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Taken from Rock Celebrities (Nov 04, 2023)
Roger Taylor On Why Everybody Wanted To Destroy Duran Duran
Roger Taylor appeared on The Music to discuss the 40 years of Duran Duran, and while sharing his thoughts on a particular album, he explained why everyone wanted to destroy them.
by Deniz Kivilcim
Roger Taylor - Duran Duran. Courtesy Image |
The Highly Criticized Duran Duran Album
Duran Duran. Courtesy Image |
The band is now celebrating their 40th anniversary, and almost 30 years ago, they released their eighth studio album, 'Thank You.' Being entirely a cover album, the record consists of covers such as Lou Reed's 'Perfect Day,' Grandmaster Melle Mel's 'White Lines (Don't Don't Do It)' and Public Enemy's '911 Is A Joke.' Although the original singers praised the covers, they were highly criticized both by listeners and music critics.
Despite the criticism, Taylor seems to think it was a good album. Daring the critics to make negative comments on 'The Wedding Album,' Taylor explained why everyone tried to destroy the album and the band:
"For what it's worth, I thought it was a good album. But I think Duran Duran was in that kind of post-'80s era where everybody wanted to have a pop at them. Everybody wanted to bring them down. They couldn't do that with 'The Wedding Album' because it was such an amazing piece of work that people couldn't criticise that too much."
'The Wedding Album' didn't receive much criticism, but 'Thank You' did. Some fans didn't understand why Duran Duran decided to make an album entirely filled with covers. Taylor continued with the following about the cover album:
"But, then, when 'Thank You' came along, it was time to unleash the cannons - because it was treading on a lot of sacred ground. Some of the songs were quite ambitious projects to take on."
Did Taylor Enjoy Making 'Thank You'?
Roger Taylor - Duran Duran. Courtesy Image |
The criticism doesn't seem to bother the drummer since he enjoyed the process of the creation of the album. After his last show with the band in 1985, Taylor's decision to leave the band was certain. Eight years after his departure, Taylor temporarily rejoined the band to play in the new record.
Although he only played the drums for three songs, only two of which made it to the album, he says that it was a pleasant moment. The drummer said following his previous words:
"I really enjoyed it because it was the first time I'd been back in the studio with the band since I left - so I've got fond memories of that record."
Below, you can listen to the album.
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