the title
| the question
| the John's answer
|
|
| 2007
|
Last Chance Groove
[posted8/24/2007U.S.A.]
| Hi Katy…question for John…Hey John! You mentioned in some Q&A long ago that you got a lot of inspiration for your bass lines from disco songs out there like “Good Times” etc…Going w/ that I'm wondering if there was any inspiration for your bass line on “Last Chance On The Stairway”? I love playing that song (The Jam's styling in “Start!” comes to mind) and was curious to know if you were inspired by any one band or song in particular for that one? Take Care! Alma Soto, Houston
| “Hi Alma. The way I remember that song coming into focus was
listening to Roxy Music's 'Same Old Scene'. I think that was the
inspiration for the groove, and the chorus, if my memory serves
me, was nicked from Debbie Harry's solo track 'Backfired',
which, as I'm sure you all remember, was produced by Nile and
Bernard. JT”
|
JT's Record Collection
[posted8/19/2007U.S.A.]
| Hi Katy, this question is for John. John, I know you have an extensive album collection and
your musical tastes are quite varied. Which album in your collection is your favorite and do you
listen to the most? Thanks! Lara, Dalton, GA
| “Changes daily. For instance, at the moment I'm really chewing
on the first Smiths album.. What have I listened to the most over
the years? The glorious standbys as they might be called? Ziggy
Stardust and many other Bowies… Beatles all and sundry. Some
Clash and Stones… Led Zep… I try to broaden my horizons all
the time, but I come back to this stuff. Prince too, I just came
home, but he drives me crazy, no one person should have that
much talent, like Stevie Wonder. Where are the chicks, you say?
Joni Mitchell would be number one with “Court and Spark.” Oh
yeah, and Genesis - A guilty pleasure, I love them, with Gabriel
of course, “Lamb Lies Down on Broadway.” Jeff Buckley covered
that. He's up there of the recent ones.. Is that enuf for ya?… Also
new Duran is fucking… AWESOME…J the T”
|
Picking Influences
[posted7/27/2007U.S.A.]
| Hello, Katy. I have a question for John. You know how the more music you really know over
time the more you sometimes think you're picking out influences in one's music that isn't
necessarily their influence at all, but just a similarity to your own ears? Well, if I was to say to
you that I believe you've been influenced by Bill Wyman would you say something along the
lines of A) Why yes, Emmy, you are correct. Bill has always been a big influence for me, or B)
That's cute, but no… And then wonder what in the world I'm talking about…Must know.
Thanks for your time! Emmy
| “Well…. The bassist with perhaps the second biggest band in the
world? I guess, he's big in the ether of bass. Unavoidable. And
yet…what of his basslines really attracted me to the art? None
come to mind. “Jumping Jack Flash” of course, legend has it, was
built around Bill's line, but credit never given. I never really
noticed bass until disco. Looking back though, Paul McCartney -
now those Beatle bass lines have everything.And you know who
else?.. Mike Rutherford. JT”
|
Hebrew Letters
[posted7/24/2007U.S.A.]
| Dear Katy, Since I'm a new DD fan (only 16) I succeed in checking TTP site on time, just a
minute before it was closed. When I examined John's impressive advertisements to the initial
Duran Duran I was astounded to see John was using Hebrew letters with two of the graphics he
designed (I noticed that because I'm coming from Israel). I really wanted to ask John if he knew
he was using Hebrew letters, and if he did, was he meant anything else besides the similarity of
the Hebrew letters to the band name? btw, It's a brilliant idea to put John's archive from the
TTP site in the DD site! I was just crying everyone about the loss of those nostalgic
pictures…Thanks, Meyrav
| “Quite honestly Meyrav.. it was a purely aesthetic decision..
using Cyrillic letters.. I was on a Russian Constructivist trip at
the time (being still at art school) although your mail made me
very happy. I was Hebrew in a previous life..! xx JT”
|
Bass on Get it On
[posted6/20/2007U.S.A.]
| Hiya Katy, I've got a question for JT: Hi John, first thing's first. You are a god!! Now on to
business. I remember seeing in interviews that Power Station had come about because you
wanted to record a T Rex cover correct? Then I remember seeing that you hadn't played on
“Get It On”, which surprised me since that's the song that sort of started it all. How come you
didn't play on that song? It ain't like you you couldn't handle it! Then I remember seeing
Bernard Edwards showing you the parts on the Power Station behind the scenes video. I'm just
confused. Looking forward the new album!!! Confused Carrie
| “Power Station was a collective with everyone diving in and
doing a bit of this, a bit of that. You got to remember that the
producer, Bernard, was the hot shit bass player of the time. I
wanted him to play something on the album and he said okay, I'll
play on this one. The break is me though, the solo if you will. His
style of playing on it is reminiscent of Addicted To Love. Check it
Out. JT”
|
Five String Bass
[posted6/9/2007U.S.A.]
