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The creation of The Power Station was an adventure unlike anything John had ever experienced. What started as a playful collaboration between friends quickly snowballed into a full-fledged project that allowed him to explore a rawer, funk-driven sound far removed from Duran Duran’s polished pop hits.
The initial spark came when John and Andy Taylor found themselves bonding over their shared love of funk and disco grooves during a break in Duran Duran’s demanding schedule. A late-night jam session at Andy’s home studio in late 1984 turned into something tangible when they invited Tony Thompson, the formidable drummer from Chic, to join them. The chemistry was undeniable.
With Tony’s tight, powerful drumming as a backbone, and Andy’s sharp guitar riffs leading the charge, they began to craft tracks that pulsed with energy and grit. When Robert Palmer was invited to provide vocals, the project gained its charismatic frontman. His distinctive, soulful voice brought the perfect balance to their edgy, experimental sound.
The recording process was fast-paced, fueled by late nights, endless coffee, and more than a few bottles of wine. Tracks like Some Like It Hot emerged as instant classics, their infectious energy capturing the electric atmosphere in the studio. Their cover of Bang a Gong (Get It On), meanwhile, was a loving nod to their glam-rock roots, injected with a funked-up swagger that was entirely their own.
On March 25, 1985, the day of the album's release, John awoke to a knock at his door. A deliveryman stood holding an arrangement of flowers so large it barely fit through the doorway.
“Congratulations on the album, Johnny. It’s incredible to see you thriving. - Valerie.”
The simple note hit him harder than he expected. He imagined Valerie poring over the card, her graceful handwriting tracing the words. She always had a way of knowing when to show up, even from a distance.
Without hesitation, John called her.
“Hello?” Valerie’s voice carried that familiar mix of warmth and caution.
“It’s me,” John said, leaning against the wall. “The flowers just arrived.”
“Good,” Valerie replied, a smile audible in her voice. “I was worried they’d get crushed in transit.”
