Duran Duran Drummer Roger Taylor Retires After Tinnitus Diagnosis

Duran Duran drummer Roger Taylor has left the band and retired from music after a worsening tinnitus diagnosis. The band announced his departure on social media, ending a tenure that ran across two chapters: 1980 to 1985, and 2001 until now.

Taylor, who rose to prominence with the group during the early 1980s, described the move as forced by his health. "This is one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make," Taylor said in the band's statement. "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. But the truth is that my tinnitus has been getting steadily worse, and I've reached the point where I must now listen to my body and my doctors."

Tinnitus is a condition marked by persistent ringing or noise in the ears. For a drummer performing at concert volume, it is an occupational hazard that has cut short other careers in rock. Taylor's decision follows his doctors' advice.

What has Taylor done with Duran Duran?

Taylor joined Duran Duran at the start and stayed until 1985. He returned in 2001 and played with the remaining members up to now, contributing to six albums. The most recent was 2023's "Danse Macabre." That gives Taylor a recording career with the band spanning more than four decades in total.

The band's social media announcement called him "at the heart of Duran Duran's sound across two remarkable chapters."

How is Taylor leaving?

Taylor said he timed his exit deliberately. "Figuring out the timing of all of this has not been easy, but I'm going out on a real high," he said. "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."

What did his bandmates say?

Singer Simon Le Bon, keyboardist Nick Rhodes and bassist John Taylor released a joint statement calling the drummer their "brother." "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," they said. "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."

That closing line signals the group intends to carry on. Studio work with Nile Rodgers, mentioned in Taylor's statement, suggests new Duran Duran material remains in progress without him. For Taylor, the final tally stands: two eras, six albums since 2001, a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, and a farewell taken, by his own account, "on a real high."