AND NOW HERE’S THE NEWS: Duran Duran...

AND NOW HERE’S THE NEWS: Duran Duran fans can forget about those Fleet Street reports claiming that guitarist Andy Taylor has left the band. Taylor’s press representative said Taylor will remain with the group, though he is recording a solo album as well as three songs for the sound track to “American Anthem,” an upcoming Lorimar film directed by Albert (“Purple Rain”) Magnoli. The songs, which include the forthcoming single “Take It Easy,” are co-written by ex-Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones, who will be featured on the tracks along with drummer Terry Bozzio and vocalists Flo and Eddie. Taylor, who is sporting a new look these days--imagine Jim Morrison modeling a new line of Sergio Leone Western wear--claims the Sex Pistols were a pivotal influence on Duran Duran’s early recordings.