For many, the name Duran Duran conjures images of 80s glamour, synth-pop anthems, and heartthrob musicians. Among them, Duran Duran’s John Taylor often stood out, his striking looks gracing magazine covers and teenage bedroom walls. However, beneath the surface of fame and adoration lies a thoughtful and articulate individual, a man whose journey extends far beyond the stage and spotlights. This exploration delves into the insightful world of Duran Duran’s John Taylor, drawing from a candid conversation that reveals a depth and complexity often missed by the casual observer. Prepare to discover a John Taylor who is not just a rock icon, but also a man of introspection, resilience, and profound understanding of life’s intricate dance.
Unveiling “In The Pleasure Groove”: A Memoir of Memories and Reflections
Writing a memoir is no small feat, a journey into the labyrinth of personal history, demanding both introspection and meticulous recall. John Taylor, the bassist of Duran Duran, embarked on this challenging yet rewarding endeavor with his autobiography, “In The Pleasure Groove.” He openly acknowledges the collaborative nature of the project, crediting writer Tom Sykes for his invaluable assistance. Taylor humbly admits that crafting the book was a far more extensive undertaking than he initially imagined, fostering a newfound respect for the authorial craft. The process involved rigorous research and a collective effort, highlighting that even for a rock star, bringing a book to fruition requires a village of minds and hands.
The genesis of the book was serendipitous. Sykes initially approached Taylor’s wife, Gela Nash, with a proposal to chronicle the story of Juicy Couture. While that project didn’t materialize, it paved the way for Taylor to consider sharing his own narrative. The timing was opportune, coinciding with a period when many musicians were opening up and sharing their life stories. For Taylor, the book became more than just a personal account; it evolved into a tribute. He envisioned it as an homage to his parents, to the formative streets of his childhood, and to the city that nurtured him. Having lost both parents, the act of writing became a way to reconnect with his roots and preserve those cherished memories.
Furthermore, “In The Pleasure Groove” serves as a testament to Duran Duran itself. Taylor humorously notes that band conversations often devolve into memory tests, prompting him to document their shared history before recollections faded further. While writing, he even discovered minor discrepancies in his own timeline, underscoring the fallibility of memory and the importance of capturing these moments in time. Despite the challenges, Taylor expresses immense satisfaction in having written the book, a journey of self-discovery and historical preservation that he is profoundly glad to have undertaken. Looking ahead, he muses about the possibility of a second book, contemplating delving deeper into the themes already explored, rather than venturing into entirely new territories. This suggests a desire for continued introspection and a commitment to understanding the layers of his own life and experiences.
The Sober Path: From Blame to Responsibility and Daily Renewal
Beyond the glitz and glamour of rock stardom, John Taylor has navigated a deeply personal and transformative journey: his path to sobriety. With over two decades of sobriety under his belt, he speaks candidly about the ongoing nature of recovery, emphasizing that it’s not a destination but a continuous, daily commitment. He highlights a crucial insight shared early in his recovery: “What keeps you sober today may not necessarily keep you sober tomorrow.” This underscores the ever-present need for vigilance and proactive engagement with sobriety.
Taylor eloquently describes the challenges faced in sobriety, noting the myriad of issues that arise – issues that, in his pre-sober days, would have been readily addressed with alcohol. However, sobriety necessitates confronting these issues head-on, subjecting them to intense scrutiny, breaking them down, and ultimately discarding destructive patterns. While acknowledging that there are periods of relative ease in recovery, he emphasizes that inevitably, significant challenges emerge, often deeply personal issues related to family, work, or self-esteem. These are the moments that demand unwavering commitment to sobriety, as there are no external fixes to internal struggles.
A cornerstone of Taylor’s recovery, and of the 12-Step program he embraces, is the crucial shift from blame to personal responsibility. He recounts a common tendency among those struggling with addiction: directing blame outwards – at parents, partners, or circumstances. However, the 12-Step approach encourages introspection and self-accountability. Taylor recalls being challenged on his own blame-shifting narratives, such as blaming his parents or his pop star status for his struggles. The program’s core message resonated deeply: the problem lies within, independent of external factors. Whether it’s attributed to a “genetic difference” or predisposition, the emphasis is on taking ownership of one’s addiction.
