Wild Boy: My Life with Duran Duran Paperback – 6 Aug. 2009

I really enjoyed this book! To be honest I thought I might find it boring as I'd never taken much notice of Andy back when I was an avid DD fan when I was 13/14, so I didn't think that his 'angle' would keep me interested . Back then, I never thought that he really seemed to fit in with the glamorous/arty image of the group and the obvious good looks of the others (particularly John Taylor, who was my favourite) overshadowed him. I also felt (at the time) that the other members were probably the main driving force behind the music, rather than Andy, but on the contrary, it seems as if Andy had a lot more input than most of the other members. But the feeling I got from this book is that Andy was/is a genuine, decent bloke - down to earth, respectful and thoughtful. I don't feel as if there was any mud-slinging about other members and he refers to them with respect and affection. He obviously has enjoyed 'the good life' (in more ways than one) but also had some very difficult times too and possessed the insight about himself and other people in his life, in order to get through them. His earlier life and the feelings he had as a child and the love for his father and family were also a good read and very touching. WELL worth reading if you were a Duran fan - interesting to read about all of the 'ins and outs' behind the scenes of DD, when as a devoted fan in the 80s, I thought their lifestyle was so fabulously glamorous and perfect. It seems that wasn't necessarily the case. I have also read John Taylor's book and even though it was a great read (and also recommended) I felt as if he was a little vague about many things and I was left with more questions. Whereas Andy Taylor's account seems more open and frank and didn't leave any 'loose ends'.

Ah what a great read , the memories of my childhood. The hours I spent, dancing to Planet Earth in my poster filled bedroom, obsessing over who was my favourite. I went to my first concert , also my first Duran Duran concert. Wembley Arena 1983. I had just turned 13 ! I was pleased that Andy spoke about The Reunion Tour at Kentish Town forum (2003) being his favourite gig , as I was there as well and I have to agree, it was brilliant. Us Duranies are loyal fans even in our 50's.

A very enjoyable read. Being a Duran fan, I was hoping that Mr Taylor wouldn't slag the others off too much and he doesn't at all. Andy comes across as accepting that there were a lot of differences with the other band members but an admission that it was no-ones fault and he was as much to blame as anyone. He goes on to say that he wouldn't change a thing because of the amazing journey it all took him on. Lots of funny stories and you get the feeling that he's just as gutted as anyone that it didn't quite work out which is refreshing because usually ex-band members just rip into a dishing-out-the-dirt splurt! Andy was probably my least favourite band member but that may have changed now, the book reveals a different side to his character that I'd never seen before and he appears to be a genuine, likeable man throughout. It's a real shame that they couldn't patch up the differences as they all seem to respect each other immensely. I also forgot just how important "Andy's sound" was to the early Duran albums and without that they may well not of ever cracked it - especially America. Listen to those great early songs again, they've got Andy's guitar riffs stamped all over them (and Roger, John, and Nick and Simon)!!!!!

I know some reviewers found this account egotistical and many have mentioned the name dropping and also the creative conflict with certain band members.I decided to read the book anyway and in fact what I discovered was an honest balanced and self aware description of the Duran Duran roundabout and all it involved. The different personalities in the band and their approaches to the creative process were all laid bare as well as Andy's own strengths and shortcomings equally.I really enjoyed this book and have finished it with more of an insight into Duran Duran and liking Andy as a person.So if you are a Duran Duran or even an 80's music fan then this is well worth reading.

I was a fan of duran duran as a very young girl (pre high school – so very young). John was my pin up, however I became slightly besotted with Andy after seeing the reflex video (he looked amazing in the video). I still listen to their early stuff, they made some good music in their heyday, and I read Andy's book after seeing some duran duran stuff on sky arts (I only very recently saw the sing blue silver documentary for the first time).I enjoyed the book, it was an interesting read, however be aware that it's an incredibly one sided/biased insight. After reading I didn't feel any depth of warmth for Andy, the impression I was left with was of a deluded man (prone to self obsession/indulgence). Sure, duran duran were a successful band, however they were never in the league of (nor achieved as did) the bands Andy talks about in his book (thus I found myself cringing at parts – at the comparisons and such like). There wasn't a Dave Grohl or a Sting amongst them (or even a Phil Collins!); none of them had the makings of a successful solo artist.There is no great reveal about why Andy didn't stick with duran duran, it all seemed a bit silly and insignificant (and I think the truth is that the others probably reached their limit with him). He would still have had an outlet, and something of a career, if he'd committed to staying. It's a shame that he threw that away, and didn't ever gain the acceptance, the realisation/insight (and ability to count his blessings) that duran duran was as good as it was ever going to get for him.

