50 Facts About John Taylor (Bass Guitarist)

Early Life and Influences

John Taylor's journey to becoming a legendary bassist began in England. His early years were filled with experiences that shaped his musical career.

1. Early Life: John Taylor grew up in Hollywood, Worcestershire, England. He attended Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic School and later the Abbey High School in Redditch.
2. Myopia: Taylor wore glasses due to severe myopia, with a prescription exceeding -10 diopters. He later switched to contact lenses.
3. Childhood Interests: As a child, Taylor enjoyed James Bond movies and wargaming with hand-painted model soldiers. These hobbies influenced his later interests in music and performance.
4. Musical Influences: Taylor's favorite band as a teenager was Roxy Music. He also drew inspiration from David Bowie, Sly & The Family Stone, Nile Rodgers & Bernard Edwards of Chic, and The Clash's Paul Simonon.

The Birth of Duran Duran

John Taylor's most significant contribution to music came with the formation of Duran Duran, a band that would go on to achieve global fame.

5. First Band: Taylor's first band was called Shock Treatment. He began collecting records and taught himself to play the piano, eventually forming his first band.
6. Founding Member of Duran Duran: In 1978, John and Nick Rhodes formed Duran Duran. Initially, Taylor played guitar but later switched to bass guitar.
7. First Gig: Duran Duran's first gig was at The Rum Runner in Birmingham. The building was demolished in 1987, but its legacy remains significant in the band's history.
8. Band Success: Duran Duran achieved worldwide success in the early 1980s, thanks in part to their music videos which played in heavy rotation on MTV. This period saw the release of their first album in 1981 and subsequent hits like "Rio" and "Hungry Like the Wolf".
9. Band Lineup: The original lineup of Duran Duran included Simon Le Bon (vocals), Nick Rhodes (keyboards), John Taylor (bass), Roger Taylor (drums), and Andy Taylor (guitar). This lineup played a crucial role in the band's early success.

Solo Career and Other Projects

John Taylor's career extends beyond Duran Duran. He has explored various musical avenues, showcasing his versatility.

10. Solo Career: In 1997, John announced his departure from Duran Duran to pursue a solo recording and film career. During this period, he released several solo albums and singles, showcasing a more introspective and diverse musical style.
11. Solo Releases: Some of John's notable solo releases include "Feelings Are Good and Other Lies" (1995), "The Japan Album" (1999), and "Techno For Two" (2001). The latter produced an international hit with the song "6,000 Miles".
12. Band Name Change: During 1997-1998, John created a band called "John Taylor Terroristen." The band released a live EP and a video titled "Better Off Alive" through his website, Trust The Process. After 9/11, John decided to discontinue using the name "Terroristen".
13. Acting Career: John's acting career began with roles in independent films like "Sugar Town" and "The Hacker." He also appeared in the pilot episode of "Timeslip" in 1985.

Personal Life and Relationships

John Taylor's personal life has been as eventful as his professional one, marked by relationships and family.

14. Personal Life: From 1985 to 1989, John dated Danish supermodel Renée Toft Simonsen. He married Amanda De Cadenet in 1991, and they had a daughter, Atlanta Noo, in 1992. The couple separated in 1995. John married his second wife, Gela Nash, co-founder of Juicy Couture, in 1999.
15. Net Worth: As of 2024, John Taylor's net worth is estimated to be around $30 million.
16. Awards and Recognition: In December 2021, John Taylor was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by Bass Player magazine. In 2013, he placed 29th in MusicRadar's greatest bassist poll.
17. Autobiography: In October 2012, John released his autobiography titled In the Pleasure Groove: Love, Death and Duran Duran. The book provides insights into his life and career, both with Duran Duran and as a solo artist.

Musical Style and Gear

John Taylor's unique bass playing style and his choice of instruments have contributed significantly to his sound.

18. Influence on Bass Playing: John Taylor is known for his effortless yet busy bass lines that fit perfectly into the songs of Duran Duran. His playing style has been praised by fellow bassists and fans alike.
19. Instrument Collection: John owns two of Bernard Edwards's old bass guitars, including the Music Man and the B.C. Rich that Edwards played on Chic's "Le Freak".
20. Gear Preferences: John uses a variety of gear including the Samson UR-5 wireless, Mike Hill Switcher, Voodoo Labs GCX Ground Control system, Countryman DI (to house), Maxon FL-9 Flanger, Ibanez CS-9 Stereo Chorus, Pro Co Rat distortion, T.C. Electronic D-Two Digital Delay, DigiTech Whammy Pedal, and EBS BassIQ envelope filter.
21. Bass Playing Style Evolution: Over the years, John's playing style has evolved significantly. Initially, he focused on being heard and recognized, but later he shifted towards being a worker amongst workers, prioritizing the greater good of the band.

Collaborations and Side Projects

John Taylor has worked with various artists and bands, further showcasing his versatility and talent.

22. Collaborations: John has collaborated with various artists including hip-hop producers Timbaland and "Danja" Hills during Duran Duran's Red Carpet Massacre era. He also played both bass and rhythm guitar on some tracks.
23. Fashion Influence: John's fashion sense has been influential, often seen wearing stylish outfits that complemented the band's image. His wife, Gela Nash, is also a fashion designer and co-founder of Juicy Couture.
24. Hollywood Walk of Fame: Duran Duran was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 1770 Vine Street in Hollywood, California.
25. Power Station Membership: After leaving Duran Duran, John joined The Power Station, another influential band of the 1980s. This experience further honed his skills as a bassist and musician.

Personal Insights and Philosophies

John Taylor's thoughts and philosophies offer a deeper understanding of his approach to music and life.

