Saturday, February 29, 2020

February Set List


February Set List

1.  The Way You Look Tonight
2.  At Last
3.  I Just Called to Say I Love You
4.  Send Her My Love
5.  No Ordinary Love
6.  Come Undone
7.  My Heart Will Go On
8.  Faithfully
9.  I Will Always Love You
10.  Crazy Little Thing Called Love

And there you have it - February 2020 Set List.  Would you add anything to this list?  What would be on your February set list?

Set List Recommended

In this edition of Set List Recommended, I am featuring two noteworthy posts honoring the one and only - Eddie Van Halen.

zZounds Signature Collection 

In Honor - Eddie Van Halen 

A brief background was given in the In Honor - Eddie Van Halen post, so I will let that post speak on its own.

The iconic black and yellow professionally made version of Eddie Van Halen's "Frankenstein" guitar is worth the investment ($899.99) whether as a novice or as a professional because having a genuine, brand new replica of an EVH guitar in your personal collection is, quite simply, too cool.

The design is in the details.  The zZounds Signature Collection post will speak on its own.

There is one reason alone that led me to choose the two link posts above as my Set List Recommended - 


Friday, February 28, 2020

Friday zZounds Showcase

Due disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated on any purchase made.

In this edition of Friday zZounds Showcase, I will showcase a unique drum kit by the Pearl brand.

Pearl EX725SPC Export Drum Kit, 5-Piece, Black
$799.99 OR 12 Payments $66.67

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--PEAEX725SPC



The Pearl Export was once a top seller and is now back by popular demand as a reissue.

According to zZounds, the Export series is perfect for entry-level drummers.

The description behind this drum kit is quite detailed, so consider the video below that showcases the features of the Pearl Export series kit -


If you are curious about the Pearl brand and this Export series especially, explore the link above.  If you are seriously interested in this Pearl EX725SPC Export Drum Kit, follow the link above for full details and a payment plan.

Set List Reader's Choice

Due disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated on any purchase.

In this edition of Set List Reader's Choice, your favorite post is -

Andy Taylor - Solo Debut 

I will let the post link above stand on its own.

With that said, I was curious to know what guitar brand Andy Taylor prefers.  According to Music Players, Andy played the Fender Telecaster, Gibson Les Paul, and of most interest - the Gibson 335.

In this post, I am featuring an example Gibson 335.

Gibson ES-335 Dot Electric Guitar (with Case), Vintage Ebony
$2,999 OR 12 Payments $249.92

!Only 1 left!

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--GIBES3500


According to zZounds, this Gibson ES-335 electric guitar is a favorite of many established guitarists since its debut in 1958.

I would recommend the Gibson ES-335 to Gibson enthusiasts with spare finances to afford the expense.  

If you are seriously interested, follow the link above for details and a payment plan.  Note that there is only 1 left in stock.  

Thursday, February 27, 2020

Plat that *f*

Due disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated on any purchase made.

In reference to John Taylor of Duran Duran, welcome back to zZounds Bass Guitar!

In this edition of zZounds Base Guitar, consider the bass below -

Gibson Thunderbird Electric Bass (with Case), Ebony
$2,299 OR 12 Payments $191.58

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--GIBBAT400


What is special about the Gibson Thunderbird?

According to zZounds, the Gibson Thunderbird Electric Bass has been a preferred favorite among bassists for quite some time.

The description of this bass is exceptionally brief.  

If you are curious about the Gibson Thunderbird, explore the link above.  If you are seriously interested in the Gibson Thunderbird to play or add to your personal collection, follow the link above for specs and a payment plan.

As always,

Play it!

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Andy Taylor - Solo Debut


Image result for andy taylor duran duran playing guitar

Duran Duran launched their career with the 1981 debut album, Duran Duran.  Little did they know, though, what the rocky future held for the band.  The original line-up to break up to side projects to reunion to Andy Taylor's official departure.  The original line-up will never be again.

So where did Andy go?  

