A longtime member of a beloved, legendary 1980s pop group is stepping back, revealing that an ongoing health condition is "getting steadily worse."
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Indeed, earlier today (Nov. 12), Duran Duran announced that its longtime drummer, Roger Taylor, is retiring from the band as well as leaving drumming behind entirely. In a statement released on the English pop outfit's Instagram, it was revealed that Taylor had recently been diagnosed with tinnitus.
"This is one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make," Taylor shared in the post. "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."
'I couldn't have asked for a better final chapter, with so many special moments that I'll treasure forever," the drummer continued. "I move on with enormous pride, and with nothing but love for Simon, Nick, and John."
Taylor's tenure with the beloved pop band began in 1978. He played drums for the "Hungry Like the Wolf" hitmakers on the first three albums. However, he left the rock pop group in 1985, before rejoining in 2001. Taylor was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame alongside his fellow Duran Duran members, Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, and John Taylor, in 2022.
Roger Taylor's Duran Duran Bandmates Pay Tribute Amid Retirement News
Of course, Taylor's bandmates wished him well in the wake of the retirement news.
"Roger is our brother," they shared. "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. 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."
Meanwhile, fans took to the comments section to share their support for the veteran drummer.
"This sucks, but I totally understand," one fan bluntly wrote.
"Oh, Rog, heartbreaking news, but your health comes first," another thoughtful fan added. "Thank you for being part of Gen X's quintessential rhythm section and the soundtrack to our lives for all these years."
"Your rhythm has been the soundtrack to the best moments of my life and entire generations," a third fan shared. "Even though you are choosing silence now to take care yourself you beat will echo forever in our lives. Thank you for everything, Roger!"
