The Power Station Biography (1985)

Over three years ago, John and Andy (Taylor) began talking about the possibilities of another band, not to replace Duran Duran, but a one-off project that would fulfill John's original intention for Duran Duran - mixing funk rhythms with heavy metal guitar work. Not knowing where it would lead them, John and Andy spent their spare time in studios, laying down a foundation for what was to become The Power Station.

Then, at a David Bowie concert on his '84 tour, they met Tony Thompson, Bowie's drummer, and relayed the idea to him. He wanted in. In time, Bernard Edwards, Chic principal and ace bass player became involved as producer. This was particularly exciting for John as he has often acknowledged Bernard as his main bass-playing influence.

All that we needed now was a voice. The original plan was to use many different singers on the album, thereby creating an atmosphere of diversity and freedom.

That plan was partially altered as soon as Robert Palmer walked into the studio and sang the songs. As John explained, "It was kind of a magical thing at the time, I called Robert and tried to lure him out of his home in Nassau, which is like trying to open a can of beans with a dollar. I said 'Listen you've got to get down there', and he said 'Well, but the weather's nice here...' so, I sent him a demo. He phoned back, said he loved it and got on the next flight. He wrote some words on the plane and litterally walked straight into the studio and laid down a vocal."

It turned out so well that everyone immediately realized they had found their singer for the album. The Power Station was born. 

From left to right: Robert Palmer, Andy Taylor, John Taylor and Tony Thompson

During this stage, the working title for the project was 'Big Brother'. But as time went by, the band realized the name wasn't quite right. They wanted something simple, yet a name that translated the intense feeling behind the record.

When the thought of calling themselves The Power Station came to John, it clicked immediately. Here was a name that, to the band, represented the 'best studio in the world'. As John also points out, 'more artistically, The Power Station can be related to the idea of the body as a Human Power Station, the centre of which is the heart. And, this project is very much from the heart'.

A feeling of satisfaction comes from the fact that none of the band members had to do The Power Station, they simply wanted to. The existence of The Power Station has created an environment where these talented musicians could stretch out and grow. And, The Power Station is continuing to provide just that. On their one and only summer Get It On tour.

The Power Station will continue to evolve. Robert Palmer, who contributed his talents on the record, will be off finishing and then promoting his own album. Lead vocalist Michael Des Barres will step in to sing.

For those who may not be familiar with Michael, he is the co-writer of the recent top 10 hit, Obsession, sung by the group Animotion. He also was the lead singer in the groups Chequered Past, Detective and Silverhead.

The Power Station, a project that started as a spare-time dream for John and Andy Taylor, has come a long way. A hit album, and single in Some Like It Hot, a major summer tour and a tremendous sense of satisfaction for the people involved.

And although they have accomplished so much, the basic premise of the group still holds true. The Power Station, in years to come, can be looked at as one of the few supergroups created just for the fun of it.

(The Power Station 'Get It On' tour programme - 1985)