| I was just curious as to when John began playing the five string bass? I have talked to many bass
players, and some of them are pro five string basses and some say that there are only a couple
more notes they can reach. I know a five string is not something I can play, I can barely keep
up withthe four strings on my two basses. What is John's opinion of the five vs. the four string
bass? Thanks, Missy
| “Oh dear, an excuse to think about the past...my first 5 string
was a Warwick, and I might have used it on the Wedding Album
sessions, although i can't remember any on the album. On
'Thank You' there is 5 string on 'Success' and 'Ball Of
Confusion.' Parts of Astronaut, 'Finest Hour' and of course
'Sunrise', which is currently the only song in the set i play 5
on...if it were up to me I would probably never have invented a 5
string bass, or a 6, or whatever.. it's just a god-dang 4 string
instrument, that's what it is! Could change my mind in a week
tho... JT”
|
Voices / 2 parter
[posted6/3/2007U.S.A.]
| 1) Hi Katy! I would just like to ask John who is the female backup singer on the song "I Do What I Do? Thanks much, Chevy
2) Hi Katy, Do you happen to know who is the other person singing on John's solo songs
"Some Times" and "Soul Fire"? I've always wondered. Thanks! Amy
| 1) “That voice belongs to Lisa Dalbello. Thanks for asking, JT”
2) “Doraly Rosen sings on 'Some Times', Amanda DeCadenet on
'Soul Fire'. JT”
|
Stand Up Bass
[posted5/25/2007U.S.A.]
| Hey there all, I was wondering if John ever plays stand up bass? What type of song would you
consider using it in? Thanks :) Michele from Cleveland
| “I do, for fun…It's a tough instrument to play. Maybe one day I
will do it onstage with the band, I've done it once with DD and
with Terroristen. JT”
|
Everyone Gets it but Me
[posted4/20/2007U.S.A.]
| Hi John. Your song "Everybody gets it but me" is one of my faves of your solo songs.What's
the story behind that lyric? Thanks Aslak
| “I think it is pretty self explanatory, especially if you understand
the 'it' to be sex. Its about teenage frustration. John”
|
Early Rehearsal Space
[posted3/13/2007U.S.A.]
| Hi Katy, On the day of the B'ham NEC Arena concert I toured Hollywood and Whythall with a
couple of Italian Duranies. We were keen to visit the places of the early days of Duran Duran.
We met a chap who used to go to Silvermead school. He said he used to have an allotment in
Batemans Lane. Opposite was a church hall, called St Francis. In the late 1970s he could
remember hearing music from the church hall and claims some members of Duran Duran used to
practice there. It would be really interesting to know if the old church hall opposite the
allotment on the corner of Batemans Lane and Packhorse Lane was ever used for practice.
Many thanks, Paul
| “Simply don't remember.. but it would not have been Duran
Duran noise, only something previous to that and not worthy of
the term, 'music'..! JT”
|
Best Advice
[posted1/29/2007U.S.A.]
| Hi Katy, Hope all is well with you! This question is for John: Hi John, I am sure the band and yourself have been asked many times to offer your advice to up-and-coming artists and musicians but I was wondering what is the best advice you have ever gotten from a fellow musician or artist? Thanks, Yvonne
| “Don't ever stop playing - Bernard Edwards told me that. Thanks
for reminding me, JT”
|
Beckham in the USA
[posted1/22/2007U.S.A.]
| What does the band think of David Beckham coming over to the US to play for the LA Galaxy team? Sincerely, April
| “I'm very happy about it…good for US soccer! JT”
|
|
| 2006
|
My Own Way Live
[posted12/30/2006U.S.A.]
