It’s sometimes hard to explain to people what growing up as a teenage girl in the Eighties was like. People tend to point to the fashion of the era: legwarmers, Swatch watches, neon… well, everything! And the always regrettable parachute pants.

Or to the era’s political touchstones: the sweeping tide of the Reagan Revolution, the agony of the Challenger disaster, the awe-inspiring fall of the Berlin Wall.

But when you’re a girl (or even a boy) at the time, even tectonic changes like those fade in comparison to what’s happening in the culture. Movies and music take on exaggerated importance. Sure, being consumed by your fave band or singer is superficial. But you can’t help but be a product of your day — the Eighties were a superficial decade.

So in 2020, when you see a headline on social media that John Taylor – your fave member of your absolute, top ’80s band – has caught the Wuhan coronavirus, it’s not just an entertainment story. It’s devastating.

John Taylor of Duran Duran details his battle with COVID-19 (via @toofab)https://t.co/DgQGEfGD13 — TMZ (@TMZ) April 6, 2020

In case you’re in the dark about Duran Duran, the British new wave band got its start in the late ’70s. And practically defined the glamour of early, MTV videos.

The sudden news about his illness was even more surprising, given that a new program, including a live show and backstage interviews, just aired on PBS in March.

According to Billboard:

Duran Duran bassist John Taylor tested positive for COVID-19 but has recovered, the band revealed in a statement posted on social media.

Taylor (John, not Roger or Andy) shared the good news on the band’s Instagram account.

He wrote:

“DEAR FRIENDS OF MINE after giving some thought to this, I have decided to share with you that I tested positive with the Corona Virus almost three weeks ago. Perhaps I am a particularly robust 59 year old – I like to think I am – or was blessed with getting only a mild case of Covid 19 – but after a week or so of what I would describe as a ‘Turbo-charged Flu’, I came out of it feeling okay- although I must admit I didn’t mind the quarantine as it gave me the chance to really recover. I am speaking out in answer to the enormous amount of fear being generated by the pandemic, some of it entirely justified, and my heart goes out to everyone who has had to deal with real loss and pain. But I want to let you know that it isn’t always a killer, and we can and will beat this thing.”

As a lifelong Duranie, I hope it’s a very, very long while before we hear any more medical news about D-squared band members.





Find her on Twitter at @BeccaJLower. Direct all tips/marriage proposals: Becca Lower is a writer with RedState and formerly worked at IJR.com as a writer and editor. She grew up outside Cincinnati, OH, in former Speaker John Boehner's district, and currently lives in Mesa, AZ.Find her on Twitter at @BeccaJLower. Direct all tips/marriage proposals: [email protected] Read more by Becca Lower