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Duran Duran guitarist Andy Taylor announces prostate cancer battle forcing rocker to miss reunion at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame-Alicia Adejobi-Entertainment – Metro
Taylor was due to reunite with the band for the first time in 17 years.
Andy Taylor was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer four years ago (Picture: Getty Images)
Former Duran Duran guitarist Andy Taylor has revealed he is battling prostate cancer.
The musician was due to reunite with his former bandmates, including Simon Le Bon and Roger Taylor, at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday where they were being inducted.
However, Taylor was forced to pull out last minute after doctors advised him against travelling to the US from Ibiza.
It would have been the first time in 17 years that Taylor shared the stage with the band.
Sharing the news at the event, Le Bon said: ‘Four years ago, Andy was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer.’
Le Bon then read part of Taylor’s letter in which he ‘[passed] on my sincerest respect to you all for what’s been an amazing career, and to also share what has happened to me’.
Duran Duran were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (Picture: Getty Images)
Duran Duran consisted of (L-R) John Taylor, Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, Andy Taylor and Roger Taylor (Picture: Getty Images)
Taylor later continued: ‘Just over four years ago I was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer.
‘Many families have experienced the slow burn of this disease and of course we are no different; so I speak from the perspective of a family-man but with profound humility to the band, the greatest fans a group could have and this exceptional accolade.’
Praising his medical team, he added that he recently received treatment that ‘allowed [him] to just rock on’.
Duran Duran are pioneers of the new wave (Picture: Getty Images)
‘Although my current condition is not immediately life threatening there is no cure,’ he said.
‘Recently I was doing okay after some very sophisticated life extending treatment, that was until a week or so ago when I suffered a setback, and despite the exceptional efforts of my team, I had to be honest in that both physically and mentally, I would be pushing my boundaries.’
Taylor concluded: ‘I’m truly sorry and massively disappointed I couldn’t make it. Let there be no doubt I was stoked about the whole thing, even bought a new guitar with the essential whammy!
‘I’m so very proud of these four brothers; I’m amazed at their durability, and I’m overjoyed at accepting this award. I often doubted the day would come. I’m sure as hell glad I’m around to see the day.’
Taylor left Duran Duran in 1986 before rejoining in 2001. After contributing to the band’s 2004 album Astronaut, he left again in 2006.
Macmillan cancer support
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, Macmillan can offer support and information.
You can contact their helpline on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week from 8am to 8pm), use their webchat service, or visit their site for more information.
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