Net Worth Ranker
What Is John Taylor’s Net Worth?
John Taylor, the English musician and bass guitarist, boasts a net worth of $40 million. This substantial wealth is primarily attributed to his successful career as a founding member of the iconic New Wave band Duran Duran, alongside ventures into other musical projects and appearances in film and television.
Early Career and Rise to Fame
Nigel John Taylor was born on June 20, 1960, not 1950 as previously stated, in Solihull, Warwickshire, England. He attended Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic School and later Abbey High School. In 1978, while at the School of Foundation Studies & Experimental Workshop at Birmingham Polytechnic, he co-founded Duran Duran with Nick Rhodes and Stephen Duffy. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1981, marked the beginning of their ascent to global stardom. The adoption of the “New Romantic” style, influenced by London’s underground nightclub scene, further solidified their image.
Duran Duran’s early success included the release of hit singles and music videos that gained significant airplay on MTV, a then-emerging music television network. Their second album, “Rio” (1982), featuring tracks like “Hungry Like the Wolf” and “Save a Prayer,” achieved multi-platinum status, selling millions of copies worldwide. “Seven and the Ragged Tiger” (1983) continued their chart dominance, with “The Reflex” becoming their first UK number one single.
Ventures Outside Duran Duran
In 1985, John Taylor, along with Andy Taylor (also from Duran Duran), Robert Palmer, and Tony Thompson, formed The Power Station as a side project. Their self-titled album featured the hit single “Some Like It Hot,” which reached number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. They also released a cover version of T. Rex’s “Bang a Gong (Get It On),” contributing to the album’s commercial success.
That same year, John Taylor recorded “I Do What I Do” for the film “9 ½ Weeks.” In 1985, he also recorded the theme song for the James Bond film “A View to a Kill,” which became a number one hit in the United States, further boosting his profile and earnings. The song, performed by Duran Duran, remains the only Bond theme to reach the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100.
Duran Duran Albums and Sales Figures
John Taylor’s contribution to Duran Duran’s album sales has been a significant factor in his net worth. “Rio” (1982) alone sold over 10 million copies worldwide, generating substantial royalties for the band members. “Seven and the Ragged Tiger” (1983) also achieved multi-platinum status, contributing to their collective wealth.
Other notable albums with Duran Duran include “Notorious” (1986), which sold over 5 million copies, and “The Wedding Album” (1993), which featured the hit single “Ordinary World.” While specific royalty splits among band members are not publicly disclosed, their success collectively contributed to John Taylor’s financial prosperity.
Duran Duran’s “Thank You” (1995) album, while a covers album, reached #19 on the US “Billboard” 200. “Medazzaland” (1997) reached #58 on the same chart. Later albums like “Astronaut” (2004), “All You Need Is Now” (2010), “Paper Gods” (2015), “Future Past” (2021), and “Danse Macabre” (2023) continued to generate income through sales, streaming, and touring.
Solo Projects and B5 Records
After leaving Duran Duran in 1997 (though he later rejoined), John Taylor focused on solo projects, releasing a series of albums through his own record label, B5 Records. These included “Feelings Are Good and Other Lies” (1997), “Resume” (1999), “Meltdown” (1999), “The Japan Album” (1999), “Techno For Two” (2001), and “MetaFour” (2002). While sales figures for these albums are not widely available, they provided a steady stream of income during his solo period.
The establishment of B5 Records allowed John Taylor to retain greater control over his music and royalties during his solo years. It’s worth noting that while these solo ventures were creatively fulfilling, they likely did not generate the same level of income as his work with Duran Duran at their peak.
Film and Television Appearances
John Taylor has made several appearances in film and television, contributing to his overall net worth. His guest appearance on “Miami Vice” in 1985, a hugely popular television show at the time, increased his public profile. He also played the Ghost of Christmas Present in the 2000 television film “A Diva’s Christmas.” In 1998, he played a lead role in “Sugar Town”, in 2000 he appeared in “The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas”, in 2001, he appeared in “Strange Frequency” and “Vegas: City of Dreams” and “Four Dogs Playing Poker”.
