Andy Taylor, former guitarist for New Romantic band “Duran Duran,” is battling stage four prostate cancer, the band revealed as they accepted their induction into the 2022 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Taylor, 61, did not join Saturday’s ceremony. Former frontman Simon LeBon read out a letter on his behalf.
“Just over four years ago I was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer. Many families have experienced the slow burn of this disease and of course, we are no different,” Taylor wrote in his letter. “So I speak from the perspective of a family man but with profound humility to the band, the greatest fans a group could have, and this exceptional accolade.”
Taylor added that despite receiving quality life-extending treatment, he suffered a setback and although his condition is not immediately life-threatening, there is no cure.
“I had to be honest in that both physically and mentally, I would be pushing my boundaries,” the letter read. “However, none of this needs to or should detract from what this band (with or without me) has achieved and sustained for 44 years.”
Taylor ended the letter, saying he was massively disappointed not to be there with the band, adding he had even bought a new guitar for the occasion.
“I’m so very proud of these four brothers; I’m amazed at their durability, and I’m overjoyed at accepting this award,” the letter read. “I often doubted the day would come. I’m sure as hell glad I’m around to see the day.”
The induction to the Hall of Fame was meant to serve as a reunion for the band. The current line-up is comprised of Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, Roger Taylor, and Simon Le Bon. Past members include Taylor and Warren Cucurullo, with the latter also not appearing at the event.
Taylor first joined Duran Duran in April 1980. He left six years later to pursue a solo career. He later rejoined in 2001 before leaving the band permanently in 2006, citing creative differences between him and the other band members.
LeBon, reacted to Saturday’s update on Taylor’s health, saying, “It is devastating news to know and find out that a colleague … Not a colleague, a mate, a friend, one of our family is not going to be around for very long. It’s absolutely devastating. We love Andy dearly and you know, I’m not going to stand here and cry. I don’t think that would be very appropriate but that’s what I feel like.”
The band, which had many international chart toppers in the 1980s, originally formed in 1978.
Since their inception, Duran Duran has sold over 100 million records, making them among the world’s best-selling music artists.