Thunder is Andy Taylor's first solo album, released in 1987.  Thunder reached No. 46 on Billboard 200 and No. 61 on the UK Chart.  Two noted singles from the album include "Don't Let Me Die Young" (No. 36 on Mainstream Rock Tracks) and "I Might Lie" (No. 17 on Mainstream Rock Tracks).  The album went out of production in 1990 but later was reissued on iTunes.


Andy's two other solo albums include Dangerous (1990) and The Spanish Sessions EP (1999).

On his own, I am not sure.  In my opinion, Andy fits well within a band where his contribution is profound and truly impressive.  If only the original line-up...

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Depeche Mode - Personal Jesus

"Personal Jesus"

Background -
- Lead single from Depeche Mode's 7th album, Violator (1990)
- Released in 1989

Success -
- No. 13 on UK Singles Chart
- No. 28 on Billboard Hot 100
- No. 368 in Rolling Stone's "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time" (2004)

Certifications -
Gold in the U.S.
Silver in the UK
Platinum in Italy

Point of interest -
"Personal Jesus" has been covered numerous times by such artists as Marilyn Manson, Johnny Cash, Sammy Hagar, and many more.

Marilyn Manson considered "Personal Jesus" and Depeche Mode to be inspirational.

Johnny Cash considered "Personal Jesus" to be "the most evangelical gospel song I ever recorded."

Sammy Hagar admitted his interest in "Personal Jesus" despite not being a fan of synth music.  


To inspire musicians who may otherwise pass is impressive and honorable.

Depeche Mode - Class of 2020 in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame


Versus Tuesday

Astronaut2005 Drummer v. Original Performance

In this edition of Versus Tuesday, I am featuring "Personal Jesus" by Depeche Mode and the drum cover take by Astronaut2005 Drummer.

Depeche Mode - "Personal Jesus"
Astronaut2005 Drummer Cover


Depeche Mode - "Personal Jesus"
Official Music Video


Monday, February 24, 2020

In Honor - Eddie Van Halen

I have posted record loop topics often on Set List - where from time to time I will write about the same topic over the course of months or years.  I  suppose this is out of passion for the subject matter.

In this post, I am record looping Eddie Van Halen's "Eruption" solo as performed live.  This is out of pure passion for the performance.


Eddie Van Halen brief -
- Born in Amsterdam ... Naturalized U.S. citizen
- No. 1 in Guitar World magazine's 
"The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" (2012)
- "Eruption" - No. 2 in Guitar World magazine's
"100 Greatest Guitar Solos"
- Never fully learned to read music
- Learned to play the piano ... Learned to play the drums
- Learned to play the electric guitar after hearing older brother, Alex, play
- Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page were primary influences
- Van Halen, Side projects, Tapping style

(Full background on Wikipedia)

Eddie Van Halen's profound talent will say the rest of it.  Enjoy the video above.

zZounds Signature Collection

Due disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated on any purchase made.

zZounds Signature Collection

In this post of the limited edition series, the spotlight is on Eddie Van Halen.  

Below is what zZounds has to offer -

EVH Eddie Van Halen Striped Series Electric Guitar
Black and Yellow
$899.99 OR 12 Payments $75

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--EVH5107902?siid=121740



What makes this guitar special?

It is a brand-new, professionally made version of Eddie Van Halen's iconic "Frankenstein."

The complete design is in the details.  Follow the link above to explore.

The guitar's most profound use -


Whether a novice or a professional, the EVH Eddie Van Halen Striped Series Electric Guitar, Black and Yellow, is worth the investment to add to a personal collection or, if a professional, play in the studio or even on stage!  Channel the EVH rock star and perform to impress.

As always,

Play it!

Sunday, February 23, 2020

zZounds Music Sunday

Due disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated on any purchase made.

In zZounds Music Sunday, I highlight the bass guitar and keyboard for both professionals and beginners.

In this edition of zZounds Music Sunday, I am going down a different route - a studio recording or listening session essential and on a generous budget.

Consider the following -

Samson SR350 Over-Ear Stereo Headphones
$14.95

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--SAMSARS350?siid=189029


Details -
Sound isolation
Cushioned ear pads
Lightweight - perfect for music recording, practicing, and listening
Adjustable headband  
1/4" adapter included

Curious?  Interested?  Follow the link above.

