Drummer Roger Taylor announced his departure from Duran, citing a worsening condition of tinnitus that prevents him from continuing his career with the band.
Novinky reported that the musician described the choice as one of the hardest he has ever had to make. “Playing the drums in this band has been the joy of my life, and I will never be able to thank the fans enough for the love they have shown us all these years,” he said.
The condition causes persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in the ears without an external source, often linking directly to hearing loss.
Taylor said that he reached a point where he must listen to his body and his doctors.
The group completed a tour across the UK and Europe earlier this year, headlined BST Hyde Park in London during July, and entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. Duran has sold over 100 million records globally and released 16 studio albums between 1981 and 2023.
Bandmates singer Simon Le Bon, bassist John Taylor, and keyboardist Nick Rhodes expressed sadness over the exit while backing his choice to prioritize his health. “We fully support his decision and wish him good health and happiness,” the band said.
Roger Andrew Taylor was born on April 26, 1960.
He played in the initial lineup until 1985 and rejoined the group in 2001.
“It wasn’t easy to time when my departure would happen, but I’m leaving at a time when we are at our peak,” he added, as reported by Novinky. “I couldn’t have asked for a better final chapter.”
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