Power Station
Taking a break from Duran Duran, guitarist John Taylor and bassist Andy Taylor formed Power Station in '85 with former Chic drummer Tony Thompson and bubbling under singer Robert Palmer. John Taylor was looking to Rock harder than he'd been "allowed" in Duran Duran.
The group's self-titled debut had the Top 10 hit "Some Like It Hot" which was notable for Palmer's stilted vocal style. He would use it to good advantage in his subsequent solo career.
The group's other mega-hit was a cover of the T-Rex classic "Bang A Gong (Get It On)." The warm boogie beat was replaced by a cold, slashing guitar - perfect for the '80s.
Originally conceived as a "one-off" project, the group's success warranted a tour. But Palmer wanted to get back to his solo career. He would have looked the fool had his career not immediately taken off. Seemed Palmer picked up a few things from Power Station.
Michael Des Barres replaced Palmer for a less than stunning tour. In the end, Andy Taylor went the solo route often working with ex-Sex Pistol's guitarist Steve Jones. John Taylor returned to Duran Duran.
The Power Station's self-titled debut stands as the group's only "real" effort. A second album, recorded with Des Barres, is pitiful.