there were reunions and break ups. I didn't really expect any great revelations in this book and there aren't any but the book has is an honest account of the rise and the toll it took on him. He doesn't dish dirt about a...more

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Sep 21, 2012 Christie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: biographies, personal-classics, popular-culture, music-movies, non-fiction

I am a long time fan of the group, as well as John himself. I think he was quite honest about almost every aspect of his life, and then some. It could not have been easy to revisit some of those painful bits at all, but he did so with honesty and a sense of humour about it all. The part where he discovers that girls actually think he's good looking and attractive just tickled me. The beginnings of his relationship with Nick, the band, and how it took more than a couple of years to get it just ri...more

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Sep 30, 2012 Amanda rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have finally finished the book. I actually finished this late Sunday night but thought a few days before writing a review would be good.

I have a bias towards John , there I got that out-of-the-way but I absolutely loved this book.

John always conveyed his thoughts intelligently when he wrote for his website Trust the Process and those of us that were living on there at the time of his departure from Duran Duran and intervening solo years always knew that any book he chose to pen would be superb...more I have finally finished the book. I actually finished this late Sunday night but thought a few days before writing a review would be good.

I have a bias towards John , there I got that out-of-the-way but I absolutely loved this book.

John always conveyed his thoughts intelligently when he wrote for his website Trust the Process and those of us that were living on there at the time of his departure from Duran Duran and intervening solo years always knew that any book he chose to pen would be superb.

I won't detail too much what is in the book but I will deal with John's parents whom I had the pleasure of meeting many years ago. I did understand that John's father had been a prisoner of war but for John to mention it and to detail it and the effects it had on his father as he aged was very profound and very upsetting to me. Talking about his father's final years I found very moving indeed but John dealt with it so well. Same with his mother's passing. All very sad but dealt with gracefully if that is the right word.

John deals with his drinking and drug problems. Yes I refused to believe it back in the 1980s but I was a teenager and sheltered from this kind of thing so it wasn't obvious to me and lets face it, what Duranie didn't protect her band to the utmost. Now on reflection it's there to see. John did recover though and I will say this about him, he never bangs on about it like some celebrities. He mentions it now and again but he's not into waving the flag and preaching about it. It's what I like about him and his recovery, he doesn't go on and on, I appreciate the way he deals with it and applies it in his everyday life.

The book is an homage to Birmingham and his growing up. All very nostalgic and I loved his own personal experience of being a fan, that made me smile, time comes and goes but being a fan does not change, except we have mobile phones, internet and twitter now!!!

If you love the music of the 70s and 80s and want to hear the story of a real 80s star then this is the book for you.
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May 03, 2013 Cherrish rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have been a Duranie since the 80s when I first heard of Duran Duran when I was in Jr. High School. I was so excited when I heard that John Taylor had written a Memoir. So you could guess my more excitement when I received the book as a birthday present! So on New Year's Day I dove into "The Pleasure Groove: Love, Death and Duran Duran".

As I started to read pages, they soon turned into chapters with in seconds. John Taylor takes us into parts of his private life and allows us to see him grow up...more I have been a Duranie since the 80s when I first heard of Duran Duran when I was in Jr. High School. I was so excited when I heard that John Taylor had written a Memoir. So you could guess my more excitement when I received the book as a birthday present! So on New Year's Day I dove into "The Pleasure Groove: Love, Death and Duran Duran".

As I started to read pages, they soon turned into chapters with in seconds. John Taylor takes us into parts of his private life and allows us to see him grow up as an only child, facing the challenges of school and how he came about forming Duran Duran up until his life today. I knew he had be a drug addict but not to the extent he talked about. I also did not know that he and Nick were not on speaking terms for a long time. Love his explaining of the first time he met Simon and had no clue that it was Andy Taylor that gave Simon the nickname "Charlie". Speaking of Andy Taylor, he speaks very well of him and how close they were, but briefly and I mean briefly of why they are not speaking today. As much of an Andy fan that I am, I am glad he left that out of the book. There are some things that just still need to be private. Although I do hope they work out their differences and being speaking again.

