As part of the Grammy-winning band Duran Duran, “Bass God” John Taylor has toured the world, sold more than 100 million records and been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Fashion has been a part of the group’s success since its inception in 1978. The bandmates’ coordinated outfits (designed by everyone from Antony Price to Vivienne Westwood) helped them take over MTV with iconic videos like “Rio” and “Ordinary World.” Taylor, who splits his time between London and LA, also happens to be married to another style icon: Juicy Couture co-founder Gela Nash-Taylor.
Now Duran Duran is on tour again, in support of its sixteenth album, “Danse Macabre” — a spooky-season mix of the band’s own songs along with covers of hits by Billie Eilish, the Rolling Stones and Talking Heads — and the legends will play NYC’s Madison Square Garden on Halloween. “There is nowhere like it,” Taylor, 64, tells Alexa of MSG. “You have to enter with respect and be on your best behavior.” Leaving room for a little debauchery too, of course. “There will be surprises!” the pop star promises. While Taylor’s not willing to give those gasp- worthy moments away, he’s happily sharing with us all the things — from music and art to workout gear — that rock his world.
“As this is my signature bass, designed by ace bass-maker Sheldon Dingwall, I am bound to be biased. But this really is the best damned signature bass ever.”
“This [smoky chamomile, vanilla and patchouli scent] is one of my favorite colognes. I’ve been wearing it for years.”
“Once I started reading this, I realized how little I knew about the life of the painter that David Hockney calls ‘The Greatest of the 19th Century.’ A lot less written about than Van Gogh, but no less fascinating. He led the Impressionist revolution, the painter punks of their day.”
“I have been working with this LA T-shirt company, Punk Masters, for years. Recently we turned up the heat and designed an entire collection of caps, tees, sweatshirts and hoodies. It’s so much fun.”
“One of my favorite tracks on our latest album is our version of ‘Supernature,’ originally by Cerrone. It’s one of the greatest disco smashes of all time.”
“I’m like a teenager when it comes to free merch, particularly when Duran plays festivals such as Latitude in the UK. The wristbands accumulate, as do the dodgy caps and T-shirts, reminding me who I am and what I do.”
“I saw a very nice exhibit recently by Indian artist Sosa Joseph at David Zwirner in London. She uses beautiful colors and her work is very spiritual.”
“I’m mad for hi-fi equipment, and am always upgrading my system. Recently, I purchased a CD player, amplifier and streamer made by Naim, an English company. I love the sound and the detail is fantastic.”
“My friend Orian Williams got up close and personal making this documentary about Brian Eno, the most restless and fascinating of 20th century music makers. This is the soundtrack.”
“While I’m on the road for a tour, I like to always take a pair of stretch bands and a pilates circle for a set of floor exercises I try to do every morning.”
