All about this artist
Biography:
This commercial rock band started out as a Tony Thompson (born 15 November 1954, New York, USA, d. 12 November 2003, Encino, California, USA; drums, ex-LaBelle; Chic) solo project, but came to be viewed as a spin-off from Duran Duran.
Andy Taylor (b. 16 February 1961, Tynemouth, England; guitar) saw it as a cross between Chic and the Sex Pistols, and was joined by fellow Duran Duran member John Taylor (b. Nigel John Taylor, 20 June 1960, Birmingham, Warwickshire, England; bass) and vocalist Robert Palmer (b.
Alan Palmer, 19 January 1949, Batley, Yorkshire, England, d. 26 September 2003, Paris, France). Thompson's Chic partner Bernard Edwards (b. 31 October 1952, Greenville, North Carolina, USA, d. 18 April 1996, Tokyo, Japan) handled production duties.
Palmer had previously met the Duran Duran members at a MENCAP charity concert. They hit almost immediately with "Some Like It Hot" and a cover version of T. Rex's "Get It On". Both tracks reached the US Top 10. Then, after a subsequent minor hit with "Communication" marking their third success of 1985, they split.
Their single album was recorded at the Power Station Studio in New York, from which they took their name. Palmer did not want to tour, so he was replaced for live work during 1985 (including a slot at Live Aid) by former Silverhead and Detective vocalist Michael Des Barres (b.
24 January 1948, London, England). Following the band's quick demise, John Taylor returned to Duran Duran while his namesake Andy went on to a solo career. He invited former Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones to guest on his debut solo album, fulfilling the prophecy of his stated ambition that Power Station should fuse the Sex Pistols and Chic by eventually working with members of both.
The reunion in 1996 was unexpected as major problems were encountered during the recording sessions for the second coming. Bernard Edwards, who produced the first album and stepped in after John Taylor jumped ship mid-way, died during recording. Living In Fear, although well produced was a record out of its time.
Very much a creation of the 80s, the Power Station's new songs sounded dated in the context of 90s alternative rock and pop. The public voted by keeping their hands out of their wallets.