It was a fabulous and enjoyable read. I could not put the book down. Ending my review on a very funny part of the book that had me rolling. John talks about how he is at a press conference for the reunion tour in Atlanta. He says he had a cold and was sniffling into a series of tissues, absentmindedly throwing them into a wastepaper bin under the table. The next time he was in the city, the girl called out to him at another public appearance that she got his cold. He wondered what was she talking about. She told him, "After you left the press conference last year I stole your used tissues. I wanted to get your cold". I was rolling with laughter, because to me that was WAY extreme for a Duranie!! I love Duran Duran, but if they have a cold, I'll just let them keep that...lol. Thanks for the great laughs and wonderful book, John Taylor!!(less)

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Jan 25, 2013 Laurel rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: memoir

That's right, folks. Duran Duran. And I'm only mildly embarrassed to admit I read/listened to it. :)

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Dec 28, 2012 Shawn rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Surprise! I really liked this book. My expectations were low, and I even laughed at myself for wanting to read it. It wasn't easy for me to get used to John's voice (by his own admission, not comfortable with words in general but clearly quite comfortable switching tenses, moods, and leaving pronouns unmodified), but once the story's momentum kicked in, I didn't notice the writing much.

I was a Durannie; I think that's probably a prerequisite for liking this book. It fascinated me to read about t...more

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Oct 27, 2012 Wendy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Great book in counterpoint with Andy Taylor's book. From shy, only child to rock star golden god in only 3 years! In what became a blind haze of touring (and touring and touring), drink, drugs and fame in John Taylor's experience, Duran Duran became one of the biggest bands in the world! As a grown-up Duranie, it is easy to see why this man became the one the girls screamed for the most! I was a Roger fan...never saw enough of him in videos...that is and was my complaint! LOL
This is the story of...more

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Sep 28, 2012 j_ay rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: biography

While this is obvious geared more toward the once-teenie bopper fans, some of us simply respected the song writing and the bass playing. So on that front I would have liked _alot_ more talk about bass choices and gear and more behind he scenes in-the-studio talk.
Hell, a second Power Station album wasn’t even mentioned.

Speaking of “hell”, there are far too many “God” mentions. And from a guy that says he didn’t have much ‘faith’ in that and created his own idea of (a) “god” (which always brings...more

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Oct 06, 2012 Tammy AZ rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

As a longtime Duran Duran fan, (with John being my favorite!) I was very excited to get an advance copy of this book and it did not disappoint. If you are looking for a detailed, tell-all about the sexual depravity of the rock star/groupie life, this book is not for you. It starts as a coming of age autobiography, takes you through the heady days of super fame, and finishes in the present. Along the way you learn about the glam rock and punk scenes in England, the story of John's family, and wha...more

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Jan 03, 2013 Donald Lee rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Nah nah nana. Nah nah nana. The Reflex....flex...flex...flex...flex. My first concert was Duran Duran's Notorious Tour. Who knew John Taylor was such a coked up, sexed up, depressed mess? His memoir looks back on how he cofounded the essential boy band of the 80s to his hard-earned sobriety and renewed love for making music. A must for Duranies and a brilliant peek inside the life of a pop star's rise and fall and redemption. Save a Prayer til the morning after.

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Oct 01, 2012 Megan rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

As a die-hard Duran Duran fan for 30 years I'm sure that I am biased, and this book will not appeal to most people who aren't familiar with the band or their music. But I enjoyed this inside look into the mind of a musician; especially one who influenced my life so significantly. I found it to be very real and honest, without a lot of gratuitous name-dropping. I'm sure I will read it again.

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Mar 31, 2013 Tara rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Like many who have picked up this book, I am fan of Duran Duran. Even through the rough times, when their music seemed, to me, to be confused and reaching, I always considered them to be one of the most interesting and influential bands in my musical history. Sure, they were physically appealing, and yes, I was one of the many thousands of teens who had decided that John Taylor would be husband material, but eventually the charm gave way and we were left with what was really important: the music...more Like many who have picked up this book, I am fan of Duran Duran. Even through the rough times, when their music seemed, to me, to be confused and reaching, I always considered them to be one of the most interesting and influential bands in my musical history. Sure, they were physically appealing, and yes, I was one of the many thousands of teens who had decided that John Taylor would be husband material, but eventually the charm gave way and we were left with what was really important: the music.

This book was a one-day read for me. The reason for this is two-fold: first, Taylor isn't what you'd call a seasoned writer, and the stories he relates are short and to the point, so it was easy to read. Second, I was eager to have some of the mysteries surrounding the band's tumultuous timeline cleared up, so I went at it like a hungry savage. I was slightly disappointed that Taylor passed on divulging the full story to the reader. Sure, it would have been personal, but then, that's the reason many of us picked up the book. He does, however, give a fairly clear picture of his addictions and subsequent bad boy behaviour. It's just that none of that was a surprise, at least to me. Part of the reason I took him out the running for my future husband was because he started coming off like a troubled, pompous ass. At least he admitted it, though.

