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In this sincere though slight autobiography, Taylor, guitarist for the 1980s pop band Duran Duran, delivers an extended backstage look at the band's rise and fall. He includes an album-by-album look at how the band, which combined glam fashion and keyboard-driven synthpop with outrageous (and expensive) videos featuring exotic locales such as Sri Lanka, became synonymous with early MTV. Taylor discusses-sometimes underplays-the band's outrageous drug and alcohol habits-much of which was better covered in MTV's 1999 Behind The Music segment. He is clearly aware that the band's "materialistic image" was a key part of London's transformation in the 1980s into a city where "it was a dominant part of popular culture to aspire to be successful." The frustrating part is that his attempts to put Duran Duran into a wider musical perspective are far too infrequent, and his own story can't quite carry the narrative. (Sept.)
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Posted January 25, 2009
I've always been a huge DD fan but never really knew the gory details on "my guys." I wish I knew then what I know now. This book had me laughing out loud one minute and it was breaking my heart the next. As I read through the book, I was constantly stopping to google things that he'd mention. (I see the Rio video in a totally different light, now!) I have a newfound love and respect for them, especially Andy, who has been able to remain a faithful husband and father for so long.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted June 13, 2010
I hesitated picking up this book cos I thought it'd be a 'tell all and not in a nice way' kind of book. Yay! It wasn't! It starts out with him telling about himself as a young kid, and up to where he gets to Duran Duran. Then he talks about what it was like on the other side of the cage (inside looking out, where and what we couldn't see). Some things were so funny, some just heart-wrenching, making me feel so horrible for him (and them). He winds up with where he was at that moment in time, like coming out of his own 'Perfect Storm'.
It was as if I could hear him talking what I was reading. I see how things deeply touched him, or angered him, and we get insight to his opinions, thoughts, and musings. He has a wonderful way of writing.
He makes Duran Duran more human, not just those oh so hot lads almost every female teenager in the 80s had on her walls...and ceiling, and door...and had every LP, knew every song, and just dreamed about. He gave them depth, even in the not so wonderful times, it makes them even more special because of the talent they ALL have, such diverse personalities, all coming together, rocking the world, shattering apart, coming together, although splintered, just to break wide open again.
I have been a fan since the early 80s, I still listen to them, to their side projects, like Arcadia and Power Station, I like their solo stuff, but in the US almost impossible to find.
This book gave me insights to the videos, the locations, the recordings, the concerts...It helped me not just to like their music, but helped me respect them more as people with talent up close than just the icons we all saw from afar.
Read it. You will not be disappointed.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted March 10, 2009
If you were a teenage girl/boy in the eighties obsessed with Duran Duran this is a great read. It highlights some of the high and low points of the "Fab Five" from Andy Taylor's perspective. One of my favorite parts was reading about the making of the videos in all of those exotic locales. If you read this and have access to the videos I recommend you see the videos after the descriptions of the mishaps that occured. A good read that I couldn't wait to get back to each time I put it down.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 16, 2008
If you loved Duran Duran in the 80's or even now, this is a must read. I couldn't put this book down! Andy is very honest and its really refreshing to read about all the ups and downs they have gone through.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted September 22, 2008
My goodness, this book brought back so many memories!!! Being a HUGE 'Duranie' back in the day, I remember a group of us crazed girls, waiting in front of the Westwood Marquis in Los Angeles, for the departure of the band to their waiting limousine. And scream we did, when they finally emerged!!! Who knew that at the time the band was in such turmoil, with drugs, infighting, and money issues. I have a new respect for Andy Taylor, as both a musician, and a human being, after reading his book. I found it fascinating that he has been married to Tracey for 25 years! Good for him!!! While parts of the book are a bit redundant 'I fault the editor', the story is quite enjoyable, and at times sad.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted September 20, 2008
Andy Taylor offers fans a peek inside his life. As the lead guitarist with Duran Duran he was swept to fame quickly. The stress was high and hard on the group. Fans never knew the pressure and discontent of the members. Taylor is brutally honest in his memoir. My favorite part of Wild Boy was seeing Taylor as a husband and father. It is obvious that he loves his family very much. His devotion to his wife during her illness is inspiring. Wild Boy gives fans the opportunity to see a superstar in a different light. It is an opportunity to see Andy Taylor as a normal human being. Kudos Mr. Taylor.
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Posted September 12, 2008
Andy really has a way of writing. His wit / humor are priceless. He doesn't hold back & gloss over anything. You get a complete understanding of his life & view w/the band thru the years. It's a great read! ****
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Posted September 14, 2008
Anyone who remembers Duran from the early 80's or went to a show during 83-84 phenom, or even before or afterward should read this book. Andy shares a inside details deal about himself, the band, and the drama. When my friends and I first heard Andy had written a book, we thought he's bitter and this is payback. He's not bitter IMO the only real 'dig' was when he referred to another member of the band as a 'Revlon wearing tosser.' Which I thought was quite funny. For the most part he provided a firsthand account for what really happened to the band that is synonymous with the 80's. Andy didn't sugar coat but he wasn't cruel either. Andy also talks a lot about the music: recording, dealing with management and working with other talent - validating his life outside of Duran. He also shares some great photos - most from his personal collection. A few years back, after the first round of the reunion tour I had saw Andy leaving the show and said - 'hey Andy - welcome back.' Well he shot me look that - even through his sunglasses - could kill. After the read I understand why. This is Andy setting the record straight.
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Posted September 16, 2008
I have been a Duranie since way back, the number 5 is my lucky number because of the 5 band members. I loved this book! I always enjoy reading about the life of a band that I admire. Mr. Taylor is not only a talented guitarist, he can tell a good story too. Cheers Andy!!!
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Posted December 9, 2009
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Overview
Wild Boy is the explosive first inside account of the rise and fall of Duran Duran. The band rose to conquer the globe with a string of unforgettable hits such as "Rio," "Hungry Like the Wolf," and "The Reflex." With Simon Le Bon as their frontman, they were the defining pop act of the 1980s, but Andy Taylor, the enigmatic lead guitarist, is widely acknowledged to have been their musical driving force.Then, at the very height of their achievement in 1985, Duran Duran imploded. Now Andy shares the story of what went wrong. With searing honesty, he charts every moment of Duran Duran's roller-coaster rise from their early days as club musicians through to...