This concept of a genetic predisposition proved particularly impactful for Taylor, especially given his past filled with “blame and resentment.” By his late twenties, feeling “washed up” despite his early success, he was consumed by guilt, shame, and resentment, often projecting blame onto those closest to him. The 12-Step program offered a paradigm shift, urging him to look inward, to confront the root of his struggles. While acknowledging the ongoing debate about definitive scientific proof of a genetic alcoholism, Taylor emphasizes the profound value of this idea. It empowers individuals to move beyond blame and embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing. He contrasts this approach with those outside of recovery programs, who often remain trapped in cycles of blame and external attribution. The 12-Step program, in Taylor’s view, provides a powerful framework for breaking free from these cycles and embracing personal responsibility as the foundation for lasting sobriety.
From Home Bedroom to Global Stage: Navigating Early Fame
John Taylor’s ascent to fame with Duran Duran was nothing short of meteoric, a whirlwind of experiences that transformed his life in a remarkably short span. He reflects on his early life as a “happy, well-adjusted kid,” suggesting that his inherent personality wasn’t necessarily predisposed to the excesses that fame later amplified. However, the demands of his burgeoning career thrust him into a world that required him to embody a persona larger than life. Within a mere twelve months, he transitioned from a teenager in his childhood home to a global pop star, a partner in a high-stakes enterprise.
The changes were rapid and profound. As an only child, he suddenly found himself amidst “four brothers” in the band, navigating group dynamics and shared ambitions. Having never left home, he was abruptly thrust into international travel, grappling with time zone shifts, cultural immersion, and the relentless demands of touring. He moved from his parents’ house to London, a significant geographical and emotional shift. One of the most striking revelations from his memoir research was the realization that even after Duran Duran’s global breakthrough with the “Rio” album, he was still living in his childhood bedroom, a small space in his parents’ home. This juxtaposition – global fame and domestic normalcy – highlights the surreal nature of his early experiences.
Returning home after tours in America and Japan, and major Christmas tours in Britain, the novelty of the “pop star son” quickly wore off. Simple domestic disputes, like arguing with his father over television choices, served as a stark reminder of the disconnect between his global persona and his unchanged home life. This realization prompted him to recognize the need for personal space and independence, marking a turning point in his transition to adulthood. The initial year of fame was a period of intense personal and professional upheaval, marked by romances, heightened emotions, and a constant barrage of new experiences. The formation of Duran Duran itself was remarkably rapid; meeting Simon Le Bon in June 1980, followed by immediate songwriting and a record deal within months, culminated in their first album release in January 1981. Within six months of meeting Le Bon, Taylor was thrust into the whirlwind of global stardom.
This rapid ascent, while exhilarating, presented significant challenges. Taylor acknowledges that alcohol and drugs became powerful forces in his life, stronger than his ability to manage them at the time. He struggled to understand his bandmates’ capacity for moderation, observing their ability to have a single drink and retire for the night, while he increasingly found himself spiraling into late-night excesses, often returning to the hotel as others were preparing to begin their day. He initially attributed this difference to his bandmates, wondering “what’s wrong with them?” rather than introspecting about his own patterns. The lifestyle itself, with its constant stimulation and demands, contributed to his struggles. He readily embraced the 24/7 nature of the rock star lifestyle, struggling to cope with downtime. Ironically, it was during periods when his “services weren’t required” that he found himself most vulnerable to problematic behavior, a pattern he only fully understood later in his sobriety journey. This early period of fame, while formative and exhilarating, also laid the groundwork for his later challenges with addiction, highlighting the complex interplay between external success and internal struggles.
Nature vs. Nurture: Addiction, Lifestyle, and Predisposition
The conversation delves into the complex interplay between lifestyle, circumstance, and predisposition in the development of addiction. John Taylor contemplates whether his trajectory into alcoholism would have been different had he not become a major pop star. While acknowledging the potential influence of lifestyle and environment, he leans towards the perspective embraced by the 12-Step program: a genetic predisposition to alcoholism.
He highlights the program’s tenet that individuals who identify as alcoholics often possess a genetic difference, suggesting that regardless of life circumstances, they would likely have encountered their alcoholism eventually. Taylor finds this idea compelling, particularly in its emphasis on personal responsibility. He recalls a period in his late twenties marked by blame and resentment, feeling that his career had “been and gone” and that he had squandered opportunities. This external blame, he realized, was a barrier to genuine recovery.
