John Taylor Reflects on 40 Years of The Power Station: From Side Project to Supergroup
As a founding member of the iconic Duran Duran, John Taylor has seen it all. But even after conquering the charts with hits like “Hungry Like the Wolf,” the unexpected success of his side project Power Station still surprised him. The band’s journey, marked by unforgettable music and remarkable collaborations, is now celebrated with a deluxe 40th anniversary edition of their self-titled debut album. This story reveals not only a nostalgic tribute but also a major chapter in pop and rock history.
The Spark of Creation
In the mid-1980s, after Duran Duran’s first three albums, John Taylor and guitarist Andy Taylor wanted a rougher sound—an escape from their slick, synth-heavy style. They teamed up with Tony Thompson of Chic, and brought in Bernard Edwards as producer. The game-changer was when Robert Palmer joined, becoming the missing piece of the puzzle.
“I was not, in any way, prepared for that to happen,” Taylor says, reflecting on Power Station’s sudden rise. Their debut album reached No. 6 on the Billboard 200 and produced two Top 10 hits: “Some Like It Hot” and a fiery cover of T. Rex’s “Get It On.”
A Sound Born of Intensity
Power Station began after Duran Duran’s world tour for Seven and the Ragged Tiger, when the band needed a break. Instead of resting, Taylor and Andy decided to explore something new. “We were like Thelma and Louise, off into the sunset,” Taylor jokes.
With the pressure of Duran Duran behind them, they created a free-spirited rhythm section. “We didn’t think it all out,” Taylor explains. “We just wanted to make cool music with Tony and Bernard.”
The Role of Robert Palmer
The defining moment came when Robert Palmer walked into the studio. With no vocal plan, he instantly transformed the project. “Then Robert walked in and totally changed the game,” Taylor says.
The result was a blend of rock and funk that felt both electric and unconventional. “It was nice to do something that wasn’t at all important,” Taylor reflects.
Capturing the Moment
“Some Like It Hot” became the band’s breakthrough single, capturing their spontaneous energy. Taylor describes the success as “excess to expectation.” The studio sessions were driven by passion and camaraderie, producing powerful tracks with infectious grooves.
Although Palmer left after the album’s release, Taylor remains grateful: “We were blessed just to be able to make a record with Robert… he made it all look so easy.”
The End of an Era and a New Beginning
Palmer’s departure led to Michael Des Barres joining for the 1985 tour. Taylor remembers discovering him in Texas: “When he hit the mic, we knew he just got it.”
The band mixed Power Station songs with Duran Duran hits to build a full setlist, proving their versatility.
The Legacy of Power Station
Taylor sees Power Station as a paradox: it began as an escape from mainstream success but became a powerful entity of its own. “The idea of a supergroup was so everything not punk-rock,” he laughs.
The 40th-anniversary edition of The Power Station features remastered audio and rare live recordings, offering fans a deeper look at a band built on spontaneity and fun.
Taylor admits he didn’t start Power Station for convention—he was already in a great band. The project proved that creativity thrives when artists take risks and step outside their comfort zones.
Power Station’s legacy is more than music, it’s a reminder that originality and experimentation can lead to unexpected greatness
