Andy Taylor in 2004 Photo: Jo Hale (Getty Images)
Last night was the induction ceremony into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Los Angeles, and while we normal folks don’t get to see much of it until the November 19 special airs on HBO, there was some notable news from the evening: During the introduction of Duran Duran, the band revealed that longtime guitarist Andy Taylor, who was absent, has stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer. The band read out part of a letter Taylor wrote during their acceptance, which you can read in full on the band’s website, and Variety says lead singer Simon LeBon later shared some thoughts on Taylor’s condition backstage.
He said it was “devastating news” to find out that “a colleague … not a colleague — a friend, one of our family — won’t be around much longer.” He added that they “love Andy very much” and declined to answer questions or make any other comments about it, with Variety saying he was “too distraught to broach the subject further.”
Here’s part of Taylor’s letter, which also included plenty of thanks to fans, supporters, and producers, plus a note to his family and a joke about his grandson “probably listening online or on Fortnite,” which is all very sweet:
Now for the reason I’m not here:
A little over 4 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’m speaking from a family man’s perspective, but with deep humility towards the band, the biggest fans a group can have and this extraordinary award.
I have the Rodgers and Edwards of doctors and medical treatments that, until recently, allowed me to just keep rocking. Although my current condition is not immediately life threatening, there is no cure. Recently I was doing well after a very sophisticated life-prolonging treatment, that was until about a week ago when I suffered a setback and despite the extraordinary efforts of my team I had to honestly say that both physically and mentally I was going to my limits exceed.
However, none of this need or should detract from what this band (with or without me) has achieved and sustained for 44 years. We had a privileged life, we were a little bit naughty but really nice, a little bit down-to-earth but very well dressed, a little bit confident because we had a lot to give but like I’ve said many times when you feel that collective , instinctive, kindred spirit of creativity mixed with ambition, armed with a uber-cool group of fans, well, what could go wrong?
I’m really sorry and very disappointed that I didn’t make it. There’s no doubt I was blown away by the whole thing and even bought a new guitar with the whammy to match!
I’m so proud of these four brothers; I am amazed at their longevity and overjoyed to accept this award. I often doubted that the day would come. I’m damn glad I’m there to see the day.