What I liked was that he didn't try to hide that he was messed up, and that the root of his problems seemed to be that he missed the stability of his life at home. Also, fame is just too much for most people, and when it comes calling, it rules with a heavy hand. Taylor talks a great deal about the music, which is great to an extent, but for me, too much emphasis on it made for a mildly bland read in some spots.

Overall, I enjoyed it. I am happy that he made it through and out onto the other side of fame, where the excess has lost its magic and where the truth seems to be winning. My favourite theme in this book is the friendship which continues to thrive between himself and his fellow band mates. That they've managed to keep it together all these years later, as friends and brothers, makes it easy to call myself an enduring fan.

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Jan 03, 2013 Schmacko rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

We all have our youthful music addictions; for each of us, this is a band or person or style that “changed the world.” One of my friends is a massive Beatles fan, and another cannot get enough of girl groups of the mid-60s. I was born later than they were…I’m from Iowa…surrounded by corn, rednecks, and dirt. It was the 1980s. The perfect blend of obscure cool, foreign swagger, blatant artiness, sexy women, fancy clothes, and slick music was Duran Duran.

(Apparently I wasn’t the only one. A younge...more

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Dec 24, 2012 Laura rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book isn't that well written. It's an excellent chronology of Taylor's career, and offers some insight into the founding of Duran Duran. He's very superficial with the issues he promises to address - you really don't know why the members of the band couldn't stand each other at various times. He is a little more forthcoming romantically, explaining why relationships didn't last. He doesn't really dwell on his family - he does say that his parents took their relationship secrets to the grave...more

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Dec 05, 2012 Zazzu rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-books

I felt leery about reading this as other books about my fave bad have failed to really hook me. The writing on this is a little thinnish at times, but hey it's a autobiography, NOT a biography and John is a musician, not a writer.

That said, I was curious to see into his mind a bit and fill in some of the holes of when he dropped off the radar for a bit. This book nicely did the trick, and I got a nice taste of how his mind works. His personality crops up in this book here and there, never quite...more

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Nov 27, 2012 Alicia rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I originally expected something a bit more tawdry from a memoir titled "In The Pleasure Groove." Especially from the hottest member of Duran Duran. And while it started a bit slow for me, it turned out to be a very sweet and honest account of his rise and fall and rise and fall with Duran Duran. While he is honest, the worst of it is often doled out in very small portions. But we get the picture -- he wasn't always nice to his parents, bandmates and friends. Addiction was present for a long time...more

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Nov 26, 2012 Rebekah rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: memoirs

I really should give this book two ratings. As a Duranie through and through and as JT being my fave, I have to give the book 5 stars. I got to hear all about Mr. Taylor and enjoyed reading about parts of his life for the past 25+ years. I also love how the book was set up. The super short chapters interspersed with photos worked well for me. It made a quick read, and worked well with needing to chase Little Ms. Lucy around. So, the John Taylor fan in me says his book rocks.

The memoir reader in...more

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Nov 08, 2012 Viviane Crystal rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

John Taylor covers a large span of music evolution in this autobiography of his life and that of Duran Duran, the rock group in which he still performs. It is that diverse, evolving story that speaks volumes for the success he has achieved. Yes, the audience may change, but the "real" audience has evolved with his talent and musical styles over the years.

Taylor knows how to grab an audience. Right from the beginning, the reader is charged from the opening account of a concert performance in whic...more John Taylor covers a large span of music evolution in this autobiography of his life and that of Duran Duran, the rock group in which he still performs. It is that diverse, evolving story that speaks volumes for the success he has achieved. Yes, the audience may change, but the "real" audience has evolved with his talent and musical styles over the years.

Taylor knows how to grab an audience. Right from the beginning, the reader is charged from the opening account of a concert performance in which the song "Tel Aviv" was played and Taylor confesses to being scared out of his mind at the almost animal atmosphere of the screaming, violent crowd. How does one play and what is it about the music that creates such a wild response to the group's music?

We are then led back even further to the very start of his life, through his education, interest in music at first without any thought about actually becoming a rock star, and more. The terrific part of this next section is that he chronicles how the music evolved from simple chord music on acoustic guitar through the time of the Beatles through to rock music...to punk rock...., etc. For those who are older, it will bring back some great memories; for those who are younger, it might make them curious to check out the "older" music.

