John Taylor, the iconic bassist of Duran Duran, remains a figure of fascination for fans worldwide. Beyond the dazzling lights of stadium concerts and the frenzy of global fame, Taylor’s journey is one of personal evolution, marked by both the exhilarating highs of rock stardom and the profound depths of self-discovery. In a revealing interview with Anna David, Taylor delves into his experiences, offering insights into his autobiography, “In The Pleasure Groove,” his path to sobriety, and his reflections on a life lived in the public eye. This conversation unveils a thoughtful and articulate man, far beyond the image of a pop idol, providing a deeper understanding of John Taylor’s multifaceted persona and enduring appeal.
A Candid Conversation with John Taylor
Crafting “In The Pleasure Groove”: The Autobiography Journey
Writing an autobiography is a daunting task, even for a seasoned storyteller. John Taylor openly admits the collaborative nature of his memoir, “In The Pleasure Groove,” acknowledging the crucial role of Tom Sykes in bringing his story to life. Taylor describes Sykes’ initial interest in his wife Gela Nash’s Juicy Couture narrative, a project that ultimately paved the way for Taylor to share his own life story. He humbly recognizes the immense effort involved in crafting a book, expressing a newfound respect for authors and the meticulous process of research, writing, and publishing. While Taylor considers himself the architect of the book’s core narratives, he credits Sykes with the essential support needed to complete such an ambitious project.
The impetus for writing “In The Pleasure Groove” was deeply personal for Taylor. Having lost both parents, he felt a poignant disconnect from his childhood home and the city that shaped him. The autobiography became a tribute to this lost connection, a way to preserve the memories of his upbringing and the formative years that preceded his global fame. Furthermore, within Duran Duran, conversations often turned into memory exercises, prompting Taylor, with his self-professed stronger recollection of events, to document their shared history. This desire to capture and solidify these memories became a driving force behind the book. Despite some minor timing discrepancies he later discovered, Taylor is ultimately grateful for the experience of writing his autobiography, recognizing it as a valuable and rewarding endeavor.
Reflections on Fame and Early Duran Duran Days
The trajectory of Duran Duran’s ascent to global stardom was nothing short of meteoric. John Taylor reflects on the rapid transformation from a young musician to an international icon within a mere twelve months. He vividly recalls the disorienting yet exhilarating experience of navigating worldwide fame while still grounded in his familiar life. A striking revelation from his book research was the realization that even after the massive success of the “Rio” album, he was still living in his childhood bedroom at his parents’ house.
This juxtaposition of global fame and domestic normalcy highlights the surreal nature of his early success. Returning home after international tours to the mundane realities of family life, like arguing with his father over television choices, underscored the need for personal change and independence. The initial years of Duran Duran were a whirlwind of new experiences: forming the band with Simon Le Bon, securing a record deal swiftly, and immediately embarking on a global journey. Taylor describes it as a period of intense adjustment, filled with excitement but also overwhelming challenges. He emphasizes the rapid pace of change, from being an only child to becoming part of a band of “brothers,” from never having traveled to touring the world, all while grappling with the pressures of sudden fame and the burgeoning demands of the music industry.
The Path to Sobriety and Recovery
Amidst the exhilarating chaos of Duran Duran’s early years, John Taylor encountered personal struggles with alcohol and drugs. He candidly discusses his journey to sobriety, marking over two decades of recovery. Taylor emphasizes the continuous effort required to maintain sobriety, highlighting the daily recommitment necessary within the 12-step program. He underscores a key principle of recovery: what sustains sobriety today might not suffice tomorrow. The program necessitates confronting and dissecting personal issues that, in his pre-sobriety days, would have been masked or avoided with substance use.
Taylor appreciates the 12-step program’s emphasis on personal responsibility. Initially, like many struggling with addiction, he was prone to blaming external factors and individuals for his problems. The program gently redirected him inward, fostering the understanding that the root of the issue lay within himself, not in his circumstances or upbringing. He embraced the concept of a potential genetic predisposition to alcoholism, a perspective that helped him move away from resentment and self-blame. This shift in perspective was crucial in his recovery process, allowing him to focus on internal healing and growth rather than external scapegoating.
