Duran Duran drummer Roger Taylor forced to retire as health battle threatens hearing
Duran Duran drummer Roger Taylor announced he is "retiring from playing the drums" and stepping away from the band due to health concerns.
The band released a statement on their official Instagram, noting his retirement comes on the heels of "a worsening of his recently diagnosed tinnitus."
"This is one of the hardest decisions Iβve ever had to make," Taylor said in the statement. "Playing drums in this band has been the joy of my life, and Iβll never be able to properly thank the fans for the love theyβve shown us over the years. But the truth is that my tinnitus has been getting steadily worse, and Iβve reached the point where I must now listen to my body and my doctors."
He went on to say that "figuring out the timing of all of this has not been easy, but Iβm going out on a real high."
He noted that the band "just returned from a hugely successful UK and European tour," after which they headlined a show at BST Hyde Park for the second time, returned to record in the studio with guitarist Nile Rodgers and were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
"I couldnβt have asked for a better final chapter, with so many special moments that Iβll treasure forever," he added. "I move on with enormous pride, and with nothing but love for Simon, Nick and John."
The statement highlighted Taylor's contributions to the band's success, noting he "has been at the heart of Duran Duranβs sound across two remarkable chapters," first in its "era-defining early records" and then again when the original line-up reunited in 2001.
After coming back together in 2001, the group released six more chart-topping albums, with Taylor "performing with them to millions of fans around the world."
"After careful consideration and medical advice, he has decided that protecting his hearing and long-term health must now come first," the statement read.
Fellow band members Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes and John Taylor also shared their thoughts, calling Taylor "our brother," and crediting his drumming for helping "define the sound of Duran Duran from the very beginning."
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"Having him back with us since 2001 has been incredibly important to us all," they said. "We completely support his decision and wish him health and happiness. He will always be part of this family, while we continue exploring new and exciting projects with the band."
The post was accompanied by photos of Taylor on stage performing with the band.
Fans of the band took to the comments section to wish the musician well as he closes this chapter of his life. One of them was his son, Elliot, who wrote, "Not a bad run, Dad! π€ loved capturing some of these moments on stage with you πΈ β€οΈ."
"Your rhythm has been the soundtrack to the best moments of my life and entire generations," another added. "Even though you are choosing silence now to take care of yourself, your beat will echo forever in our lives. Thank you for everything Roger!β€οΈπ₯"
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Another fan wrote, "Very sad news! Iβm heartbroken! ππ’But health comes first! Roger, thank you for everything!!! Decades with amazing music and memories! π€π€π€ All the best! ππ»" with another simply calling him a "legend."
Duran Duran formed in the late 1970s, releasing their self-titled debut album in 1981 and quickly making a name for themselves as a group ready to push the boundaries. They became household names with the release of their second album, "Rio," in 1982, which featured hits such as "Hungry Like the Wolf."
Despite their success, the band split in the mid-1980s, with two members, including Taylor, pursuing solo projects. However, they came back together in 2001 and released an album with all five original members from the '80s in 2004.
"I think there was always a sense of unfinished business with the original five," Taylor told The Chronicle in 2022. "I think that was a feeling that there was definitely more gas in the tank when we broke up. I think we all felt that, and we came back together and it was pretty amazing."
As a band, they have won two Grammy Awards, have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.
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