nigel john taylor (born 20 june 1960) is an english musician, singer, songwriter, producer and actor. he was bass guitarist of the new wave band duran duran from its founding in 1978 before leaving in 1997. the group has had 14 singles in the top 10 of the uk singles chart and 21 in the us "billboard" hot 100. duran duran have sold over 100 million records worldwide. after he left, taylor appeared in a number of movies such as "sugar town" (1999). he rejoined the band in 2001.