While acknowledging cocaine as a significant issue, Taylor recognizes alcohol as his gateway drug. He noticed a pattern where alcohol consumption lowered his inhibitions and triggered cocaine use. He describes alcohol as loosening his “barriers” and “scruples,” leading to further substance abuse. For Taylor, alcohol was the initial step down a path that often led to more problematic drug use, highlighting the interconnectedness of his struggles with different substances.
The challenges of maintaining sobriety extended to managing downtime. Taylor recognized that periods of inactivity were particularly triggering. He notes that while coping with the demands of work was manageable, it was the unstructured time off that presented the greatest temptation and risk of relapse. Learning to navigate these periods of downtime became a critical aspect of his long-term sobriety, requiring conscious strategies to avoid triggers and maintain a healthy lifestyle. This realization underscored the importance of proactive self-management and the need for coping mechanisms beyond just avoiding active addiction.
Personal Growth and Insights
John Taylor reflects on the concept of “extended adolescence,” suggesting that fame and addiction can impede personal development, potentially “freezing” individuals at a younger stage. He humorously describes feeling like a man in his late 50s still grappling with the impulses of a 14-year-old and the unresolved experiences of a 25-year-old. This internal conflict highlights the ongoing process of integrating different phases of life and addressing developmental gaps potentially exacerbated by early fame and substance abuse.
Despite these internal struggles, Taylor emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and continuous self-awareness. He acknowledges that achieving complete responsibility is an ongoing journey, not a destination. He values the 12-step program for introducing him to a diverse community of people from all walks of life, an experience that broadened his perspective beyond the often insular world of fame. This exposure to diverse experiences fostered a sense of connection to the “real world,” grounding him and enriching his understanding of humanity.
Taylor expresses a preference for focusing on similarities rather than differences among people. He recounts a trip to Russia, emphasizing the common humanity he observed despite political and systemic divides. This perspective extends to his appreciation for the unifying power of music, noting how Duran Duran concerts bring together diverse audiences, creating a shared experience that transcends social barriers. This emphasis on commonality reflects a broader philosophy of inclusion and connection, contrasting with divisive narratives that focus on differences.
Wisdom and Advice
When asked for advice for someone struggling with potential addiction, John Taylor points to the 12-step program as a valuable resource. He describes it as an “inclusive church,” highlighting its welcoming and supportive community. He recounts witnessing firsthand the powerful impact of this community in embracing and supporting newcomers. Taylor encourages anyone questioning their relationship with substances to explore local 12-step meetings, emphasizing that it costs only a couple of hours to investigate a potentially life-changing resource.
Addressing the common misconception of 12-step programs as cults, Taylor firmly refutes this notion. He likens it instead to joining any community of shared interest, such as a fan club or a sports supporters group. He emphasizes the program’s focus on addressing a shared problem within a supportive environment, describing meetings as “laboratories” where individuals collectively work through personal and social issues. Ultimately, Taylor advocates for taking the initial step of exploring 12-step programs, suggesting that it is a worthwhile endeavor for anyone seeking help with addiction, with potentially significant personal benefits to be gained.
Conclusion
John Taylor’s journey, as revealed in this insightful conversation, is a compelling narrative of fame, struggle, and ultimately, profound personal growth. From the dizzying heights of Duran Duran’s global success to the challenging depths of addiction and recovery, Taylor’s story is marked by honesty and self-reflection. His willingness to openly discuss his experiences, from the intricacies of writing his autobiography to the ongoing work of maintaining sobriety, offers valuable insights into the man behind the icon. Beyond the image of a pop star, John Taylor emerges as a thoughtful, articulate, and genuinely “nice” individual, deeply appreciative of human connection and committed to personal evolution. His story serves as an inspiring testament to the possibility of navigating life’s complexities with grace, resilience, and a continuous pursuit of self-understanding.
