Duran Duran: Roger Taylor Quits the Drums Over Tinnitus, 'I Have to Listen to My Body'
Drummer Roger Taylor is leaving Duran Duran: in a statement he explains that his tinnitus has worsened over the years and that he must 'listen to his body and follow his doctors' advice'. Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes and John Taylor: 'We support his decision'.
✨ Riassunto AI
Duran Duran drummer Roger Taylor is leaving the band because of tinnitus: he announced it himself in a statement on November 12, reported by Corriere della Sera and Rockol. Taylor, in the band since the early 1980s, out in 1985 and back in 2001, writes that the decision is 'one of the hardest' of his life and that his tinnitus 'has progressively worsened'. He adds that he is bowing out 'on a high', after a UK and European tour, a second Hyde Park headline show, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction and a return to the studio with Nile Rodgers.
Duran Duran drummer Roger Taylor has announced he is leaving the band because his tinnitus has worsened: it is the statement published on November 12, reported by Corriere della Sera, which quotes it, and by Rockol. The statement was published with the news on November 12, together with what Rockol describes as an issue that has lasted for a long time and has become 'by now incompatible with his musical activity'.
The drummer's words
In the statement, reported by both outlets with some variation in wording, Taylor explains the decision: it is 'one of the hardest' he has taken, because playing drums in the band 'has been the greatest joy' of his life and he will never be able to thank the fans enough. Then the point about his health: 'The tinnitus has progressively worsened and I have reached the point where I must listen to my body and follow my doctors' advice'. On the timing he adds: 'It was not easy to understand when the right moment was, but I am going out on a high'.
What it closes
The last concert, according to Rockol, should be the recent one at London's O2 Arena, a special Halloween date. In the statement Taylor recalls what preceded the decision: 'a hugely successful UK and European tour', a second headlining show at Hyde Park, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction and the return to the studio with Nile Rodgers. And on his bandmates: 'I go forward with pride and nothing but affection for Simon, Nick and John'.
The band's response
Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes and John Taylor write, according to Corriere, that 'Roger is a brother' and that his drumming 'helped define Duran Duran's sound from the very start'; having him back since 2001 'was incredibly important'. They add that they support his decision and wish him health and happiness, and that they will carry on working on new projects. Corriere also gives the dates: Taylor joined in the early 1980s, left in 1985 and returned in 2001.
What is not there
In the two sources there is no date for the next tour, no name for his replacement and no label statement: if they come, they will be reported. Beyond the statement there is nothing to report yet: no dates, no replacement. The network also covered the UN's International Day of the Mediterranean Diet.