Gibson Les Paul Signature Bass Click to see full answer. Just so, did John Taylor play bass on Rio?Duran Duran’s bass player is John Taylor, and he did play the bass line for the song Rio. Unfortunately, that song, while hugely popular, was a bad mix where John’s bass could barely be heard. Here is Rio with the bass track isolated.Similarly, who did John Taylor marry? Gela Nash m. 1999 Amanda de Cadenet m. 1991–1995 Subsequently, question is, who was the bass player for Duran Duran? John Taylor Simon Colley Why did Duran Duran split?Duran Duran ‘split’ after Live Aid disaster. British rockers Duran Duran took a 20-year break from the music industry following a disastrous performance at 1985’s Live Aid concert. Former guitarist Andy Taylor claims the charity concert opened his eyes to failing friendships within the band.