Roger Taylor to step down from Duran Duran

Duran Duran drummer Roger Taylor is stepping down from the band after his tinnitus worsened, saying he has reached a point where he must listen to his body and doctors. The band announced the decision in a statement that included Taylor’s remarks. His age was not included in the announcement as reproduced in all reports, and the band did not give a departure date.

Taylor described the decision as one of the hardest he had made. He said playing drums with Duran Duran had been the joy of his life and thanked fans for their support. He also said he was leaving with pride after the band’s recent UK and European tour, a headline show at BST Hyde Park, its induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a return to the studio with Nile Rodgers.

The drummer said his tinnitus had been getting steadily worse and that he needed to follow medical advice. Duran Duran’s statement said he had decided to put his hearing and long-term health first. Tinnitus can involve hearing ringing or buzzing without an external sound, but the announcement did not provide further medical details.

Bandmates Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes and John Taylor said they supported his decision and wished him health and...