Samson HP30 Stereo Headphones 
$24.95

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--SAMHP30?siid=127499



Details -
On the go or in your home studio
Lightweight
Adjustable headband

Curious?  Interested?  Follow the link above.

Samson Z25 Closed-Back Studio Headphones
$49.99

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--SAMSAZ25?siid=185924



Details -
Noise-isolating
Lightweight
Leather ear pads
Adjustable headband
90-degree rotating ear cups
1/4" adapter included

Curious?  Interested?  Follow the link above.

Samson SR400 Over-Ear Headphones
$49.99

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--SAMSR400?siid=256922


Details -
Sound isolation even in crowded environments
Lightweight
Wide cushioning
Adjustable headband
1/4" adapter included

Curious?  Interested?  Follow the link above.

Each headphone above offers unique features and reasonable prices.  My advice would be to consider if not purchase.

And so...

As always,

Play it!

Saturday, February 22, 2020

Set List Recommended

In this edition of Set List Recommended, I am featuring an exceptional trend - Phil Collins - Another Day in Paradise.  This trend highlights the background, success, critiques, and certifications for "Another Day in Paradise" - Collins' first single from his 1989 album, ...But Seriously.

The subject matter of the song dealt with homelessness.  Critics did not feel Collins was qualified to address the issue given his wealth at the time.  His defense, in my opinion, was justified -

"...It's a misconception that if you have a lot of money you're somehow out of touch with reality..."

I concluded the post with examples of major rock bands reflecting similar political and social awareness in their songs.

In the end, "...if music recognizes social causes, taking action is inspired..."

For this reason alone, I recommended Phil Collins - Another Day in Paradise.


Friday, February 21, 2020

Friday zZounds Showcase

Due disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated on any purchase made.

In this edition of Friday zZounds Showcase, I will showcase a limited edition Epiphone electric guitar with an iconic name behind the instrument.

Epiphone Limited Edition Slash Firebird Electric Guitar
Transparent Black
$649 OR 12 Payments 54.08

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--EPIEDSL


The background behind this Limited Edition Slash Firebird is exceptionally detailed and best noted by professionals.  As a novice, however, owning a limited edition guitar designed by Slash is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

And so if you are curious about the Epiphone Limited Edition Slash Firebird Electric Guitar, explore the link above.  If you are seriously interested in this once in a lifetime opportunity - such as adding to a collection, playing in the studio, or perhaps at a gig or on stage - follow the link above for more information and a payment plan.

Set List Reader's Choice

Due disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensate don any purchase made.

In this edition of Set List Reader's Choice, your favorite post is - 

Phil Collins - Another Day in Paradise 

I will let the post link above stand on its own.

With that said, I was curious to know what brand of drums Phil Collins prefers because although he took over as lead singer of Genesis after Peter Gabriel's departure, he is best known behind a drum kit.  

In this post, Phil Collins' favorite brand is Gretsch.  

An example Gretsch drum kit is -

Gretsch CMI1-E825 Catalina Maple Drum Shell Kit, 5-Piece
Deep Cherry Burst
$769.95 OR 12 Payments $64.16

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--GRECM1E825


According to zZounds, this Gretsch Catalina drum shell kit is ideal for both studio use and on stage use.  The dimensions define why this kit is so popular and desired by drummers - 22 inch bass drum, 10 inch and 12 inch rack toms, 16 inch floor tom, 14 inch snare configuration.  

Important notes -
Shell kit only.  Cymbals and hardware sold separately.
There are only 2 left in stock.

If you are curious about the Gretsch brand and this kit, explore the link above.  If you are seriously interested in the Gretsch brand, follow the link above for specs and a payment plan.  With only 2 left in stock, act now!

Thursday, February 20, 2020

Play that *f*

Due disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated on any purchase made.

In reference to John Taylor of Duran Duran, welcome to the launch edition of zZounds Bass Guitar!  As with zZounds Drums (On the drums...), this series will feature a variety of the deep bass guitar sound and contributing beat.

