Duran Duran have announced that drummer Roger Taylor is stepping down from the band because of a worsening case of tinnitus, a condition he was recently diagnosed with. According to a press release shared through the band's social media, Taylor made the decision after careful consideration and medical advice, prioritising his hearing and long-term health. He is 66 years old and spoke from his home in the US.

In a statement, Taylor said it was one of the hardest decisions he had ever had to make, adding that playing drums in the band had been the joy of his life. "My tinnitus has been getting steadily worse, and I've reached the point where I must now listen to my body and my doctors," he said. Tinnitus causes sufferers to hear phantom noises often described as ringing, hissing, buzzing or whooshing, and it affects about 7.6 million adults.S1S2

Taylor joined Duran Duran in 1979 and played drums on their first three studio albums, Duran Duran, Rio and Seven and the Ragged Tiger, as well as the live album Arena. He left the band in 1986 after burning out on the rigours of fame, then rejoined in 2001 for the celebrated reunion of the original line-up, contributing to the band's six most recent studio albums, including 2023's Danse Macabre. He said he was leaving on a high, citing a hugely successful UK and European tour, a second headline show at BST Hyde Park, induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and a return to the studio with Nile Rodgers.S1S2

Bandmates Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes and John Taylor said Taylor is their brother and that his drumming helped define the band's sound from the very beginning. They said they completely support his decision, wish him health and happiness, and that he will always be part of the Duran Duran family while the band continues exploring new projects.S1S2