It’s the end of an era for one of the biggest bands on the planet. Duran Duran announced Thursday, November 12, that drummer Roger Taylor is stepping down from the band and retiring from playing the drums altogether, following a worsening of his recently diagnosed tinnitus.
Taylor, 66, has been the heartbeat of Duran Duran’s sound across two remarkable chapters — and in the band’s own announcement, he made clear this was not the ending he wanted, but the one his health demands. After careful consideration and medical advice, he has decided that protecting his hearing and his long-term health must now come first.
“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,” Taylor said in the band’s statement. “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.”
Two Chapters, One Legend
Taylor joined Duran Duran in 1979, completing the classic lineup alongside Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor and Andy Taylor that conquered the world with “Rio,” “Hungry Like the Wolf,” “Save a Prayer” and “The Reflex.” He left the band in 1985, after their Live Aid performance — then came home in 2001 for the celebrated reunion of the original lineup, writing and playing on six additional chart-topping albums and performing to millions of fans around the world.
And he is going out on a genuine high: a hugely successful UK and European tour, a second headline show at BST Hyde Park, induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and a return to the studio with Nile Rodgers. His final show with the band came in Madrid earlier this month.
Watch: Duran Duran — “Ordinary World” (Official Music Video, DuranDuranVEVO)
“Roger Is Our Brother”
His bandmates Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes and John Taylor left no doubt about where he stands: “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.”
No replacement drummer has been announced. The band says it will continue exploring new and exciting projects — but there will never be another Roger Taylor. The beat behind “Ordinary World” and a generation of classics is laying down his sticks, on his own terms, with his brothers beside him.
Fans — what’s YOUR favorite Duran Duran song of all time: “Rio,” “Hungry Like the Wolf,” “Ordinary World,” “Save a Prayer”… or is it another one? Drop it in the comments. 👇🏾
Source: Duran Duran — official announcement at duranduran.com and @duranduran.
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