In the Pleasure Groove

Love, Death, and Duran Duran

By: John Taylor

Narrated by: John Taylor

John Taylor, Duran Duran's co-founder, takes the listener on a wild ride through his life. From the 80s through today, from Rio to All You Need is Now, John writes about the music, the parties, and the MTV videos that made millions swoon.

With Duran Duran, John Taylor has created some of the greatest music of our time. From the disco dazzle of debut single "Planet Earth" right up to their latest number one album, All You Need is Now, Duran Duran has always had the power to sweep the world onto its feet.

It's been a ride - and for John in particular, the ride has been wild, thrilling...and dangerous. Now, for the first time, he tells his incredible story. A tale of dreams fulfilled, lessons learned and demons conquered.

A shy only child, Nigel John Taylor wasn't an obvious candidate for pop stardom and frenzied girl panic. But when he ditched his first name and picked up a bass guitar, everything changed. John Formed Duran Duran with his friend Nick Rhodes in the summer of 1978, and they were soon joined by Roger Taylor, then Andy Taylor and finally Simon Le Bon. Together they were an immediate, massive global success story, their pictures on millions of walls, every single a worldwide hit.

In his frank, compelling autobiography, John recounts the highs - hanging out with icons like Bowie, Warhol and even James Bond; dating Vogue models and driving fast cars - all the while playing hard with the band he loved. But there were tough battles ahead - troubles that brought him to the brink of self-destruction - before turning his life around.

Told with humor, honesty and hard-won wisdom, and packed with exclusive pictures, In the Pleasure Groove is a fascinating, irresistible portrait of a man who danced into the fire... and came through the other side.

©2012 John Taylor (P)2012 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Unlike most cred-obsessed rockers, the Duran Duran bassist presents his (and the band's) story as one of substance in the service of style. And his natural raconteur's wit lends Duran's ruthless ambition some crucial charm.” (LA Times)

“Taylor's honest and heartfelt style makes for a highly worthwhile and entertaining read whether you are a fan of the band or not. In the Pleasure Groove is, quite simply, a fascinating tale of very interesting man who has jammed one hell of a lot of living into his 52 years.”(Huffington Post)

"The book is a familiar tale of rock ’n’ roll, sin and redemption, but Taylor’s capable voice make this a more nuanced and intriguing memoir than might be expected.” (Kirkus)

A must for any DD fan!

Would you consider the audio edition of In the Pleasure Groove to be better than the print version?

Hearing the story from JT directly really brought the stories to life. His honesty and emotion really set the tone for the stories.

What was one of the most memorable moments of In the Pleasure Groove?

Finally having a glimpse into what their lives were really like at the height of their popularity was fun to hear.

What about John Taylor’s performance did you like?

Loved it. He is engaged and passionate. Great performance.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I enjoyed every minute of it.

Any additional comments?

His honesty really struck me. Any fan of the band will enjoy reliving the heydays!

An enjoyable, open autobiography narrated by John

I have to admit I was skeptical about this book, but it was surprisingly well done. As he narrates his life, and the common struggles many of us face in life, I remained engrossed in the story from beginning to end.

Great book

If you could sum up In the Pleasure Groove in three words, what would they be?

Informative and nicely done

What other book might you compare In the Pleasure Groove to and why?

Keith Richards My Life, because they're both fairly well done

Which scene was your favorite?

His early years

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When his Dad died

John Taylor Autobiography

I loved this books so much! I’ve been a Duranie almost my entire life. This is such an “authentic” take into Johns life and journey from his early days in Duran Duran. I was fascinated at what John describes the rock star life as everyone envies yet its lonely. It’s such a heartfelt story about his parents and his upbringing and many times I laughed and I cried. Nice job John. I’m glad you have found happiness and peace as what it’s like to grow up and realize what’s important in our short life!

big fan so enjoyed

loved that John was narrator. good overall summary of the bands journey from his perspective. nice to hear his overcoming alcoholism and finally finding love.

Enjoyed this very much

The story was well written and a great insight for anyone who followed the band in the 80s on. Hearing the author read the story was an added layer of interest and made the book come to life.

Have listened twice now

I was a huge fan of Duran Duran growing up in the 80s, John being my favorite. I have really enjoyed listening to this audiobook twice now, and love it that John Taylor himself narrates the book. I loved hearing the background history of the band and have much admiration for his recognizing that he had a problem, admitting that he needed help, and getting that help. It’s very admirable that he has always been able to stay on his path of recovery when I know it’s very difficult to do so. I feel his story could be very inspirational to others who are either in his situation or have experienced his situation themselves and can identify with the struggle and recovery effort. He tells his story incredibly well. I wish him all the best in continued success.

A great look inside the life of an iconic bass player

I very much enjoyed listening to John tell the story of his life and a slice of what it’s like being a tremendously successful pop star.

my husband and I loved this book

Would you listen to In the Pleasure Groove again? Why?

Yes - John Taylor's narration was fantastic. I just finished listening to a different book, and the narrator was so slow. John kept the flow going.

What other book might you compare In the Pleasure Groove to and why?

Like Rob Lowe's autobiography, which my husband I really liked, too.

Which scene was your favorite?

He talked about his struggles with addiction to alcohol and drugs, which are common not only with performers but other people, as well.

fascinating and insightful

I love listening to John Taylor's recounting his memories from early days of Duran Duran all the way through his drug addiction alcoholism rehab back to Duran Duran being on top I loved it I thought it was a great fascinating compelling love listening to him.