With that said, play this bass guitar -

Ibanez SR505E Electric Bass, 5-String, Left Handed
$749.99 OR 12 Payments $62.50

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--IBASR505EL



The description of the Ibanez SR505E Electric Bass is detailed and complicated to follow as a novice first learning how to play.  Therefore, I recommend this guitar to professionals and perhaps semi-professionals who have seasoned experience in jam sessions, recording sessions, and on stage performances.    

Nonetheless, if you are curious about the Ibanez brand and this unique lefty bass, explore the link above.  If you are seriously interested in the Ibanez SR505E Electric Bass, 5-String, Left Handed, follow the link above for more information and a payment plan.

As always,

Play it!

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Sting - Solo Debut


Sting in April 2018.jpg

The Police gained profound recognition, critical and commercial success, and honors from their debut album, Outlandos d'Amour (1978), to their final album as a band, Synchronicity (1983).

Consider The Police honors -
3 Brit Awards
6 Grammy Awards
1 Juno Award
1 People's Choice Award
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2003)
No. 70 on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Artists of All Time
No. 40 on VH1's 100 Greatest Artists of All Time
One of the world's best-selling artists of all time 
(over 75 million records sold)

Consider Outlandos  d'Amour
No. 6 on UK Albums Chart

Consider Synchronicity -
No. 1 in the UK and in the U.S.
Over 8 million copies sold in the U.S. alone

(Wikipedia)

When The Police disbanded in 1986, where did the members go?  Sting, of course, went solo.  As a solo artist, Sting had to start somewhere.

Solo debut - The Dream of the Blue Turtles (1985)
Samples hit singles - 
"If You Love Somebody Set Them Free," "Fortress Around Your Heart"
Honors - Triple Platinum, 4 Grammy Nominations

Second album - ...Nothing Like the Sun (1987)
Sample singles -
"Fragile," "Englishman in New York," "Be Still My Beating Heart"
Honors - Double Platinum, 1 Brit Award, 3 Grammy Nominations
Honors - No. 90 on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Albums of the 1980s
Honors - "Be Still My Beating Heart" - 8 Grammy Nominations

Greater Solo Success -
- The Soul Cages (1991) - Platinum
- Ten Summoner's Tales (1993) - Triple Platinum
(No. 2 in the UK and the U.S.) ... (Grammy nomination)
Sample singles -
"Fields of Gold" ... "If I Ever Lose My Faith in You" (Grammy Award)
- Fields of Gold: The Best of Sting - Double Platinum
- Mercury Falling (1996)

And then there is Brand New Day (1999) - Sting's 6th solo album.  
Triple Platinum
Top 40 singles include "Brand New Day" and "Desert Rose"  
2 Grammy Awards

Significant mention - 
The Police Reunion Tour
2007 - 2008
30th Anniversary of The Police formation

Significant Honors -
Honorary Doctorate in Music from Northumbria University 
Honorary Doctorate in Music from Berklee College of Music
One of the 100 most influential people in the world (Time, 2011)
Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music
Ivor Novello Award for Lifetime Achievement
Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame (2002)
Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (2003)
(For services to the Music Industry)

(Wikipedia)

Noteworthy -
Sting has performed several duets and collaborations as a solo artist.  Refer to Wikipedia.

In total, Sting has 13 solo albums.  The most recent album is My Songs (2019).  He has taken to acting on film, television, and theater.

The rest may be history but Sting will continue moving forward.

Kennedy Center Honoree (2014)





Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Phil Collins - Another Day in Paradise

"Another Day in Paradise"

Background -
- First single from Phil Collins' 1989 album, ...But Seriously
- Subject matter dealt with homelessness ... Major departure from pop rock and dance rock genres of previous album, No Jacket Required (1985)

Success -
- Seventh and final No. 1 single on Billboard Hot 100 in the 1980s and first No. 1 in the 1990s
- One of Collins' most successful songs of his solo career
- Grammy Award for Record of the Year
- Grammy nomination for Song of the Year, Best Pop Vocal Performance Male, and Best Music Video Short Form
- Brit Award for British Single

Ironic note -
"...the song also generated some controversy over its subject matter and has received a largely negative reaction from music critics..." (Wikipedia)

"...criticism from the English rock press at the time of its release, who found him unqualified to sing about the poor due to his wealth...." (Wikipedia)

Phil Collins response - "When I drive down the street, I see the same things everyone else sees.  It's a misconception that if you have a lot of money you're somehow out of touch with reality."