The 12-Step program’s focus on internal responsibility resonated deeply. He recounts being challenged on his tendency to blame external factors, such as his upbringing or career path. The core message was consistent: alcoholism is not contingent on circumstance; it’s an internal condition. He uses hypothetical examples – “You could have been a bus driver and you would have been an alcoholic” – to illustrate this point. While acknowledging the ongoing scientific debate about definitive genetic markers for alcoholism, Taylor emphasizes the practical value of this belief. It shifts the focus from external blame to internal accountability, a crucial step in recovery.
Taylor shares his initial skepticism about familial alcoholism, believing there was no history of it in his own family. However, as he delved into sobriety, he recognized that alcoholism had manifested in his family under different labels and behaviors. He refines the concept, suggesting a “genetic predisposition” that can be either “exacerbated or diminished” by life experiences. The conversation then turns to the specific role of cocaine in his addiction. Taylor identifies cocaine as a significant amplifier, while alcohol served as the “gateway.” He notes that cocaine use rarely occurred when he was sober, typically following an initial alcoholic drink. Alcohol lowered his inhibitions and “loosened his scruples,” paving the way for cocaine use. He humorously refers to cocaine as aiding the “afterparty player” persona, the desire to extend the performance beyond the stage and into the night. Cocaine fueled a manic energy, initially perceived as fun and liberating, but ultimately detrimental to his work and creativity. This realization led to a period of attempting to cut back on drugs, which he initially misconstrued as needing to cut back on work, highlighting the distorted priorities of addiction.
Taylor candidly recounts a period during Duran Duran’s peak fame in the mid-1980s when, despite playing iconic venues like Madison Square Garden, his primary focus was on securing his next fix. He acknowledges missing out on fully appreciating the magnitude of his success, consumed by the needs of his addiction. This resonates with a common experience in recovery: the realization of opportunities and life events missed due to addiction. He mentions examples of people missing births of children or deaths of parents, highlighting the isolating and self-absorbed nature of active addiction. In recovery, Taylor observes a drive to compensate for lost time, fueled initially by shame, but evolving into a positive force, a channeling of newfound sobriety and energy into productive pursuits. He humorously notes the “righteous” feeling of sobriety and the absence of hangovers, contributing to this renewed drive. This section underscores the complex interplay of predisposition, lifestyle, and specific substances in shaping addiction, while also highlighting the transformative potential of recovery and the shift from self-destruction to self-reclamation.
Finding Solace in Downtime: Soccer, Crosswords, and TV
The conversation shifts to the crucial topic of downtime and how John Taylor, a self-described “driven” individual, manages his time off. He acknowledges his love for days off, periods of “vacuum” where he can “slum.” “Slumming,” for Taylor, involves activities far removed from the rock star image: watching soccer, doing crosswords, and reading. He describes watching soccer, sometimes three games in a day, as a rare activity that allows him to completely disengage from work and creative pursuits. He emphasizes that during these moments, he doesn’t feel the need to analyze or connect the experience to his artistic endeavors, offering a genuine escape.
While soccer provides complete downtime, he acknowledges that other activities, like crosswords and reading, while relaxing, still engage his mind in ways that can indirectly benefit his artistic process. He jokes that “everything is material” for an artist, making it difficult to engage in any activity that doesn’t, in some way, relate back to his work. Even crosswords, he suggests, keep his brain active and engaged with words, a fundamental element of his songwriting.
Taylor also reveals a fondness for television, particularly “long-form TV” dramas on platforms like Netflix, which he considers to be in a “Renaissance period.” He mentions watching “The Looming Tower,” a series about the lead-up to 9/11, as an example of his viewing choices. Television serves as a wind-down ritual in the evenings, a way to decompress and detach from work-related thoughts before sleep. He establishes a clear boundary, avoiding business matters after 6:30 or 7:00 PM to ensure peaceful evenings. This section provides a glimpse into Taylor’s personal life beyond the stage, revealing his appreciation for simple pleasures and his conscious effort to create balance and downtime amidst a demanding career. It highlights the importance of finding healthy escapes and relaxation techniques, even for individuals with high-energy and driven personalities.