| John, This past week I had the pleasure of seeing you guys right here at home in Greenville, SC
- which was a thrill! An even bigger thrill was to hear Some Like it Hot and My Own Way - two
songs I NEVER thought I would hear played live. So, I was wondering what the thought process
was behind adding them to the set list, and what has it been like to play them live? Deanise
| “Oh that's a long story that is! it was Nick's idea to bring SLIH
into the show. Once he had set my imagination running on how
we could play it (we had made the mistake before of trying to
copy the Power Station- this time we said, 'do it like Duran') I
obsessed about it for weeks. I heard 'My Own Way' at a party in
LA and thought 'That sounds pretty good' (the album cut, not the
single), and even though it had been the one DD song of which
we had all said 'NEVER!".. I suggested that since the groove and
tempo were so similar, we could try out a medley idea. In truth
SLB was never really comfortable singing it (MOW, not SLIH) so
it's doubtful we shall ever play it quite like that again. Glad you
enjoyed it. JT”
|
New Bond?
[posted12/6/2006U.S.A.]
| This is a question for John. As a James Bond fan I wondered what he thought of the new film,
Casino Royale with Daniel Craig as James Bond. I know he has said in the past that Sean
Connery was his favourite Bond, is this still the case? I wish you all a Merry Christmas and look
forward to the new album. love always Andrea xx
| “I liked it - I thought he was a far more interesting Bond than
the last fella. JT”
|
A Good Bass to Start...
[posted12/3/2006U.S.A.]
| Hey Katy, I've got a question for John. Me and my 14 year old son saw you guys in concert in
New Orleans and you guys were awesome! (I'd been waiting for 22 yrs. to see a DD concert!)
Anyway, my son has been inspired by you to learn to play the bass. What would be a good one
to start out with? Your fan always, Angie
| “I really don't know what to say.. it depends on your budget.
Decide how much you want to spend and let him choose the one
he likes the look of. I started out with japanese basses, they were
good quality and not too expensive. I use Peavey now who are US
manufacturers, again, not silly money. You can buy very so so
stuff from the guitar centre for $200. Not very inspiring. Maybe
try second hand stores…JT”
|
Sax on I DO WHAT I DO
[ posted 11/11/2006U.S.A.]
| Hi Katy, I recently acquired the video for JT's "I Do What I Do" and I really love the song. It's a new favorite of mine. And I was wondering who plays the sax solo at the very end of the song. I love that part. :) Thanks. Love, Ashley
| “Michael Brecker. Serious dude. Thanks for asking. JT”
|
"Winter Marches On"
bass line
[ posted 9/11/2006U.S.A.]
| A question about the song Winter Marches On from the Notorious album. The bass line on that
song sounds like it has been done on a acoustic or standing-up bass (I mean the sort of bass that
is used in classical concerts). Did John do that himself or did Nick conjure it up from his
computer? I have seen pictures of John playing an acoustic bass and as I love Winter Marches
On very much, I am just dying to know the truth. Lots of love, Martine from Holland
| JT: “It was done on Sinclavier. John”
NICK: Yes, a sinclavier, which is a digital synthesizer manufactured in
the 1980s.
|
JT's Hotel Books
[ posted 9/5/2006U.S.A.]
| Hi JT, in the 1987 Strange Behaviour Tour programme you said that if you ever took over the
Holiday Inn chain you would have Isabelle Allende's “House of the Spirits” on everyone's
bedside table. I just wondered would your choice still be the same now? Can't wait to hear the
new album. Love to you and all the guys, Andi
| “Probably not that anymore.. maybe The Complete Works Of
Shakespeare, The Big Book Of Alcoholics Anonymous and
'Chronicles' by Bob Dylan. JT”
|
John's IMMORTAL
[posted8/18/2006U.S.A.]
| John, I am thrilled that Duran Duran is back together. Anyway, I really do enjoy your solo
music and lately can't get enough of 'Retreat Into Art' - an amazing CD. I love 'Immortal', it's
my favorite of all your solo work. Do you miss playing your own music? And is there any
chance that down the line, Duran Duran may do what groups like New Edition have done where
the members branched off to do solo work. Let each member perform a few of their own songs
and then perform as a whole. Would love to hear some solo JT and AT stuff on the road. Love
and thanks for the music, Tarcia
| “I doubt very much if DD will ever perform a show like that, we
are competitive enough with each other as it is! I don't honestly
know if I will ever get back to singing or writing for myself
again, I'm so focused on the new DD songs, I don't even want to
think about it. The solo stuff I did do was very important for me
however, it helped me back to DD with a renewed sense of
purpose, particularly when it comes to just 'playing the fucking
bass, John..' But I'm glad you are enjoying the music, 'Immortal'
is one of the best, I think. Love, John”
|
All About JT
[posted8/7/2006U.S.A.]
