Duran Duran drummer Roger Taylor has announced his retirement from the band.
The 66-year-old, who has stepped down due to worsening tinnitus, shared the news through the band’s social media channels, marking the end of his second tenure with the iconic British group.
He said: "This is 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 joined Duran Duran in 1979 and became part of the classic line-up alongside Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, and Andy Taylor.
He played on the band’s first three studio albums—Duran Duran, Rio, and Seven and the Ragged Tiger—before departing in 1985.
He returned in 2001, recording and touring with the group for more than two decades.
During this period, he contributed to six more studio albums, including Astronaut, Red Carpet Massacre, All You Need Is Now, Paper Gods, Future Past, and Danse Macabre.
Taylor said he struggled with the timing of his departure but felt he was leaving on a high note.
He said: "Figuring out the timing of all of this has not been easy, but I'm going out on a real high.
"We’ve just returned from a hugely successful UK and European tour, which followed our second headline show at BST Hyde Park, our induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and a return to the studio with Nile Rodgers."
Duran Duran’s recent tour began in October and included shows in Glasgow, Belfast, Birmingham, Liverpool, Leeds, and London, concluding in Madrid on November 6.
Taylor said he was grateful for his final years with the band.
He said: "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."
His bandmates paid tribute to his contribution and supported his decision to put his health first.
In a joint statement, Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, and John Taylor said: "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.
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"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."
Taylor played on some of Duran Duran’s biggest hits, including Girls on Film, Hungry Like the Wolf, Rio, The Reflex, and the James Bond theme A View to a Kill.
The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.
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