Duran Duran guitarist Andy Taylor has revealed that he has been diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer.
Taylor’s presence was missed during Duran Duran’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday, with his bandmates noting his health issues in an acceptance speech he wrote for the event.
“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; 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 wrote, according to the full speech text posted to the band’s website. “Although my current condition is not immediately life threatening there is no cure,” he added.
“I’m truly sorry and massively disappointed I couldn’t make it. Let there be no doubt I was stoked about the whole thing, even bought a new guitar with the essential whammy!” he added. “I’m so very proud of these four brothers; I’m amazed at their durability, and I’m overjoyed at accepting this award. I often doubted the day would come. I’m sure as hell glad I’m around to see the day.”
Lead singer Simon Le Bon also shared his personal thoughts backstage after the band’s performance.
“It is devastating to us to find out that a colleague — not a colleague, that’s the whole thing; a mate, a friend, one of our family — is not going to be around for very long. It is absolutely devastating. We love Andy dearly and I’m not going stand here and cry — I think that would be inappropriate — but that’s how I feel like,” Le Bon said.
Duran Duran launched in 1978, with Taylor joining in 1980. The band’s first hit single was the 1981 song “Girls on Film” from their self-titled album.
The band continued with a line of hits during the 1980s, including its most famous songs, “Hungry Like the Wolf” and “New Moon on Monday.” Their song “A View to a Kill” also served as the soundtrack to the James Bond movie of the same name.
Taylor played in the band until 1985 and again from 2001 to 2006. He also was part of the group Power Station with fellow Duran Duran bass guitarist John Taylor.
The guitarist also released a new solo single last week called “Man’s a Wolf to Man.” The song is from Taylor’s second solo album of original material, which BMG scheduled for release in Spring 2023.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame honored other artists during the Saturday event. Dolly Parton, Lionel Richie, Pat Benatar, Eminem, the Eurythmics, and Carly Simon were among the other inductees.
The induction ceremony will be aired on HBO and HBO Max at a future date, according to People magazine.