Then comes the beginning Duran, Duran, playing as introductory music for other more famous singers and bands....then comes evolving success. Plenty of unknown and fascinating details follow about different and better instruments that were used, as well as how the other band members adapted, left, and joined, leading up to the present band members. There's a very riveting section on how drugs and booze almost blew the whole success chance out the window and a very painful part of how it broke him down. Fortunately, it didn't end there...

Absolutely great biography about a singer, composer, producer and band leader who clearly is "passionate" beyond belief about his art. Read it and enjoy the music you will hear and the interesting guy you will come to know so much better as you read!(less)

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Nov 08, 2012 Lee rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-read, memoir

JT's heavily hyped, recently released memoir. For die hard Durannies only. It's really not all that interesting because he doesn't really say anything. He briefly mentions his problems with drug addiction and successful recovery. While I wasn't expecting any sort of lurid confessional, he really never really delves any deeper than the surface. Andy Taylor's memoir Wild Boy was more interesting, a bit uneven but a lot more passionate, and actually full of memories. For the most part, "In the Plea...more

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Oct 31, 2012 Jenn rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012

While I don't think a non-fan would enjoy this book as much as I did, I think there is something to be said for the experience of someone who was completely and utterly ill-prepared for fame and it's trappings. Taylor is an intensely likable man who has come through his experiences on the other side with good humor and humility, something I don't think most people in his position would have done.

As someone who lived and breathed this band for more than a decade in my youth, there were so many w...more

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Oct 28, 2012 Marc Weitz rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

John Taylor sounds like a man apologizing for his life. As a Duran Duran fan, I had fun reading this, but I am not sure anyone else will appreciate this book. This book is mostly ghostwritten by Tom Sykes, who does a good job writing readable prose and telling a story. However, it's a cursory treatment of JT's life in Duran Duran. He exposes some of his ghosts such as his depression, problems with alcohol, and the emptiness of life as a rockstar, but a lot of it feels insincere. Like he's just t...more

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Oct 25, 2012 Tracy Blackburn rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I dunno - maybe I just know too much about JT already, but this book was pretty boring. He did mountains of coke, drank oceans of booze and screwed every chick in sight. He was lonely and fucked up. I think we all knew this, even as it was happening.

What I didn't find in this book were any revelations about his relationships with other people. Nothing but a few notes about his band members: he mentions that Roger Taylor is really nice, Simon Le Bon is a heart-on-his-sleeve guy and that Andy Tayl...more

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Feb 19, 2013 Suzanne rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: memoir, non-fiction

I admit it. I was a big Duranie in the early 80′s. In fact, Duran Duran changed my life (more on that later). So it’s no surprise that when I heard John Taylor (my personal favorite) had written an autobiography, I HAD to read it!

I really liked Taylor’s simple prose as he walked through his past, telling stories of his rise to superstardom and all the surprises and stumbling blocks in between. He is introspective, and extremely kind in his reflections of friends, business partners and fans. Whil...more I admit it. I was a big Duranie in the early 80′s. In fact, Duran Duran changed my life (more on that later). So it’s no surprise that when I heard John Taylor (my personal favorite) had written an autobiography, I HAD to read it!

I really liked Taylor’s simple prose as he walked through his past, telling stories of his rise to superstardom and all the surprises and stumbling blocks in between. He is introspective, and extremely kind in his reflections of friends, business partners and fans. While there was lots of hard work involved, Duran Duran’s seemingly overnight success seems to be a Cinderella story. Except, instead of a fairy godmother, they had EMI and MTV.

The summer of 1982 was an important transition for the band and for me. Duran Duran was an established pop success on the verge of making it to the big time. They were still playing small venues and I had the privilege of seeing them in concert three times that summer. I was spending part of the summer in New York City with a friend and we had caught them at The Pier in a double bill with Split Enz. My friend’s sister had an agent friend who happened to stop by the apartment later. He quizzed us about our fascination with Duran Duran. “Who’s your favorite band member?” He asked us. My friend told him of her admiration for Nick Rhodes. “Do you want to talk to him? I can get him on the phone for you,” he told her. While we really didn’t believe he could do this, it wasn’t long before he handed her the phone. SHE WAS TALKING TO NICK RHODES! As it turned out, they were playing the Peppermint Lounge and Nick Rhodes invited us to come to the show. Not only did we have the opportunity to see a great concert, but we were admitted backstage as well! I was amazed. Here we were, backstage, WITH DURAN DURAN, and I was just feet from my dream idol, JOHN TAYLOR! Needless to say, I was beyond shy and probably just stood there smiling the whole time.

