Nigel John Taylor
Bass guitarist for Duran Duran.
Net worth: 30 million
Born June 20, 1960 in Solihull, then part of Warwickshire, John grew up in Hollywood, Worcestershire, England. (Fun fact: he live on Simon Road – Street view of John Taylor’s childhood home.) During his childhood, he attended Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic School and later the Abbey High School in Redditch (now called Trinity). He wore glasses due to severe myopia, with a prescription exceeding -10 diopters. John developed a passion for James Bond movies and wargaming with hand-painted model soldiers. In his early teens, he discovered a love for music, with Roxy Music becoming his favorite band. He began collecting records and taught himself to play the piano, eventually forming his first band, Shock Treatment.
Founding member of Duran Duran
In 1978, John and Nick formed Duran Duran. He played guitar but later switched to bass guitar. They had their first gig at The Rum Runner (see street view of Duran Duran’s Rum Runner bar, the building was demolished in 1987.)
Personal life; From 1985 to 1989, John dated Danish supermodel Renée Toft Simonsen.He married Amanda De Cadenet at Chelsea Old Town Hall’s register office on 24 December 1991, and they welcomed their daughter, Atlanta Noo, on 31 March 1992. (See street view of John Taylor’s wedding location here.) However, the couple officially separated in May 1995. He met his second wife, Gela Nash, co-founder of Juicy Couture, in 1996, and they married in Las Vegas on 27 March 1999.
In 2013, John became an American citizen while maintaining dual citizenship.
Where does John Taylor Live?
John and his wife Gela Taylor live in Los Angeles California and South Wraxall Manor. (Street view)
They purchased South Wraxall Manor in 2005. Located in the picturesque village of South Wraxall in Wiltshire, England, the home has a rich and fascinating history dating back centuries. The manor’s origins can be traced to the medieval period, with records showing its existence as early as the 13th century. Over the years, it has been home to various prominent families, including the Long family in the 16th century and the Watsons in the 17th century.
South Wraxall Manor is located at Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, UK, BA15 2ND. Learn more in the video documentary about the estate, featuring Gela Nash-Taylor.
John listed his LA house for sale for 13 million. The home has stunning views of the Hollywood Bowl, a 400 gallon aquarium, a bathroom reminiscent of Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night’, a pool, and an observation deck overlooks Hollywood. Read more.
Zillow Listing: 6950 Oporto Dr
Photo: Realtor.com Presented by: Steven Bruns Brokered by: Engel & Volkers Calabasas
Side and Solo Work
John was also a member of two supergroups: the Power Station and Neurotic Outsiders.
As a solo artist, he released several albums and singles, showcasing a more introspective and diverse musical style. His solo debut album, “Feelings Are Good and Other Lies” (1995), featured the single “I Do What I Do,” which gained popularity for its inclusion in the soundtrack of the film “9½ Weeks.” The song’s sultry, atmospheric vibe highlighted Taylor’s ability to craft captivating melodies and lyrics that resonated with listeners.
His solo work also includes albums such as “The Japan Album” (1999) and “Techno For Two” (2001), which showcased his eclectic musical tastes and songwriting skills. Techno For Two produced an international hit “6,000 Miles”
During 1997-1998, John created a band called “John Taylor Terroristen.” Terroristen released a live EP 5.30.98 and a video Better Off Alive through his website, Trust The Process. After 9/11, John said he would never use “Terroristen” again.
In 1999, John released the album Résumé, which included music that he worked on with Jonathan Elias during the 9½ Weeks movie project. He also released Meltdown, a collection of songs that were developed around 1992 while Duran Duran was recording The Wedding Album.
A Few of John’s Favorite Artists & Songs
- Anything by Roxy Music
- David Bowie
- Sly & The Family Stone
- Nile Rodgers & Bernard Edwards
- Chic
- The Clash and Paul Simonon
John Taylor’s Famous Quotes
“I had been a nerd at school. I wasn’t a jock or an intellectual and had never had a regular girlfriend as a teenager. Now, I only had to wink in a girl’s direction in a hotel lobby, backstage or at a record company party, and I have company until the morning.”
John Taylor’s Acting Career
In 1999, John starred in Sugar Town an independent film about struggling rock start in L.A. The groupies for John’s character “Clive” were real John Taylor fans. The movie also stars Michael Des Barres (who worked with John on The Power Station).
Other John Taylor acting roles:
- “The Hacker” (with his girlfriend at the time, Virginia Hey).
- Pilot episode of Timeslip, 1985
- Guest appearance on Miami Vice, 1985 (episode “Whatever Works”).
- Cameo in The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas
- Appearance on Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher, 2000,
- A Diva’s Christmas Carol with Vanessa Williams as the Ghost of Christmas Present, 2000
- That ’80s Show, 2002.
- Never Mind the Buzzcocks as a gameshow panelist, 2001
- Four Dogs Playing Poker: 2000
- Strange Frequency: 2001
- Samantha Who TV series, 2009
- Vegas, City of Dreams movie, 2001
John Taylor’s Favorite Books
- Demon Copperhead
- Gone Girl
In October 2012, John released an autobiography called In the Pleasure Groove: Love, Death and Duran Duran. In 2013, he was given the “Experience, Strength and Hope” award by the Writers in Treatment foundation.
More John Favorites
- Hauser & Wirth Somerset
- Barbie Movie Soundtrack especially “I’m Just Ken.”
- “Spartacus Love Theme” by Alex North
- Generation Sex at the Dog Day Afternoon Festival in South London
- Hugh Cornwell’s Film/Music Podcast MrDemilleFM
- Tai Chi
- Eno’s Solo Albums
- Henry Taylor, Painter
- Khatia Buniatishvili’s Motherland
Awards
Bass Player magazine awarded John Taylor a Lifetime Achievement Award
John and his daughter, Atlanta
John and his wife Gela
