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, who joined the band in 1979, would be stepping away.

‘This is one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make,’ the 66-year-old musician from Birmingham shared, speaking from his home in the USA.

He continued: ‘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 my doctors.’

Tinnitus is a symptom of issues with the auditory system, where patients hear a ringing or buzzing with no external reason for the noise.

‘Figuring out the timing of all of this has not been easy, but I’m going out on a real high,’ Roger continued.

‘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.

‘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.’

His bandmates – Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes and John Taylor – shared their own statement, calling Roger their ‘brother’.

They added: ‘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.’

It’s believed that Roger will be retiring from playing drums publicly, which will be quite a change considering the band’s usually packed schedule.

Last year, John told Metro how they have a loose rule that they won’t go six weeks without getting on a stage, as that’s what ‘feeds our muse’.

This came after Simon and Nick famously declared they will not be playing Glastonbury until they are offered the Pyramid Stage at a decent time.

John joked: ‘It doesn’t keep me awake at night. I’d like to do it.’

‘You’ve got to keep moving if you want to stay in the game,’ the guitarist said at the time.

It’s unclear what the band plans to do when it comes to live performances, now that Roger is retiring.

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