English rock band Duran Duran released a statement on Instagram on Thursday, November 12, announcing that legendary drummer Roger Taylor, 66, is retiring amid concerning health news.
In the post, the band shared that Taylor will also be stepping away from drumming for good “following a worsening of his recently diagnosed tinnitus.” According to the Mayo Clinic, tinnitus is a condition where a person experiences ringing or buzzing in one or both ears. In a statement from his home in the U.S., Taylor shared that leaving the band and retiring from drumming was “one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make.”
Duran Duran Drummer Roger Taylor Announces Retirement
Legendary Duran Duran drummer Roger Taylor has made the difficult decision to leave the iconic rock band and quit drumming altogether. In his statement, Taylor revealed that his tinnitus “has been getting steadily worse,” and that he “must now listen to my body and my doctors.”
“This is one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make. 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 wrote.
Taylor joined Duran Duran in 1979, becoming part of the band’s iconic lineup alongside founding members Nick Rhodes and John Taylor, singer Simon Le Bon, and guitarist Andy Taylor. As the group’s drummer, he played an integral role in its rise to superstardom, performing on some of the band’s most successful albums, including “Duran Duran” (1981), “Rio” (1982), and “Seven and the Ragged Tiger” (1983).
Taylor departed the band in 1985 because of the intensity of touring and international fame, but later reunited with his bandmates in 2001. He recorded and performed with Duran Duran for another 25 years, according to the band’s website.
Taylor Admits He’s Leaving Duran Duran ‘On a Real High’
In Taylor’s statement, he reflected on all the major milestones and cherished memories he got to have with his bandmates before making the major decision to retire, sharing that he was leaving Duran Duran “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,” he proudly shared.
He continued, “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.”
Duran Duran Rocker Steps Away From Band After Difficult Health Update