Hard-Wired Synthpop Review
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Artist
Andy Taylor
Title
Wild Boy: My Life In Duran Duran
Format/Cat
978-0-7528-9727-1
Label
Orion
Style
Pop
Date of review
19 October 2008
Reviewer
Stuart Moses
Rating
8/10
Guitarist Andy Taylor was always my least favourite member of Duran Duran. This was entirely due to the war of words between him and singer Simon Le Bon, around the time of the recording of Notorious. I felt, by leaving the band, Andy had betrayed me. Of course, now I'm older, I know that there is always more than one side to a story. Duran Duran have been such an important part of my life since 1985 that I wanted to hear what Andy had to say. Unlike Steve Malins' Notorious book, this will tell even the faithful fan a thing or two.

It's fascinating hearing Andy's side of the story. One thing remains unanswered, why was he was willing to travel so far to join a band? While it's no surprise that Andy comes out of this book looking OK, I thought given the current estranged nature of the guitarist from the rest of the band that it would be more acrimonious. Only Nick is painted in a poor light – and I think any long-time fan will be aware that Andy and Nick represented opposite sides of the band.

Andy relates incidents – partly concerning John Taylor – of which I was not aware. One example is when the band were attacked while in Germany, as detailed in the chapter Rio: Love and War. Equally there were episodes I remember from the past where I only had half the story. This book fills you in, such as the time when John Taylor injured his foot. I was aware that Andy's father had died of cancer, but these events seem much more real when you've learned to respect this man having heard of his honourable actions during Andy's childhood.

I would have been happy for this book to have been twice as long and twice as detailed. Andy gives an insight into the song-writing process of Duran Duran, which I found fascinating. Each person had an essential part to play in the band, and it couldn't be helped if certain members were naturally more attractive to fans. I'm convinced Andy was vital to the magic of Duran Duran. It's sad that ego and lack of communication lead to the reunion of the 'fab five' failing. Still, as the book closes, the reader gets the idea that Andy has found happiness outside the band. I wish him all the best.

This is essential reading for Duran Duran fans old and new. It has given me a new interest and appreciation in the music and the band.