Duran Duran drummer Roger Taylor quits due to worsening tinnitus

Summarised from 8 outlets · Updated 13 Nov, 07:20 · Archive

Roger Taylor, 66, is leaving Duran Duran after his tinnitus worsened, ending his 40-year association with the band.

Duran Duran drummer Roger Taylor announced on Thursday that he is quitting the band due to worsening tinnitus. The 66-year-old said the decision came after careful consideration and medical advice that protecting his hearing and long-term health must now come first.

Taylor has been the band's drummer since their formation in Birmingham in 1978. He left in 1985 but returned when the original line-up reunited in 2001, remaining with the group until now.

In a statement, Taylor said: '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 added: 'But the truth is that my tinnitus has been getting steadily worse, and I've reached the point where I must now listen to my body and my doctors. Figuring out the timing of all of this has not been easy, but I'm going out on a real high.'

Taylor said the band had recently completed a successful UK and European tour, performed their second headline show at BST Hyde Park, been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and returned to the studio with super-producer Nile Rodgers.

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

His bandmates Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes and John Taylor responded with a joint statement honouring their departing drummer. 'Roger is our brother,' they said. '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.'

How it is being reported

• Duran Duran drummer Roger Taylor forced to retire as health battle threatens hearingRoger Taylor says his tinnitus has been "getting steadily worse," forcing the iconic Duran Duran drummer to step away after decades on stage.Fox News · 12 Nov, 21:34
• Duran Duran drummer quits band due to tinnitusThe 66-year-old said his condition has been getting steadily worse, leading to him quit the band.BBC News · 12 Nov, 19:00
• Duran Duran drummer Roger Taylor leaves band due to tinnitus‘I must now listen to my body and my doctors’, says Taylor, who was one of the earliest members of the new wave hit-makers The drummer for Duran Duran, Roger Taylor, is to step down from the band due to worsening tinnitus. In a statement, Taylor said: “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. But the truth is that my tinnitus has been getting steadily worse, and I’ve reached the point where I must now listen to my body and…Guardian World · 12 Nov, 17:44
• Duran Duran legend Roger Taylor, 77, retires from band amid declining healthThe drummer wrote in a statement that leaving the band is "one of the hardest decisions" he's made, acknowledging that he's "going out on a real high."New York Post · 12 Nov, 17:00
• Duran Duran's Roger Taylor announces he is stepping down from the bandDuran Duran's Roger Taylor announced he is leaving the band.Daily Mail · 12 Nov, 15:38
• Duran Duran rocker quits the band after condition grows ‘steadily worse’Duran Duran’s Roger Taylor is retiring from performing (Picture: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Xerjoff and Duran Duran) Duran Duran’s founding member and drummer Roger Taylor has quit the band after 40 years due to health issues. In a post on their social media , Duran Duran confirmed that Roger…Metro · 12 Nov, 15:12
• Duran Duran icon quits band after agonising health diagnosisRoger Taylor of Duran Duran has announced he's quit the band in a statement - saying his health must come firstThe Mirror · 12 Nov, 15:08
• Drummer Roger Taylor quits Duran Duran due to worsening tinnitusHe said it was one of the hardest decisions he had ever had to make.Evening Standard · 12 Nov, 15:04

In this story: Roger Taylor · Duran Duran · Simon Le Bon · Nick Rhodes · John Taylor · Nile Rodgers · Birmingham · Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

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