Certifications -
Gold in Australia, Germany, Italy, U.S.
Silver in France and UK
Platinum in Sweden


U2 is well known for political and social awareness in their songs and in fact, for this reason, helped establish their success early on.  "...we had something unique to offer..." (Bono)

"Driven to Tears" by The Police is a representation of the divide between the rich and the poor.  At the time, Sting was literally driven to tears while watching a television program about the plight of starving children.  "...people can afford the technology to afford television, but not food for the starving children..." (Wikipedia)

Concluding curiosity -
Phil Collins is just as unique with his songs and albums.  Music artists will always at one point receive mixed success and reviews, but I cannot get past the largely negative reaction because of Collins' wealth at the time versus the subject matter at the time.  Critics have justified opinions, but I happen to disagree.  If music recognizes social causes, taking action is inspired.  My opinion.

Versus Tuesday

Astronaut2005 Drummer v. Original Performance

In this edition of Versus Tuesday, I am featuring "Another Day in Paradise" by Phil Collins and the drum cover take by Astronaut2005 Drummer.



Monday, February 17, 2020

In Honor - Eric Clapton



Eric Clapton

Background -
Influenced by the Blues genre, Eric Clapton taught himself how to play the guitar (at the time, a Hoyer guitar) and blues music chords.  By the age of sixteen, Clapton's guitar skills were advanced to the point that he played gigs around Surrey with fellow blues artist, David Brock.  When he was seventeen, he joined the English R&B band, The Roosters, until August 1963.

In October 1963, Clapton joined the Yardbirds, a blues-influenced rock and roll band but departed in March 1965.  During his time with the band, however, they played at the Royal Albert Hall in London (Clapton's first appearance).  The success of the band's first major hit, "For Your Love," caused disagreement.  The Yardbirds wanted to go pop-oriented and Clapton wanted to stay in the blues genre.  (He was considered the most accomplished member by the time of his departure.)

In July 1966, Clapton joined Cream, where he developed into a singer and songwriter.  The band's first performance in the U.S. was at the RKO Theater in New York in March 1967.  In his time with Cream (who broke up in 1968), Clapton made great use of the Gibson SG - The Fool.  This guitar is one of the most well-known for its paint job reflective of the psychedelic era.


Cream briefly reunited in 1993 to perform when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  In 2005, the band again reunited to play at the Royal Albert Hall in London and at Madison Square Garden in New York.  

When fans discovered Eric Clapton's talent, they saw him as the greatest guitarist in the world.  He saw that honor as more of just an ideal.  After Cream, he formed a new band with intent to show better interest as part of an ensemble.

Solo Career -
"Layla" - "tale of a young man who fell hopelessly in love with a beautiful, unavailable woman and went crazy because he could not marry her" (Wikipedia)

"I Shot the Sheriff" - Eric Clapton's first No. 1 hit ... "important in bringing reggae and the music of Bob Marley to a wider audience" (Wikipedia)

"Cocaine" - Written and recorded by singer-songwriter, J. J. Cale, but made known by Clapton's 1977 cover version

"Tears in Heaven" - Sorrow over the loss of Clapton's 4-year-old son
Point of interest - This song and the album, Unplugged, earned Eric Clapton 6 Grammy awards.  ("Tears in Heaven" was a feature on the album.)  This song also earned him an MTV Video Music Award.

