Duran Duran’s Roger Taylor to step down from band after recent diagnosis - The Independent

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Duran Duran have announced that drummer Roger Taylor is stepping down from the band and retiring as a drummer, not long after a recent health diagnosis.

The news was shared via the band’s social media accounts, with a statement from Taylor, 66, detailing that it was “one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make”.

He explained that his tinnitus, with which he had been recently diagnosed, was growing worse and he had reached a point where he “must now listen to my body and my doctors”.

“Playing drums in this band has been the joy of my life, and I’ll never be able to properly thank the fans for the love they’ve shown us over the years,” he said.

“Figuring out the timing of all of this has not been easy, but I’m going out on a real high. We’ve just returned from a hugely successful UK and European tour, which followed our second headline show at BST Hyde Park, our induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and a return to the studio with Nile Rodgers.”

Taylor concluded: “I couldn’t have asked for a better final chapter, with so many special moments that I’ll treasure forever. I move on with enormous pride, and with nothing but love for Simon, Nick and John.”

The drummer has been at the heart of Duran Duran’s signature sound across two key chapters in their career: first while playing on their earliest records, then for the reunion of the original lineup in 2001, for which he wrote and played on six additional Number One albums, as well as performing live with the band around the world.

In a joint statement, his bandmates Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes and John Taylor said: “Roger is our brother. His drumming helped define the sound of Duran Duran from the very beginning and having him back with us since 2001 has been incredibly important to us all.

“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 band have currently not shared any news regarding a potential replacement for Taylor.