John Taylor interview November 2003

Hungry For Duran Duran
by Shannel Vance for "104 ZONE"

"Did it make your day?”

My co-workers were referring to the phone interview that I had done with John Taylor of Duran Duran that morning. Make my day? Were they kidding? It made my life! Being the devout Duran Duran fan that I am, getting to speak to my favorite member of the band was a dream come true!

Back in the ‘80s, it was all about Duran Duran for me. I had all the albums, wall-to-wall posters, buttons, hats, T-shirts, books. If it was Duran Duran, I had to have it!

One summer when I was 13, I even spent every day watching MTV just so I could catch a Duran Duran video (back in the day when MTV actually played music videos). Sounds crazy, but is it any crazier than what ‘N SYNC fans do today just to get a glimpse of their favorite group? I’d say not.

Now, to catch you up on the activities of all that is Duran; the original five members – John Taylor, Simon LeBon, Roger Taylor, Nick Rhodes and Andy Taylor - are back together working on a new album and touring.

The band, who were a staple on the ‘80s charts with hits like “Hungry Like The Wolf,” “Rio,” “The Reflex” and “A View To A Kill,” just to name a few, will be making their way to Houston on November 23 at the Cullen Performance Hall at the University of Houston. The show is completely sold out, only proving that us Duranies are still out there!

The band will also be popping by the 104 KRBE studios for a little something special. Keep listening to 104 KRBE for details on that!

I was never fortunate enough to see all the original members of the band perform together live, except for what I saw on TV. (Mom and Dad thought I was too young to go to a concert at the time.) But my chance is coming on November 23. You better believe that I’ll be there at the Cullen Performance Hall watching my favorite band play my favorite songs.

So, needless to say, talking to John Taylor on the phone was a very exciting moment for me. I’m still on cloud nine! I’m amazed that I got the questions out of my mouth, but somehow I managed. During our interview John revealed what we can expect from their upcoming album and from this tour.

104 Zone: Was it difficult or a natural thing for all the original members of Duran Duran to get back together?

JT: It was kind of both. It was difficult, but still very natural for us to be making music together.

104 Zone: What’s been the most difficult thing about getting back together?

JT: Getting everyone’s schedule together. We’re all doing different things and are never on the same schedule.

104 Zone: Being a big fan, I of course, have seen a lot of Duran Duran shows. Is this tour going to be as elaborate as those earlier tours of Duran Duran?

JT: To me the show is more about the personalities of everyone and what each person contributes. That’s what makes the show. The shows may not be as elaborate, but I think people are there to hear Duran Duran music and to see John, Nick, Andy, Roger and Simon play, more so than seeing pyrotechnics and a big display. Maybe as the show goes on it’ll progress and grow and become bigger.

104 Zone: You guys are working on a new album together, when is it scheduled for release?

JT: It’s not scheduled at the moment. We’ve got to finish it first. I really hope it’ll come out next year.

104 Zone: What’s the sound going to be on the album?

JT: We’re trying to make a record that’s current; that sounds contemporary, but is still a Duran Duran record.

104 Zone: Before you got back together with Duran Duran you were doing solo projects. Are you planning on doing any new solo work later?

JT: I’m trying to stay in the day. I’d say there’s a good chance that I will, but who knows? I don’t know how I’m going to feel about making music in two or three years time.