Duran Duran drummer Roger Taylor will step down from the band and retire from music altogether after worsening tinnitus symptoms.
The band revealed Taylor's exit in a social media post Thursday, Nov. 12,
to protect "his hearing and long-term health."
"Roger is our 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," frontman Simon Le Bon, bassist John Taylor and keyboardist Nick Rhodes said in a statement in the post. "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."
Duran Duran drummer Roger Taylor announces retirement
Taylor, 66, said in his statement that the move was "one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make."
"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," Taylor added. "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 is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a ringing, buzzing or clicking in the ears with no outside source.
While often a symptom of hearing loss, it can also be a symptom of noise exposure, head or neck injuries, ear conditions or dental and jaw issues, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The American Academy of Otolaryngology reports that more than 40% of musicians experience tinnitus.
Roger Taylor's history with Duran Duran
Taylor joined Duran Duran shortly after the English pop-rock band formed in 1978.
He performed with the band during its early Birmingham gigs in the late '70s and on global tours in the early 1980s, as well as on their hit self-titled debut and other early records before departing in the mid-'80s because of the stress of fame.
Taylor made a brief return in-studio for the band's 1995 cover album, "Thank You," and returned full-time in 2001 with the band's original lineup. Taylor played on six more albums and has continued to tour with the band since.
The band previously announced, on stage during their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction speech in 2022, that original guitarist Andy Taylor has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Duran Duran drummer Roger Taylor retires as tinnitus worsens