As I read the book, I hoped Taylor would mention at least one of the concerts I had attended. And on page 190, there it was. A photo of Taylor of visiting with Robert Palmer backstage at the Peppermint Lounge. I had been there! In fact, I have a photo my friend took of Taylor’s fateful meeting with Palmer that night. (Later, Robert Palmer would be the front man to Taylor’s band Powerstation). As I said, I was shy. So, I watched and listened, and when it was time to go, a voice screamed inside my head that this was my only chance and I had better take it. I walked up to John Taylor, put my hand on his shoulder and said “I have to go now, I just wanted to say thanks for a great show and goodbye.” He said “thanks”, KISSED ME BRIEFLY ON THE LIPS and said goodbye. How did this change my life? For starters, up until now, this was the best thing that ever happened to me, and it made me realize that anything was possible. From that point on, I decided that I wanted to attend college in New York City, and I applied to NYU and was accepted. I also decided I wanted to join a band, which I also did. Somewhere between college and the band, I began working in the entertainment industry and I decided I preferred the behind the scenes work. But the point is, my whole life’s direction changed that summer. Who I am today, who I married and my children, would not have happened if not for my experiences with Duran Duran.

And like mine, John Taylor’s journey (albeit more exciting and drug-filled) has taken him to a good place. I enjoyed reading about his life so far, and I was tickled to have the trip down memory lane. I recommend this book for Duran Duran fans and for anyone interested in the life of a pop star. 3 1/2 stars!(less)

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Nov 29, 2012 Joshua rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2012

I wanted to quench a 1980s music thirst with this autobiography from Duran Duran bassist John Taylor. The first half of the book is the more interesting part to read as we get the foundation of the band and descriptions of their first few albums before Taylor, and the band, begin to wallow in all the excesses of that decade--drink, drugs and crappy music!

The first two Duran Duran records ["Duran Duran" and "Rio"] are essential to any fan of new wave/post punk/late '70s/early '80s music. After t...more

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Nov 03, 2012 Lisa/Bluestem Cafeohlai rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Most of this book is about the 80's and 90's portion of John Taylor's musical career. I am not sure if this was Taylor's decision or if it was an editorial direction that this book was steered. I don't think now - after having had listened to Taylor speak at a book-signing (promotional) event - that he would mean for this book to be primarily a celebration of his fame and of his name-dropping.

We as his fans certainly enjoy the references in his book to the music, the idols, the locations, the ve...more Most of this book is about the 80's and 90's portion of John Taylor's musical career. I am not sure if this was Taylor's decision or if it was an editorial direction that this book was steered. I don't think now - after having had listened to Taylor speak at a book-signing (promotional) event - that he would mean for this book to be primarily a celebration of his fame and of his name-dropping.

We as his fans certainly enjoy the references in his book to the music, the idols, the locations, the venues, the scene at that time. His retrospective on how success was sought, strategized and developed in the music industry relies a lot on anecdotes of the professional relationships and dreams of everyone involved. I think what we would have wanted to learn more about was the times and talk shared amongst the band members themselves. With Taylor as a founding member it would be deemable for him to reveal and relate the times he had with his band mates. Here they are like extras with names. I suppose this was for legal reasons; but this would have been a more powerful book if it showed more humor and less time in the past.

Of course I am not misunderstanding that the exciting and dazzling portion of this book would launch from how his fame (and that of the main band, Duran Duran) were reached. I think that as someone near to his age, I might have found this to be an even stronger delivery if he could dance and play in the present. It would seem that he has respect for his sobriety and for the recovery process(es) he undertook to get manageability in his life. He has arrived, so to speak, into a family groove now. In no way do I get the impression that he wants to talk about all that was so f*kd up in the first 20 or so years of his life during Duran Duran, and not celebrate or recognize the successful recovery he achieved. But for some reason, those memories and stories are what comprise much of what is discussed. Even though most of those stories are not tragic nor are they maudlin, there was just too much of "what was" and not enough about the transformation after all of that back there.

Perhaps a second book will come one day. I think John Taylor will still have a lot to tell us. (less)

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Oct 29, 2012 Anne Steiner rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

All and All "In The Pleasure Groove" was a pretty good read. I especially enjoyed the first half when Taylor was desscibing how Duran got together, and the energy of the music scene in the early 80's. I was struck by just how young they all really were.