Acting, Music, and the Allure of Escape
The conversation touches upon John Taylor’s brief foray into acting, including his role in an Allison Anders movie. When asked about potential interest in pursuing television acting, he expresses hesitation. He acknowledges the immense dedication and life’s work that professional actors invest in their craft, drawing a parallel to his own deep commitment to music. He feels fortunate to have identified music as his singular passion, the area where he chooses to dedicate his life’s work. The idea of possessing comparable talent in acting feels “a little much” to him, suggesting a grounded self-awareness and respect for the expertise of dedicated actors.
However, Taylor reveals an ongoing project that bridges his musical talents with theatrical elements: a musical collaboration with Nick Rhodes. He mentions occasionally “standing in” during rehearsals, engaging with actors in a way that he finds “really good fun.” He recognizes the appeal of acting, drawing parallels to the performance aspect of music. He describes the shared experience of “suspension of reality” that occurs when the lights dim at the start of a show, whether it’s a musical performance or a play. He values the immersive and focused nature of both acting and music, where the performance itself becomes a form of communication, transcending everyday interactions. He contrasts this with the “personalities and opinions” that dominate daily life, highlighting the escape and focused communication offered by artistic performance. He sees both acting and music as offering a similar form of escape, a departure from the complexities and challenges of everyday life, echoing the earlier discussion of work and escape as coping mechanisms. This section reveals a nuanced perspective on artistic expression, acknowledging the distinct demands of different art forms while recognizing the shared allure of performance and escape that they offer.
Navigating Modern Life: Challenges, Connections, and Commonalities
The conversation broadens to encompass the challenges of modern life, touching upon information overload, global interconnectedness, and the search for meaning in a complex world. John Taylor reflects on the sheer volume of information we encounter daily, citing a statistic about a fourfold increase in word exposure compared to 30 years ago, largely driven by online content. While acknowledging a potentially “positive way to look at it,” he expresses a more pragmatic view: it demands “more processing power” from our brains. He humorously connects this information overload to everyday frustrations, like misplacing his computer cable, suggesting a brain overwhelmed by constant input.
His bi-continental lifestyle, shuttling between the United States and England, adds another layer of complexity, requiring constant “juggling.” He uses the metaphor of “dropping all the plates,” describing a frequent feeling of being on the verge of losing control amidst the demands of modern life. He acknowledges the high expectations of contemporary society, even in seemingly mundane activities like driving in Los Angeles, recognizing the constant demands on our attention and capabilities. He describes life as being at the “center of hurricanes,” with each individual at the core of their own personal tornado, encompassing both personal and impersonal pressures.
Taylor points to the 24-hour news cycle as a significant contributor to heightened anxiety and fear in contemporary society. He believes it has amplified a sense of constant threat that was less prevalent in previous decades. In contrast, he expresses deep appreciation for the “neutral” and “apolitical” nature of the 12-Step program. He values this apolitical space, particularly in a polarized world, as a refuge from constant conflict and division. He emphasizes the importance of not dedicating life to “being angry at half the population,” seeking common ground and connection instead.
Reflecting on his personal journey, he acknowledges his “elite, rarefied education as an adult,” shaped by early fame, financial success, and the often-insular world of celebrity. However, he credits the 12-Step program with introducing him to a diverse range of people he would never have otherwise encountered, broadening his understanding of the “real world.” He expresses gratitude for this exposure, emphasizing the importance of recognizing “similarities rather than the differences” between people. He shares an anecdote about a recent trip to Russia, challenging preconceived notions and emphasizing the shared humanity of people across cultures, despite political differences. He criticizes systems that seek to “keep us apart,” advocating for a focus on common human needs and appreciations. He cites soccer as a “totally democratic deal,” and expresses pride in Duran Duran’s ability to create a unifying environment through music, bringing together diverse audiences and fostering a sense of shared experience. This section highlights Taylor’s insightful perspective on the challenges of modern life, his appreciation for human connection, and his belief in the power of shared experiences to transcend divisions.