| Hold back the Rain is about Johnґs drug abuse, bad company etc. as Simon mentioned in an
interview at the end of the nineties. After Simon had written the lyrics, he slipped at note under
John hotel door. But John had never spoken about this later. Have he mentioned it now, as you
are reunited?? Thanks John!
| “I thought all of his songs were about me.. JT”
|
Notorious Sessions
[posted7/15/2006U.S.A.]
| Hold back the Rain is about Johnґs drug abuse, bad company etc. as Simon mentioned in an
interview at the end of the nineties. After Simon had written the lyrics, he slipped at note under
John hotel door. But John had never spoken about this later. Have he mentioned it now, as you
are reunited?? Thanks John!
| JT: “Hmm…not ringing any bells there Miss Gayheart. JT”
NICK: I don't remember it either. We give titles to demos cause we know
it won't stick. It isn't familiar, can't help you there.
|
Italy v France
[posted7/7/2006U.S.A.]
| Katy, Given John and Simon's stated fondness for football, and with England now but a dot in
the rear view mirror, would either of them like to state a preference for either France or Italy
in Sunday's World Cup final? - stuporfly
| “Well, it's a tough one. Italy is a home from home for DD and I
feel very close to the people and the culture. Having said that,
I've had quite a bit of fun en Francais over the years. Zidane's
performance against Brazil was perhaps the most perfect I have
seen any player give anywhere. This is one of those situations
where to be non-partisan is perfectly cool. May the best men win!
JT”
|
JT and James Bond
[posted7/5/2006U.S.A.]
| Hi Duran Duran, This is a question for John. It is very much known that you are a die-hard
James Bond fan and that you have been in the acting industry before and I was wondering if you
ever thought of being the next James Bond? Maybe not now, but maybe in the past (ok, not as
a boy fantasizing about it but actually considering the job.) Thank you Katy for forwarding this
question. Laura
| “No- I'm over that particular fantasy, thank you. JT”
|
WLIR
[posted6/20/2006U.S.A.]
| Hi Katy, I have a question for John: Going through my old cassette tapes I came across a
snippet of an interview you did with the radio station WLIR on Long Island, NY. They may
have been the first station in America playing Duran Duran BEFORE you made it big on MTV,
and they were our lifeline to the incredibly rich music scene coming out of Britain at the
beginning of the '80's. Do you remember them? I'm delighted that Duran Duran is back! Best
wishes!-Ellen in NY
| “Yeah sure, LIR were THE BEST!! An outpost of hope in an
otherwise bloated and boring seventies rock extravaganza. And
KROQ too that is. JT”
|
Once and for all - JT's
Planet Earth Bass
[posted5/20/2006U.S.A.]
| 1) Dear Katy, I would like to ask Mr. John Taylor what ever happened to the Rickenbocker bass he used in the Planet Earth video? Does he plan to record with his Alembic bass and what type of strings is he currently using? Thank you Bass God for the funky deep end! Very respectfully, Robert
2) John, what is the bass you used in the Planet Earth video?Den
| 1) “That Rickenbacker was rented for the day, I never saw it
again! I've never used an Alembic, and don't expect to be using
one on the new album. I love my Peavey Cirrus that has been my
live workhorse this last year, and am enjoying using it in the
studio. Other than some acoustic bass here and there all the new
material has been recorded on the Cirrus. Yes indeedee- we
must all thank God for the deep bass end- amen to that. JT”;
2) “jeez, how many times have I answered questions about this
bass!..Twas a Rickenbacker, twas a rental, and I never saw it
again after the day we filmed the 'Planet Earth' video-J”
|
OAD Artwork
[posted5/8/2006U.S.A.]
| Dear John and Nick, Is the front cover artwork of "Only After Dark" inspired by the Rum Runner nightclub walls? I remember being there in 1979/80 and remembering the small mirrored tiles plus the pink neon lines. Am I right or did I have WAY too many Singapore Slings that night? Love, Caroline Greenman
| “Yes, you are right about the walls of the club, and yes, you did
have way too many drinks. (But then, it was the eighties...) John”
|
JT's Stage Fright
[posted5/4/2006U.S.A.]
