The Two Duran Duran Side Projects That Are Now Forgotten

The first Duran Duran side project from the '85 period was called The Power Station and featured Robert Palmer on vocals, best known for the hit "Addicted to Love" off his '85 album "Riptide" (via AllMusic). Joining Palmer (pictured) in The Power Station on drums was funk-rock drummer Tony Thompson from the band Chic, as well as Duran Duran's John and Andy Taylor on bass and guitar (via AllMusic). The band first got together to record a cover of the T. Rex hit "Bang a Gong" — The Power Station's version was also successful — and the quartet also recorded an album, 1985's self-titled "The Power Station." (Palmer died in 2003, per Billboard). 

The Power Station debut release also featured "Some Like It Hot" — a hit song you've most likely heard in a classic rock mix from the era, perhaps without realizing it features two "Duranees," John and Andy Taylor (no Duran Duran Taylors are related). Surprised by their success, The Power Station planned a tour, but Palmer dropped out at the last minute. The band tried different vocalists and appeared at the 1985 Live Aid benefit but broke up shortly after (per History). In 1996, the band released its long-awaited follow-up to its '85 release, "Living in Fear." Despite the return of Robert Palmer on vocals, the album failed to gain traction.

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