Extended Adolescence and the Ongoing Journey of Growth
The conversation turns to the intriguing concept of “extended adolescence” and its potential connection to both addiction and fame. John Taylor reflects on the feeling of still being connected to his younger self, describing himself as a man in his late 50s “wrestling with a 14-year-old boy continually.” He suggests that addiction can “freeze you at the age that you start becoming alcoholic,” while fame might act as a “double freeze,” further inhibiting personal development in certain areas.
He posits that the responsibilities of “normal life” are often mitigated by success and fame, leading to a delayed or altered experience of adulthood. The availability of services and support systems can create a buffer against everyday challenges, potentially hindering the development of certain coping mechanisms and life skills. However, he qualifies this by stating, “I don’t really know anybody that is fully their age. Nobody.” He suggests that everyone carries different ages within them, grappling with various stages of development throughout life. He humorously mentions also “wrestling with a 25-year-old” within himself, representing a missed period of youthful exploration and experience during the band’s early touring years. He describes a process of internal “negotiation” among these different inner personalities, a need to “sit down, and talk to him, and reason with him,” assuring them, “We’re all going to be all right.”
Taylor emphasizes that “it’s never too late to be fully responsible,” suggesting that personal growth and development are ongoing processes, regardless of age or past experiences. He acknowledges that “very few of us get raised appropriately every step of the way,” with childhood experiences often involving either being “babied or we’re expected to be more than we are.” He expresses a comfort and fascination with discussing these introspective topics, finding “humanity, I find all of us eternally fascinating.” He emphasizes the importance of “being the best, showing up for the day, and being the best person that we can be, right, with the people that we encounter.”
He references a core principle of the 12-Step program: “our job today is to have the best possible relationship with everybody that we encounter on a day-by-day basis.” While acknowledging the simplicity of this statement, he underscores its profound challenge in practice. He points out the inherent human tendency to focus on others’ shortcomings rather than our own responsibility in interactions. He emphasizes the personal responsibility to “just show the best side of myself to everybody that I encounter,” even when it’s not easy or desired. This section delves into the complexities of personal growth, the lingering influence of past experiences, and the ongoing effort to integrate different aspects of ourselves into a cohesive and responsible whole. It underscores the idea that personal development is a lifelong journey, characterized by internal negotiation and a commitment to conscious interaction with the world.
Words of Wisdom: Taking the First Step Towards Help
Concluding the conversation, John Taylor offers heartfelt advice to anyone struggling with addiction or suspecting they may have a problem. He directs them to the readily available resource of the 12-Step program, acknowledging that many may initially dismiss it as “not for them.” However, he counters this perception by describing it as “the most inclusive church you will ever visit.” He recounts a personal experience of introducing a friend to the program and witnessing the overwhelming “love” and support offered by the meeting attendees. He emphasizes the “remarkable thing” about the program’s welcoming and accepting nature.
Taylor urges anyone considering help to “take that step,” to “go online and check out 12 Step meetings in their neighborhood.” He frames it as a low-risk, high-potential opportunity: “What have you got to lose, like, two hours out of your life?” He encourages individuals to “check it out,” suggesting that even if it’s not the perfect fit, it could be a valuable starting point. He refutes the common misconception of the program as a “cult,” arguing that it’s no more of a cult than being a fan of a sports team or a musician. He describes it as “just a group of people that have this similar interest, and they’re together there, they’re attacking this problem, right?” He likens meetings to “laboratories” where individuals collectively work through personal and social issues. His final piece of advice is a simple yet powerful call to action: “go online and check out meetings local to you, and check it out.” This concluding section offers practical and encouraging guidance, demystifying the 12-Step program and emphasizing its accessibility and potential for positive change.
In conclusion, this exploration into the world of Duran Duran’s John Taylor reveals a multifaceted individual far beyond the confines of his rock star persona. From his introspective journey writing “In The Pleasure Groove” to his candid reflections on sobriety, fame, and the complexities of modern life, Taylor emerges as a thoughtful, articulate, and deeply human figure. His insights into personal responsibility, the ongoing nature of recovery, and the search for connection in a fragmented world offer valuable lessons and resonate far beyond the realm of music. John Taylor’s story is a testament to the power of self-reflection, the importance of seeking help, and the enduring journey of personal growth, reminding us that even amidst the whirlwind of fame and fortune, the most meaningful journeys are often the internal ones.
