Roger Taylor Steps Away From Duran Duran Drumming Amid Worsening Tinnitus
WHO:
Rolling Stone Music - Roger Taylor is Duran Duran’s drummer.
Spin Magazine - Roger Taylor is stepping away from his career behind the kit with Duran Duran.
Billboard - Taylor has been with the new wave group since 1980.
Billboard - Duran Duran’s bandmates honored Taylor.
WHAT:
Los Angeles Times - Duran Duran’s hits include “Planet Earth,” “Girls on Film,” “Hungry Like the Wolf,” “Rio,” “Union of the Snake,” “The Wild Boys,” “Notorious” and “The Reflex.”
Los Angeles Times - “The Reflex” and the title track from the 1985 James Bond film soundtrack, “A View to a Kill,” both reached No. 1 in the U.S.
Los Angeles Times - Roger Taylor said he would move on “with nothing but love for Simon, Nick and John.”
Los Angeles Times - Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes and John Taylor said they “completely support” Roger Taylor’s decision and wish him “health and happiness.”
Billboard - Nile Rodgers called Roger Taylor “the consummate gentleman of rock ‘n’ roll” and said, “I love you, and you’re wonderful.”
Los Angeles Times - Duran Duran announced Taylor’s departure on its website as well as on social media.
Los Angeles Times - Taylor said he would “never be able to properly thank the fans for the love they’ve shown us over the years.”
Los Angeles Times - Taylor said the band had recently returned to its studio with Nile Rodgers.
Los Angeles Times - The band said Taylor would “always be part of this family” and that it would continue exploring new projects.
Variety - Duran Duran announced Roger Taylor’s departure on social media.
Variety - The band described Taylor as being “at the heart of Duran Duran’s sound across two remarkable chapters.”
NY Post - Roger Taylor, 66, described leaving Duran Duran as “one of the hardest decisions” he has made.
NY Post - Taylor said he was “going out on a real high.”
Rolling Stone Music - Taylor is retiring from drumming with Duran Duran amid “worsening” tinnitus.
Spin Magazine - Taylor is “calling time on his career behind the kit with Duran Duran.”
Billboard - Taylor is stepping down from the band due to a tinnitus diagnosis.
Billboard - Taylor said, “I Move On With Enormous Pride.”
Billboard - The bandmates said Taylor’s drumming helped “define” Duran Duran’s sound.
WHERE:
Los Angeles Times - Duran Duran became a leading band in the “New Romantic” movement.
Los Angeles Times - Duran Duran was founded in Birmingham.
WHEN:
Los Angeles Times - Taylor said the band had recently returned from a UK and European tour and had played its second headline show at BST Hyde Park.
Los Angeles Times - Taylor said the band’s return to the studio followed its induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Variety - Taylor remained with Duran Duran until 1985 before later returning to the group.
WHY:
Fox News - Taylor said his tinnitus had been “getting steadily worse.”
Rolling Stone Music - Taylor said, “I’ve reached the point where I must now listen to my body and my doctors.”
Billboard - Taylor’s decision to step down is attributed to his tinnitus diagnosis.
HOW:
Los Angeles Times - Roger Taylor, John Taylor and Andy Taylor are not related.
Los Angeles Times - Duran Duran’s core lineup took shape when Simon Le Bon and Andy Taylor joined Roger Taylor in 1980.
Rolling Stone Music - Taylor described playing drums in Duran Duran as “the joy of my life.”
(UPDATED November 13, 2026 09:58 UTC)
Duran Duran drummer Roger Taylor is stepping down, citing worsening tinnitus and doctors’ advice. The longtime member said leaving was difficult, but he’s moving on with pride. His bandmates support his decision, honoring his drumming as central to their sound.
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(UPDATED November 13, 2026 02:00 UTC)
Duran Duran drummer Roger Taylor is stepping away after tinnitus worsened, saying he must heed his doctors. Taylor called leaving one of his hardest decisions, but said he was going out on a high. The band honored his role in defining its sound and said he would always remain family.
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(UPDATED November 12, 2026 23:59 UTC)
Duran Duran drummer Roger Taylor is retiring, citing worsening tinnitus and doctors’ advice. Taylor called leaving one of his hardest decisions, but says he’s going out on a high. Bandmates praised his drumming for helping define the group’s sound across two remarkable chapters.
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(UPDATED November 12, 2026 20:04 UTC)
Duran Duran drummer Roger Taylor is stepping away because worsening tinnitus affects his health. The band announced his departure, honoring his drumming for defining their distinctive sound. Taylor called leaving one of his hardest decisions, but said he was going out on a high.
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(UPDATED November 12, 2026 19:03 UTC)
Duran Duran drummer Roger Taylor is retiring after decades with the band, citing worsening tinnitus. Taylor called leaving one of his hardest decisions, but says he’s going out on a high. His bandmates honored his drumming, saying it helped define Duran Duran’s sound.
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(UPDATED November 12, 2026 18:02 UTC)
Duran Duran drummer Roger Taylor is retiring from the band because of worsening tinnitus. He says he must listen to his body and doctors, and leaves with enormous pride after decades with the group. His bandmates honored his drumming, saying it helped define Duran Duran’s sound.