Lifelong fans and interested newcomers will love this stunning biography of Duran Duran by the bestselling author of Gold Dust Woman and Hammer of the Gods.
In Please Please Tell Me Now, bestselling rock biographer Stephen Davis tells the story of Duran Duran, the quintessential band of the 1980s. Their pretty boy looks made them the stars of fledgling MTV, but it was their brilliant musicianship that led to a string of number one hits. By the end of the decade, they had sold 60 million albums; today, they’ve sold over 100 million albumsand counting.
Davis traces their roots to the austere 1970s British malaise that spawned both the Sex Pistols and Duran Durantwo seemingly opposite music extremes. Handsome, British, and young, it was Duran Duran that headlined Live Aid, not Bob Dylan or Led Zeppelin. The band moved in the most glamorous circles: Nick Rhodes became close with Andy Warhol, Simon LeBon with Princess Diana, and John Taylor dated quintessential British bad girl Amanda De Cadanet. With timeless hits like “Hungry Like the Wolf,” “Girls on Film,” “Rio,” “Save a Prayer,” and the bestselling James Bond theme in the series’ history, “A View to Kill,” Duran Duran has cemented its legacy in the pop pantheonand with a new album and a worldwide tour on the way, they show no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Featuring exclusive interviews with the band and never-before-published photos from personal archives, Please Please Tell Me Now offers a definitive account of one of the last untold sagas in rock and roll historya treat for diehard fans, new admirers, and music lovers of any age.
**Dive Deep into the World of Duran Duran with Stephen Davis' "Please Please Tell Me Now: The Duran Duran Story"** Embark on a captivating journey through the glittering world of Duran Duran, the iconic band that defined the sound and style of the 1980s. In "Please Please Tell Me Now," acclaimed rock biographer Stephen Davis, known for his bestselling works like "Gold Dust Woman" (a biography of Stevie Nicks) and "Hammer of the Gods" (a deep dive into Led Zeppelin), meticulously chronicles the band's rise to superstardom, offering a definitive and insightful account of their enduring legacy. Beyond the shimmering image of pretty-boy heartthrobs that captivated the burgeoning MTV generation, Davis unveils the true artistry and musicianship that propelled Duran Duran to the top of the charts. Discover how their unique blend of new wave, synth-pop, and art-rock created an irresistible sound that resonated with millions, resulting in over 100 million albums sold worldwide. "Please Please Tell Me Now" expertly navigates the band's formative years in the post-punk landscape of 1970s Britain, drawing a fascinating parallel between Duran Duran and the Sex Pistols two seemingly disparate musical forces born from the same era of social and economic upheaval. Explore the band's early struggles, the creative tensions that fueled their innovative sound, and the shrewd business decisions that propelled them to international fame. The book goes beyond the music, delving into the band's glamorous social circles. Uncover stories of Nick Rhodes' close friendship with Andy Warhol, Simon Le Bon's connection with Princess Diana, and John Taylor's relationship with the notorious Amanda De Cadanet, painting a vivid portrait of the band's life amidst the whirlwind of fame and fortune. Rediscover the magic behind their timeless hits, including "Hungry Like the Wolf," "Girls on Film," "Rio," "Save a Prayer," and "A View to a Kill," the unforgettable James Bond theme that remains a series bestseller. Davis dissects the musical genius behind these tracks, revealing the songwriting process and the inspiration behind the lyrics. He also explores the impact of their visually stunning music videos, which redefined the medium and solidified their status as cultural icons. This reprint edition published by Hachette Books in 2022 offers a treasure trove of insights into the band's dynamic, including exclusive interviews with band members themselves. The book includes never-before-published photos from personal archives, offering a rare glimpse into the private lives and behind-the-scenes moments that shaped the band's journey. It's a real insiders look, adding richness and depth to the narrative. Davis doesn't shy away from the challenges and internal conflicts that the band faced throughout their career, from lineup changes and personal struggles to navigating the ever-evolving music industry. He offers a balanced and objective perspective, celebrating their achievements while acknowledging the complexities of their relationships. Whether you're a lifelong Duran Duran devotee or a newcomer eager to discover the band's captivating story, "Please Please Tell Me Now" provides an engaging and comprehensive account of one of the most influential bands in pop music history. It's a must-read for anyone interested in music biographies, 1980s culture, and the enduring power of pop music. Prepare to be captivated by the untold saga of Duran Duran, a band that continues to inspire and innovate even today.