Duran Duran’s John Taylor is going back to his roots to find new talent. The bassist will attend the Birmingham Music Awards on 2 May to present the Rising Star Award. “Birmingham is where the Duran Duran journey began”, says Brummie John. “We formed in 1978, playing Barbarella’s and many other venues around town, eventually becoming resident band at The Rum Runner. We signed our major label deal and the rest is history. I like to keep in touch with new and aspiring musicians and musical artists – it’s where the energy is – and I love coming back home and rekindling my passion for the city, so I was honoured to be invited to participate in the first Birmingham Music Awards. It’s going to be a great night for the local scene!”
Martin ‘Ace’ Kent, from Skunk Anansie, and Kieron Pepper (The Prodigy/Sleeper) will also attend the event at the Glee Club, and organisers hope it will become a major date in the music calendar. “We are determined to conceive and grow one big Birmingham music family”, BMA Co-Founder Jo Jeffries adds. “We want to work together to deliver the recognition our city deserves, and more music success stories made in Birmingham, so naturally we were thrilled when John agreed to come and present our Rising Star Award.”
Musicians can enter at birminghammusicawards.com.