Roger Taylor quit Duran Duran once because the fame was too much. At 66, his hearing is making him quit for good
Duran Duran drummer Roger Taylor is retiring from the band and from playing because his recently diagnosed tinnitus is getting steadily worse. The 66-year-old, who drummed on Rio and Hungry Like the Wolf, called it one of the hardest decisions of his life; Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes and John Taylor say they back him and will keep making new music.
Three things to know
- Taylor says he made the call after advice from his doctors, to protect what is left of his hearing and his long-term health.
- It is his second exit: he left in the mid-1980s, saying the attention had become too much, and came back for the original line-up's reunion in 2001.
- The band has not named a replacement or said what the change means for future shows.
For the second time in about 40 years, Roger Taylor is leaving Duran Duran. The first time, in the mid-1980s, he walked away from the frenzy at the top of the charts. This time the decision has been made for him.
The band announced on Thursday, UK time, that Taylor, 66, is retiring from the group and from playing music because of what it called a worsening of his recently diagnosed tinnitus, a ringing or buzzing in the ears with no outside source.
“My tinnitus has been getting steadily worse,” Taylor said in his statement. He said he had reached the point where he had to listen to his body and his doctors, and that protecting his hearing had to come first.
What did he say about the band?
He called it one of the hardest decisions he has ever made, said playing drums in Duran Duran had been the joy of his life, and that he was leaving on a real high. He spoke of his pride in what the four of them built and his love for Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes and John Taylor.
The other three called him “our brother”, said they completely support his decision, and wished him health and happiness. They said they will keep working together on new projects and that Roger will always be part of the family.
Who is Roger Taylor, if you only know the hits?
He joined Duran Duran in 1979 and played on the band’s first three albums, the run that produced Girls on Film, Hungry Like the Wolf and Rio. He was the drummer on A View to a Kill, still the only James Bond theme to reach number one in the United States.
In the mid-1980s he stepped away, worn down by the attention. He returned in 2001 when the original five reunited, and in his second stint played on six more albums, the latest Danse Macabre in 2023. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the band in 2022.
Why is tinnitus such a risk for drummers?
Drummers sit closest to the loudest instrument on stage, often for decades. Tinnitus has no cure, and continued loud exposure can make it worse. Taylor’s statement makes the point plainly: he is stopping to keep the hearing he has.
Why now?
He is going out after a busy stretch: a UK and European tour, a second headline show at BST Hyde Park in London, and a return to the studio with the producer Nile Rodgers. The diagnosis is recent; in his words, he is leaving on a high.
What does it mean for fans?
The band has said it will carry on, but has not said who will play drums or announced any new dates.
How we got here
The key moments that brought this story into focus. Open any moment for detail.
1979Taylor joins
Roger Taylor becomes Duran Duran's drummer in Birmingham.
1981-1983The breakthrough
The first three albums bring Girls on Film, Hungry Like the Wolf and Rio.
Mid-1980sFirst exit
Taylor leaves, saying the attention had become too much.
2001The reunion
The original five line-up reunites, with Taylor back on drums.
2022Hall of Fame
Duran Duran are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
2023Danse Macabre
Taylor's last album with the band to date.
12 November 2026Retirement
Taylor announces he is retiring because his tinnitus is worsening.
What happens next
Duran Duran say they will continue to work on new projects. A replacement drummer, and the future of the work with Nile Rodgers, have not been announced. VNN will report any new line-up or tour dates when the band confirms them.
Sources
- VNN
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