Premesso che non ho ancora terminato il libro, posso comunque affermare con convinzione che dal mio punto di vista la lettura è scorrevole e piacevolissima (forse anche perchè sono una fan dell'ex chitarrista della band spinta da un'accesa curiosità.....) seppur rallentata mio malgrado per il semplice fatto che esiste solo l'edizione in lingua inglese. Inoltre il libro è molto interessante perchè analizza con cura i lati oscuri del successo ed è corredato da foto inedite con didascalie!!!!

I loved this book. You can feel that Andy wrote it and you can feel what was life like in the band. I like the fact that Andy is not insulting anyone, quite the opposite: he is full of compliments for everybody in the band, even if at some point in time, he was having fights with the others. I also like the way he does not spend too much time talking about his drug use or womanizing. There was a story to tell outside that and I loved reading about it.I recommend this book to anyone who loves Duran Duran, to anyone who is in a band or even thinking about playing an instrument. Andy is an accomplished guitar player and it is interesting to read how he started and where he perfected his craft.Great read.

Wow.This was NOT what I expected.I got into Duran Duran in 1984 during their major tour of the USA. Yeah, I saw them at Madison Square Garden in '84... what a show! As a Teenager, I was enamored... the guys could DO NO WRONG. This book really made me feel for them. Andy Taylor put out a book that was far more sympathetic to five 20-somethings who had to deal with a tremendous amount of pressure at a very young age than I expected.It was FAR more sympathetic to the combined "approaching middle age something" they are ALL going through. I had no clue to many of the inner struggles within the band through 25 plus years. I had no clue that many of the press stories were either... a. wrong, or b. downplayed. Press is Press and is to be taken with a grain of salt, but precious few realize that. To hear it from someone who was there.... wow.I was very impressed with the lack of what I was expecting... mainly, the potential to snipe at his replacement. It was also less acrimonious to his bandmates than I expected. This gained a lot of respect from me as the reader.If you are looking for a "TELL-ALL," this ain't it. Tell-alls tend to be biased and one sided. This is a well thought out book which, in my opinion, sought to tell a story without hurting those involved.That's damned rare, in my opinion, and, as I said, not what I expected.I was pleased with the conversational tone of the book... as if Andy and Tracey invited the reader in for a 'spot of tea and a chat.' Far more complimentary towards fans than I expected (oh come ON... what 25 year old wouldn't be terrified by the mob of Duranies banging on the top of the car? Not to mention in 2005, to use computer speak, ROFL, a bunch of thirty-something MOTHERS? CLASSIC line, Mr. Taylor.... made me laugh hysterically, that bit!) I was pleased to read the inside/outside of what the band, or at the very least, Andy was feeling.As a little aside (as I fan, I simply can not let this go,) I think the thing that made my 'DECADE' was the fact that I am mentioned, albeit in a tiny way. I won't spoil the book, but an analogy that I made in an email to Andy Taylor is mentioned in the last paragraph of the book. This would be a small thing, but as a fan, I was impressed way back when I sent then email that 'Andy Taylor' replied.Not his management.Not his fan club.Not his Web manager.Andy Taylor.Take a moment to swoon. I did. ;)This is a man who appreciates his fans, and I am tickled to the end that he actually replied to an email from little ol' me. As far as being mentioned (anonymously) in his book... ;) ... ask my friends. I've been giggling about this since Friday when I read the book on the day it arrived from Amazon.Exceedingly well written. I laughed, I cried... I could not ask for more.Except for everyone to do one more show at Boston University so I could see all five again. ;)This biography is a MUST for ANY fan of Duran Duran.Bravo, Mr. Taylor! Vive la Rock!~Kathy [email protected]

ニューロマンティクの申し子、DURANDURANのギター、アンディーテイラーが生い立ちから華々しいロックの世界、そして2回の脱退の真実を話してくれています。ファンにとっては、あのすばらしいＰＶの撮影秘話やメンバーの裏話も書いてあって、ニヤニヤしちゃいますよ。ワイルドでやんちゃなイメージでしたが、これらを読むと意外に常識ある普通の青年というのがわかります。成功を納めながらも、精神的な病にかかった妻の介護や、ニックへの不信感、思い通りにいかないレコーディング等あらゆるストレスが彼にふりかかります。それがドラッグに走った理由にはなりませんが、彼のつらい思いが切実に伝わってきます。彼曰く「もっとやりたかったけどこれ以上は無理だった」DURANDURANのバンド活動ですが読み終えた後は、もう十分だよ、アンディお疲れ様。と言ってあげたい気分になります。たぶん彼は一生戻らないんじゃないかな、と思うことはファンとしては悲しい気持ですが仕方ないこと。彼らが一番輝いていた「リオ」の時代を思い出しながら、これからの彼に期待しましょう。

An easy and quick read. Certainly an interesting and candid perspective from a very particular point of view.