Taylor dishes, but not by much. He keeps it gentlemanly when it comes to groupies, doing drugs and the rock and roll lifestyle. It is almost like he is keeping the reader at arms length and I think the book suffers because of it. One example I can...more

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Feb 20, 2013 Michelle rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

If you weren't completely obsessed by Duran Duran at some point between 1981 and 1985, I'm not sure anything in this book will appeal to you, but, then again, if you weren't a Duranie, I highly doubt you're debating a read of In the Pleasure Groove. It's doubtful John Taylor wrote this for anyone other than the once-obsessed anyway.

Those of you whose walls were covered with images of John, Nick, Simon, Roger, and Andy will get a kick out of hearing about John's early friendship with and descrip...more

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Mar 07, 2013 Kimberlie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012

John Taylor appropriately chose to write this book, his life story, in somewhat of a journal style, but with an interesting balance of self analysis and openness. For Duranies, you'll love reliving the 80s, the photos, and the important band events as John tells them. For fans of pop music and musicianship, you will be enthralled by John's story of being dedicated to the craft and playing with some of the industry's very best. But have no doubt, John lived a life of drinking and drugging for man...more

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Dec 30, 2012 Genevieve rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-books, guilty-pleasures

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. My former future husband finally comes clean...sort of.

As with many celebrity autobiographies, this is written for a target audience reading at third grade level, although once the fame kicks in, you can feel more of Taylor's authentic voice in the retelling of how a shy and lonely Catholic boy became a wild partying sex symbol in the world's biggest band of the '80s.

It's a decent recap of a mild then wild life, although I was wishing for more details. Taylor's drive and enthusiasm for music, a...more My former future husband finally comes clean...sort of.

As with many celebrity autobiographies, this is written for a target audience reading at third grade level, although once the fame kicks in, you can feel more of Taylor's authentic voice in the retelling of how a shy and lonely Catholic boy became a wild partying sex symbol in the world's biggest band of the '80s.

It's a decent recap of a mild then wild life, although I was wishing for more details. Taylor's drive and enthusiasm for music, and particularly about making Duran's Duran's early records, comes through quite well, and navigating the shock of wading through sudden superstardom (and creating relationships with fans camped outside your door 24/7) was entertaining. But there's surprisingly little said about his interpersonal relationships with his bandmates. I get that these are people with whom he is still good friends and bandmates, and he's not going to air ALL their dirty laundry, but c'mon! Throw us a bone! Most mystifying is the lack of detail about Nick Rhodes - we're told several times that these two have been best friends since their teens, but honestly, you'd never know it from this book. Simon appears to be John's closest friend in the band, with Andy the designated drug buddy, and the only target of (mostly veiled) criticism - I'm guessing Andy was a free target since he's written his own tell all, which is probably far juicier. Nick is a complete cypher.

The band's various side projects (Power Station and Arcadia), split with their original management team, and eventual fracture, are the most interesting. Taylor's view and motivations are strongest here, and the turmoil facing the band at the height of their popularity is palpable. But there's a sense that the real story is lurking just below the surface. I highly recommend watching "3 To Get Ready", a 1987 documentary of the reunited band (minus Roger and Andy) as they recorded Notorious and prepared for their Strange Behaviour tour. The documentary isn't actually about the split, but it doesn't hide the fresh wounds and challenges of a band trying to move forward, and there's no decades-long filter to pretty it up. It's a must-see for fans, available in 7 parts on youtube.

The book speeds up after the early-to-mid-'80s heyday. Warren Cuccurullo, a full member of the band for 14 years, is given extremely short shrift. Brief full bandmember Sterling Campbell gets some rare (mildly) harsh words, but we don't know why there was friction, other than his being young and from New York.

A lot is made of Taylor's addiction and recovery, which is fair - it's his story after all. This is told with humor and palpable gratitude. His continual struggle with sobriety comes through clearly, as does his devotion to his wife and family. I do wish these chapters had been given as much detail as the sections about DD's first world tour. The reunion is wrapped up in a pretty bow, and Andy Taylor's second departure is completely sidestepped with a line about "let's not call it musical differences - it was just DIFFERENCES!". Aaargh. Then some quick lip service to bringing on new guitarist (but not official member) Dom Brown, new record blah blah, god, blah blah, and then some touching chapters about the deaths of his parents. the end.

The book was a quick and enjoyable read, and totally validated my 13 year old choice of John as the object of my overblown teenage devotion. But I'm not sure that anyone who wasn't/isn't a complete Duran Duran fan will be impressed.

(less)

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