Here's some unexpected news: Former Duran Duran guitarist Andy Taylor is about to release a new tell-all memoir of his days with the band - from start to (presumed) finish.

Titled "Wild Boy: My Life in Duran Duran," the 300-page-plus tome is set for release on Sept. 9. by Grand Central Publishing. Taylor left Duran Duran shortly before the recording of the band's latest album, "Red Carpet Massacre."

I've only had the book in my hands for less than a day now, but flipping around, I can tell it's really something else. The prologue gets this off quickly, describing the nightmare of performing at Live Aid on July 13, 1985, in Philadelphia -- a performance that would be the last for the original lineup of the band until 2001:

"Just as everything seems to be coming together fine, I notice Simon's voice is getting a tad croaky. He looks great, but it's been a while since we were last onstage together, and one gig isn't enough to get the voice back in shape. I can tell he is straining to hit the high notes and there's still THAT note to come as the song reaches crescendo. ... 'With a view-yoo-ow to a kill!!' he screeches ... All bloody live."

It won't take long to get into the meat of this book, which ought to be on the holiday lists for a lot of serious Duran Duran fans this season.