Duran Duran drummer Roger Taylor said he will leave the band because of worsening tinnitus, the BBC reported. Taylor has been the group's drummer since they formed in Birmingham in 1978, a role he called "the joy of my life," but said he had "reached the point where I must now listen to my body and my doctors." The 66-year-old said the condition had been getting steadily worse, leading to one of the hardest decisions of his career. The remaining members — Simon Le Bon, keyboardist Nick Rhodes, and guitarist John Taylor — said the decision came after "careful consideration and medical advice," and that "protecting his hearing and long-term health must now come first."
Taylor left the band in 1985 and returned in 2001. "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. "But the truth is that my tinnitus has been getting steadily worse." He said choosing the moment was difficult, but he was pleased to be "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. 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 said he had helped define the group's sound, performing on 10 hit albums, the number one singles "Is There Something I Should Know?" and "The Reflex," and the 1985 James Bond theme "A View to a Kill." "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. 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."
Tinnitus is a persistent ringing or similar sound in the ears, and it is a known occupational risk for touring musicians. The band did not name a replacement in the BBC report. The verified news is Taylor's departure on medical advice, after a high-profile year, not a breakup of Duran Duran and not a detailed medical diagnosis beyond what he and the group have chosen to share.