The Power Station

The Power Station was a pop band formed in 1984. The band consisted of Robert Palmer (vocals), John Taylor (bass) and Andy Taylor (guitar) of Duran Duran and Tony Thompson (drums), formerly of Chic. In 1985, the band released the Bernard Edwards' produced "The Power Station", featuring the singles "Some Like It Hot" and "Bang A Gong (Get It On)". In early 1985, the group appeared on "Saturday Night Live" where they performed both of their hit singles. The band decided to capitalize on their success with a summer tour of the United States. However, Robert Palmer used this success to record a solo album, "Riptide", which featured the hit single, "Addicted To Love". As a result, Palmer left The Power Station and did not tour with the band. On July 13, 1985, the group performed at Live Aid with Michael Des Barres on vocals. Later that year, The Power Station appeared on an episode of "Miami Vice" entitled, "Whatever Works". In 1996, the original band reformed to write and record "Living In Fear". This time, it was bass player John Taylor who left the group before "Living In Fear" was released. He was replaced by producer Bernard Edwards, former bass player with Chic. The band was preparing to tour when Edwards died suddenly of pneumonia. The band toured briefly with replacement bassists. On September 26, 2003, Robert Palmer died of a massive heart attack. Less than two months later, drummer Tony Thompson died of renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer). Of the original group, only John Taylor and Andy Taylor survive. The Power Station's music is still performed occasionally by Duran Duran. The band played "Some Like It Hot" on their 1987 "Strange Behaviour Tour" and while on tour in 2006. They also performed "Bang A Gong" during their 1989 tour.