Roger Taylor leaves Duran Duran as worsening tinnitus forces a difficult decision

Roger Taylor is stepping away from Duran Duran after his tinnitus continued to worsen. The drummer, who has been with the group since it formed in Birmingham in 1978, said he had reached a point where he needed to listen to his body and follow medical advice. Taylor described playing with the chart-topping band as “the joy of my life” and called leaving one of the hardest decisions he has made. He said the condition had been getting steadily worse, while the band said the choice came after careful consideration and medical guidance, with his hearing and long-term health taking priority. The 66-year-old said the timing was difficult, but he felt he was leaving on a high note. Duran Duran had recently completed a successful UK and European tour, played a headline show at BST Hyde Park, entered the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and returned to the studio with producer Nile Rodgers. Taylor said he would treasure those experiences and move on with pride and affection for his bandmates. Taylor was absent from Duran Duran between 1985 and 2001, then returned to the group. His drumming featured on 10 of its hit albums, including records behind the number-one singles “Is There Something I Should Know?” and “The Reflex,” as well as the 1985 James Bond theme “A View to a Kill.” Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes and John Taylor said Roger had helped define the band’s sound from the beginning. They voiced support for his decision, wished him health and happiness, and said he would always remain part of the Duran Duran family.