While the exact compensation for these roles is not public knowledge, appearances in film and television can be lucrative, particularly for celebrities with established fan bases. These appearances, along with royalties from their subsequent broadcast and distribution, would have contributed to John Taylor’s income.
Real Estate Investments
In October 1999, John Taylor purchased a mansion in Los Angeles for $2 million. This property, listed for sale in May 2024 for just under $13 million, represents a significant appreciation in value. The proceeds from the sale of this property would substantially contribute to his net worth.
Details such as the exact square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and specific features of the property are not readily available, but the listing price suggests it is a high-end residence in a desirable Los Angeles neighborhood. Real estate investments are a common strategy for high-net-worth individuals to diversify their assets and generate long-term capital gains.
“In the Pleasure Groove: Love, Death & Duran Duran”
In 2012, John Taylor released his autobiography, “In the Pleasure Groove: Love, Death & Duran Duran.” While specific sales figures and royalties are not publicly available, the publication of a memoir by a member of a globally successful band like Duran Duran would generate income through book sales, potential film rights, and related promotional activities.
The book’s success is reflected in its positive reviews and its presence on bestseller lists. Autobiographies of musicians often appeal to a wide audience, including fans of the artist and those interested in the music industry in general. The release of the autobiography would have provided John Taylor with a boost to his income and visibility.
Accolades and Recognition
In 2013, John Taylor received the “Experience, Strength and Hope Award” from the Writers in Treatment organization, recognizing his journey to sobriety. Also in 2013, he placed 29th in MusicRadar’s greatest bassist poll. In 2021, he was the recipient of the “Bass Player” magazine Lifetime Achievement Award. While these accolades do not directly translate into financial gain, they enhance his reputation and marketability, potentially leading to increased opportunities and endorsements.
Personal Life and Marriages
John Taylor’s personal life includes two marriages. He married British actress Amanda de Cadenet on December 24, 1991. They had a daughter, Atlanta, born in 1992, before separating in 1995. On March 27, 1999, he married actress and fashion designer Gela Nash, the co-founder of Juicy Couture. These personal events, while not directly impacting his net worth, have shaped his life and career.
Other Musical Ventures
In 1995, John Taylor formed Neurotic Outsiders with Steve Jones, Matt Sorum, and Duff McKagan. The group released one self-titled album in 1996, contributing to John Taylor’s body of work and overall income. Later, in 1997, he put together the band “John Taylor Terroristen” with Gerry Laffy, Michael Railton, Tio Banks, Larry Aberman, and John Amato, and they released the live EP “5.30.98.”
In 2010, Taylor played bass on the track “Tigress Ritual” on the debut album of Swahili Blonde, an experimental music project formed in Los Angeles. These collaborations and side projects, while often less commercially successful than his work with Duran Duran, add to his musical versatility and contribute to his overall earnings.
Touring and Concert Revenue
A significant portion of John Taylor’s net worth is derived from Duran Duran’s extensive touring schedule. Over the years, the band has embarked on numerous world tours, selling out arenas and stadiums globally. While specific financial details of these tours are not public, it is estimated that a band of Duran Duran’s stature could generate millions of dollars in revenue per tour.
The band’s concerts typically feature high ticket prices and merchandise sales, both of which contribute to their overall income. John Taylor, as a key member of the band, receives a share of this revenue, adding to his personal wealth. The ongoing demand for Duran Duran’s live performances ensures a continuous stream of income from touring.
Royalties and Music Publishing
As a songwriter and performer, John Taylor earns royalties from the sale and streaming of Duran Duran’s music. These royalties are generated through various channels, including physical album sales, digital downloads, streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, and licensing agreements for film, television, and advertising.
The specific royalty rates vary depending on the agreements in place, but a successful band like Duran Duran would generate substantial revenue from these sources. John Taylor’s share of these royalties, accumulated over decades of musical activity, contributes significantly to his net worth. Additionally, the publishing rights to his songs represent a valuable asset that generates ongoing income.
