Duran Duran Drummer Roger Taylor Retires Following Tinnitus Diagnosis

Roger Taylor, the longtime drummer for the iconic new wave band Duran Duran, announced on Thursday, Nov. 12, that he is retiring from both the group and professional drumming. The 66-year-old musician revealed that his decision was prompted by a worsening case of tinnitus, a condition characterized by persistent ringing or noise in the ears, often associated with long-term exposure to high-volume environments.

Taylor, who first joined the band in 1979, expressed that stepping away was one of the most difficult choices of his career. He noted that he feels content concluding his tenure following a period of significant milestones, including a successful U.K. and European tour, a headline performance at BST Hyde Park, and the band's induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

In a statement regarding his departure, bandmates Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, and John Taylor honored their colleague, describing him as a brother whose drumming was fundamental to the band's signature sound. While the group expressed full support for his health-focused decision, they have not yet named a replacement drummer.

I move on with enormous pride, and with nothing but love for my bandmates.

Throughout his career, Taylor played a pivotal role in the group’s rise to global fame during the 1980s, contributing to essential albums such as Rio and Seven and the Ragged Tiger. After a hiatus, he returned to the lineup in 2001 and remained a fixture of the band through their most recent projects, including 2023’s Danse Macabre.