When Duran Duran’s drummer Roger Taylor sat down to record his part for “A View To A Kill Song”, the title track for the James Bond movie of the same name, he wasn’t aware it would be his last studio performance with the band for nearly two decades. On the anniversary of its release, Taylor reflects on the whirlwind creation of the track that became Duran Duran’s second Number One single and the first-ever James Bond theme to top the charts – a record that still stands today.
“What do I remember about recording ‘A View to a Kill’ 30 years ago?” Taylor begins. “I recall there was quite a lot of tension around the sessions, with pressure to deliver a hit in a week’s time!” The opportunity to record a James Bond theme song arose unexpectedly, thanks to their bassist. Nile Rodgers was unavailable, so Bernard Edwards, fresh from producing Power Station, became their top choice. Edwards, a musical hero to the band, was brought in for his sought-after drum sound.
Setting up his kit in the mirrored drum booth at Maison Rouge studios in London, Taylor recalls the immense ambient sound. Engineer Jason Casaro affirmed it was exactly what they were looking for. With John Taylor on bass, Bernard Edwards urged them to “hit me with a killer groove.” The pressure was palpable, especially with Edwards’ legendary status from Chic. “Fear coursing through our veins,” Roger remembers, he and John exchanged nervous glances.
Roger Taylor at the drums during the recording session
John Taylor suggested the beat from “Honky Tonk Woman.” It clicked instantly. As John laid down the now-iconic delay-effected bassline, Bernard Edwards pushed for more creativity. “Come on Roger, give me some f*****g creativity dude!!!” Edwards exclaimed. Responding to the challenge, Taylor incorporated his Octobans, famously used in “Wild Boys,” into the track. “BOOM!” declared Edwards, “we got it!” Relief washed over the rhythm section.
Duran Duran band members in the studio working on "A View to a Kill"
A couple of days later, John Barry, renowned for composing and orchestrating numerous iconic Bond soundtracks, joined the sessions. Taylor fondly remembers Barry’s 70s velvet jacket and his piano sessions, where he crafted “outrageous chords” into the song with his distinctive northern English accent. This blend of styles, seemingly disparate, surprisingly gelled, resulting in a truly original and memorable track. Taylor still believes “A View to a Kill song” is the only Bond theme to reach number one in the U.S., a significant achievement the band remains proud of. It also reached #2 in the UK, solidifying its global success.
John Barry working on the score for "A View to a Kill" with Duran Duran
Taylor concludes by acknowledging the contributions of John Taylor, Simon Le Bon, Andy Taylor, Nick Rhodes, Bernard Edwards, Jason Casaro, John Barry, and even Charlie Watts, in jest, for the “Honky Tonk Woman” inspiration. “A View to a Kill” stands as a testament to Duran Duran’s adaptability, their ability to thrive under pressure, and the magic that can happen when talented individuals collaborate, even under tight deadlines. The legacy of “a view to a kill song” continues to resonate with fans worldwide, a high point in both Duran Duran’s and James Bond’s histories.
