The cult band was inducted into the “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame”. But Duran-Duran star Andy Taylor was absent — for a sad reason.
It really was a cause for celebration when Duran Duran came together on stage at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Saturday. The cult band was officially inducted into the famous “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame” along with other greats from the music world. With hits like “The Wild Boys” and sales of millions of records, the British achieved world fame, especially in the 1980s. But a member of the original cast was missing that evening.
Frontman Simon Le Bon, keyboardist Nick Rhodes, bassist John Taylor and drummer Roger Taylor were without guitarist Andy Taylor. Sad reason: the musician is mentally ill. He announced this in a letter that his bandmates read on stage and published on his website.
“I want to thank each of my brothers in this wonderful band”
“Just four years ago I was diagnosed with metastatic stage four prostate cancer,” the 61-year-old told the public for the first time. Although his condition is currently “not immediately life-threatening, there is no cure,” Andy Taylor said. Until recently, he was “doing quite well after a very complicated life-prolonging treatment”, but he suffered a setback about a week ago.
He is sorry and deeply disappointed that he didn’t make it to the awards, but “despite the extraordinary efforts of my team, I had to admit that I would have reached my limits physically and mentally,” he admits and Insists: “There should be no doubt that I was totally excited about the whole thing and even bought a new guitar with the bang needed!”
He was incredibly proud of Duran Duran and “so glad I’m seeing the day,” said the musician. “I want to thank each of my brothers in this wonderful band. And my family: my incredibly strong wife Tracy who has been by my side for 40 years, my wonderful kids Andy, Georgie, Bethie and Izzie, and not my grandchildren Forget Albie.” , added Andy Taylor to the conclusion.