Continued Success, 1990s, Collaboration albums, Guitars
(Refer to Wikipedia)

Solo Discography -
23 albums
Debut - Eric Clapton (1970)
Most recent - Happy Xmas (2018)

Collaborations -
Riding with the King (with B.B. King, 2000)
The Road to Escondido (with J. J. Cale, 2006)

Eric Clapton Honors -
- 3-time inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 
(Solo, member of The Yardbirds, member of Cream)
- No. 2 in Rolling Stone's "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time"
- No. 4 in Gibson's "Top 50 Guitarists of All Time"
- No. 5 in Time magazine's "The 10 Best Electric Guitar Players" 
 - 18 Grammy Awards
- MTV Video Music Award 
- Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music
- 4 Ivor Novello Awards ... Including Lifetime Achievement Award 
- sold over 100 million records worldwide 

Unplugged 
- Certified Diamond by the RIAA (Over 10 million copies sold)
- Certified 4x Platinum in the UK


There was drug addiction, alcoholism, and devastation to relationships especially due to infidelity.  This, of course, will remain in the past as Eric Clapton continues to rock on.

Auction of Clapton's guitars and amps
Support Crossroads Centre

Crossroads Centre was established by Eric Clapton in 1998 in Antigua to act as a drug and alcohol addiction rehabilitation center.  The Crossroads Guitar Festival - performed in 1999, 2004, 2007, 2010, and 2013 - was organized to benefit the Crossroads Centre.  Clapton personally selects the performing guitarists.  

For this reason, among so many throughout Eric Clapton's career, I say -

Play it



zZounds Signature Collection

Due disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated on any purchase made.

zZounds Signature Collection

In this post of the limited edition series, the spotlight is on Eric Clapton.

Below is what zZounds has to offer -

Fender Eric Clapton Artist Series Stratocaster 
(Maple with Case), Black
$1,649.99 OR 12 Payments $137.50

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--FEN117602


What makes this guitar special?

According to zZounds, as of the late 1960's Eric Clapton became devoted to the Stratocaster.  "...excellently suited for blues, rock, reggae, country..."

zZounds Consideration -

"When you think about Eric Clapton, you think of the classic rock fury of "Layla," the reggae palm-mutes of "I Shot the Sheriff," or maybe the country twang of "Lay Down Sally."  With the Fender Eric Clapton Artist Series Stratocaster, an excellent version of the guitar he's used to do it all can be yours."

Of the sample songs mentioned above, my favorite is "I Shot the Sheriff."  So how cool would it be to play iconic Eric Clapton songs such as "I Shot the Sheriff" on a replica of the original Eric Clapton favorite?

Just consider.

As always,

Play it!

Sunday, February 16, 2020

Happy Birthday Andy Taylor



Andrew Arthur Taylor
b. February 16, 1961

Andy Taylor is best known for his time with Duran Duran and The Power Station.  He has also gone on to be a solo artist.

Andy began playing the guitar at age eleven and grew from there.  In April 1980, "I made that fateful train journey down to Birmingham." (Andy Taylor direct quote)

As for Duran Duran -
"...we tested our first hits on the disco dance-floor before going anywhere near the radio...it was the way you defined your style and who you were, through the club you were associated with - where you hung out..." (Andy Taylor direct quote)

"Planet Earth" and the debut album, Duran Duran...by 1983, "the band was a global success story" (Wikipedia)

As for Power Station and Robert Palmer -
In 1985, Andy and John Taylor joined former Chic drummer, Tony Thompson, and Robert Palmer to form Power Station.  Their 1985 debut album, The Power Station, reached the Top 20 in the UK and the top 10 in the U.S.  (Specifically - No. 6 on Billboard 200 and No. 12 on UK Albums Chart.) (Wikipedia)

"I don't think any of us could have known at the time that this little venture would lead to the breakup of DD.  But it did or at least it exposed the cracks in the pavement.  I think we were all surprised at the amount of success the project achieved, particularly Robert, whose career was reignited in the USA.  It was an extraordinary time..." - Andy Taylor

Power Station Reunion -
1994 reunion
(At the time, John Taylor left Duran Duran and did not take part in the Power Station reunion because he checked into rehab.)
Second album - Living in Fear
Promotion - Japan and U.S. tour

Duran Duran Reunion -
2001 reunion 
First album as the original lineup since 1985 - Astronaut 
Blend of Andy's guitar style and synth classic DD sound
No. 3 in the UK 
No. 17 in the U.S. 

In 2006, Andy once again left Duran Duran and at this point, his departure was permanent.


I would like to conclude on a positive note -

Wherever you may be, Andy Taylor, best wishes on your most Happy Birthday.