26. Favorite Artists & Songs: John Taylor has cited several artists as influences, including Roxy Music, David Bowie, Sly & The Family Stone, Nile Rodgers & Bernard Edwards of Chic, and The Clash's Paul Simonon. His favorite songs include tracks by these artists and others like "Rio" by Duran Duran.
27. Philosophical Approach to Music: John remains philosophical about his role in the band, often emphasizing the importance of adaptability and teamwork. He believes that no gig is sacred and that musicians must be able to tap dance to succeed.
28. Double-Neck Bass: John has been working on a double-neck bass—a 6-string guitar with a 4-string bass. This instrument would allow him to play both bass and rhythm guitar simultaneously, which he has done on some tracks.

Legacy and Influence

John Taylor's impact on music and culture is undeniable, leaving a lasting legacy.

29. Music Videos: Duran Duran's music videos played a crucial role in their success during the early days of MTV. These videos often featured John Taylor's distinctive bass lines and stylish performances.
30. Band Dynamics: The dynamics within Duran Duran were significant, with John often working closely with Roger Taylor to create the rhythm section. This partnership was instrumental in shaping the band's sound.
31. Influence on Fashion: John's fashion sense has been influential, often seen wearing stylish outfits that complemented the band's image. His wife, Gela Nash, is also a fashion designer and co-founder of Juicy Couture.
32. Solo Debut Album: John's solo debut album, “Feelings Are Good and Other Lies,” featured the single “I Do What I Do,” which gained popularity for its inclusion in the soundtrack of the film “9½ Weeks.” The song’s sultry, atmospheric vibe highlighted Taylor’s ability to craft captivating melodies and lyrics that resonated with listeners.
33. The Japan Album: Released in 1999, “The Japan Album” showcased John’s eclectic musical tastes and songwriting skills. This album demonstrated his ability to experiment with different genres while maintaining his unique style.
34. Techno For Two: Released in 2001, “Techno For Two” produced an international hit with the song “6,000 Miles.” This album was a departure from his earlier work, showcasing a more electronic and techno-influenced sound.
35. Résumé Album: In 1999, John released an album titled Résumé, which included music he worked on with Jonathan Elias during the 9½ Weeks movie project. This album highlighted his ability to blend different styles and genres seamlessly.
36. Meltdown Collection: John also released Meltdown, a collection of songs developed around 1992 while Duran Duran was recording The Wedding Album. This collection demonstrated his continued creativity and musical growth during his solo career.
37. Favorite Quotes: John Taylor has shared several insightful quotes about his career and experiences. One notable quote is: “I had been a nerd at school. I wasn’t a jock or an intellectual and had never had a regular girlfriend as a teenager. Now, I only had to wink in a girl’s direction in a hotel lobby, backstage or at a record company party, and I have company until the morning.” This quote captures his transformation from an introverted teenager to a rock star.
38. Acting Roles: In addition to his music career, John has appeared in several films and television shows. His acting roles include starring in independent films like Sugar Town and The Hacker, as well as appearing in the pilot episode of Timeslip.
39. Friendships and Collaborations: John is good friends with Tears for Fears bassist Curt Smith. His wife, Gela Nash, is also close friends with Curt's wife Frances Pennington and works with Gela at Juicy Couture.
40. Birthday Shared with Celebrities: John Taylor shares his birthday with Errol Flynn and Nicole Kidman.
41. Daughter Atlanta Noo: John has a daughter named Atlanta Noo De Cadenet Taylor, born on March 31, 1992, with his ex-wife Amanda De Cadenet.
42. Age Gaps in Relationships: There is a 7-year age gap between John and his second wife Gela Nash. There was a 12-year age gap between John and his ex-wife Amanda De Cadenet.
43. Current Touring Activities: As of 2005, John was currently on tour with Duran Duran. The band has continued to tour and perform over the years, with John remaining an integral part of their lineup.
44. Hotel Room Portrayal: Despite his reputation as a jet-setting playboy rock star, there is no record of John trashing a hotel room. This portrayal in the film Strange Frequency (2001) is not based on real events.
45. Family Ties: Ex-son-in-law of Alain de Cadenet and ex-brother-in-law of Bruiser De Cadenet.
46. Musical Education: Although not formally trained as a musician, John has mentioned that he attended Birmingham City University for a brief period before dropping out to pursue his music career.
47. Neurotic Outsiders Membership: John was a member of the band Neurotic Outsiders, which also included Steve Jones from The Sex Pistols and Matt Sorum from Guns N' Roses.
48. Ivor Novello Award Winner: Duran Duran has won several awards, including an Ivor Novello Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to British music.
49. Musicians from Birmingham: John Taylor is part of a long list of notable musicians from Birmingham, West Midlands, contributing to the city's rich musical heritage.
50. Legacy in Music Industry: John Taylor's legacy extends beyond his work with Duran Duran. He has inspired generations of bassists with his unique playing style and contributions to various musical projects throughout his career.

John Taylor's Lasting Impact

John Taylor's journey from a myopic kid in Worcestershire to a global rock icon is nothing short of remarkable. As the bass guitarist for Duran Duran, he helped shape the sound of the '80s and beyond. His solo career and collaborations show his versatility and passion for music. Taylor's influence extends beyond just his bass lines; his fashion sense, acting roles, and personal life have all contributed to his enduring legacy. With a net worth of around $30 million and numerous awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from Bass Player magazine, Taylor's impact on the music industry is undeniable. Whether through his iconic bass playing, his solo projects, or his work with other artists, John Taylor remains a significant figure in popular culture. His story continues to inspire musicians and fans alike, proving that true talent and dedication can leave a lasting mark.