| Hi, Katy! This question is for John. Did you ever get stage fright back in the day, and do you
now sometimes? If so, how do you manage it? You always seem like an excited little boy at
shows. Thanks! Lara Dalton, GA
| “As always- if I have prepared properly, I am nothing but
excited… if I've not rehearsed enough, or gotten used to some
new piece of gear, then I can get nervous, afraid that I'm going to
make a mess of things! John”
|
Drug Re-Mix
[posted 04/07/2006 U.S.A.]
| Hi, I remember a long time ago reading that house legend Marshall Jefferson had remixed Drug (from Big Thing) for release. 1) Was this true 2) and will they ever be released if so? It is of keen interest as my other major love after Duran is late 80s house - so it would a dream for me to hear! many thanks, Mike
| “None of us was crazy about the way the track turned out, and
the album had kinda died, so it never came out. I was very excited
to work with Marshall at that time, I'm a big fan of his too. I've
not listened to the mix in years, but it is one that is worth
remembering when we are putting another 'rarities/remixes' CD
together. Now.. I wonder where the hell it is...! JT”
|
The First Album - Car
[posted 02/20/2006 U.S.A.]
| Hi Katy and Fellas, I was curious as to what kind of car was pictured on the cover of the early
Duran Duran self-titled album. I've tuned in to the Barrett-Jackson Auction a number of times
and love all the amazing cars. Do any of the guys own the car in the picture? Also, any plans
for another instrumental?? Tel Aviv and Tiger Tiger are incredible! I'd love to hear another.
Thanks guys and very glad to have you all back!! Michele from the U.S.
| NICK, SIMON, ROGER :
"The car? I have no idea. Johnny would know. NR"
"Ummm...I can't remember, John would know though. s"
"Ask John about the car...rt"
JT: “I'm not sure about the car on the cover, I know it was my
stupid idea! for some reason Delahaye is ringing a bell. Maybe do
some research in that direction...As for instrumentals, it would
be a shame to leave Simon out don't you think? I hate it when
they leave the bass out! Maybe some wordless voice sounds he
could make.. or he could play an instrument.. It hasn't been high
on our song writing agenda so far, but who knows.. John”
|
JT's Strange Frequency
[posted2/10/2006U.S.A.]
| Hullo Katy and Duran Duran! This is a question for John. In the VH1 'Strange Frequency Series'
where you starred as a character named 'Jimmy Blitz', I was wondering whether you sang the
Ballroom Blitz version that played as you demolished the room time after time (loved the
chainsaw). If you did sing it, did you also play any of the instruments? Peace, ashley
| “No, did not play any of the instruments, just sang it. John”
|
Hawks
[posted 1/17/2006 U.S.A.]
| Early period question for Nick/John/Roger: In the (fabulous) Live From London DVD
Documentary, JT mentions you shared rehearsal space upstairs from a band called The Hawks. I
wondered does this band/situation have any connection with the track 'Hawks Dont Share'?
Thanks heaps for a fab year all the best with the forthcoming writing/recording in 06.
Steve in Sydney
| “'Hawk's Don't Share' (which is the title of a short story by
Ernest Hemingway if I remember rightly), was a Stephen Duffy
song that Duran Mk 1 played. When Stephen formed The
Subterranean Hawks I believe his inspirational source was the
same. JT”
|
Before Show Music
Selections
[posted1/3/2006U.S.A.]
| Hi Katy, hope you're well. Would it be possible to have a track-listing for the music that was
played at the UK December shows before and after the band were on stage? I thought the music
was just perfect for setting the mood for what was about to come, and I'd love to know what it
was so I can download it and enjoy it again. Some of it was completely new to my ears, and
some sounded familiar as if it's been sampled recently by DJs. I'm surprised at the amount of
gigs I've been to, where the artist doesn't bother to utilise the time they have with the crowd
before they appear on stage. A big nod of approval in the direction of whoever chose the
music! Thanks a lot, and all the best for 2006 - Samantha, Manchester UK
| “Well.. You're going to have to wait for 'Only After Dark', the
compilation CD Nick and I have produced that is coming out on
EMI this spring. We will keep you updated on the website as to
the actual release date. The symphonic music that was played as
the lights went down is by Walter Wendy Carlos, and it's a piece
by Beethoven that was recorded for the movie 'A Clockwork
Orange'. JT”
|
JT Loves Live
[posted1/3/2006U.S.A.]
| Hi Katy - I have a question for JT. We the fans never tire of seeing you guys live and I
wondered whether there is a band that you never get tired of seeing live? Regards Rachel
(JTLOVER)
| “Maybe Prince?... JT”
|
