“There is no cure” says Duran Duran’s Andy Taylor after shocking cancer diagnosis

Music fans have been left shocked after iconic Birmingham band Duran Duran announced original guitarist Andy Taylor has stage four metastatic prostate cancer.

Taylor, 61, revealed the news via a letter that was read out by his band mates as Duran Duran was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday (5 November).

The trend setting new wave band, formed in Birmingham in 1978, went on to become one of the biggest music groups of the 1980’s with legions of fans around the globe.

The news of Andy Taylor’s battle with cancer has been met with sadness by Duran Duran fans and tributes have been pouring in.

The tragic news was announced by Taylor’s fellow band mates who read out a letter from the stricken guitarist as Duran Duran was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles.

Taylor had originally been pencilled in to attend the ceremony and perform – it would have been the first time the Birmingham band’s classic lineup would have played together in 17 years – but Taylor’s illness meant he had to cancel after suffering health setbacks which prevented him from travelling to America.

The musician was diagnosed with cancer four years ago. He stated that “there is no cure” for the cancer and is currently receiving “sophisticated life extending” medical treatment.

Taylor – who had bought a new guitar ahead of the Los Angeles event – said he was “truly sorry and massively disappointed” that he was unable to attend the ceremony in Los Angeles with former band members Simon Le Bon, Nic Rhodes, Roger Taylor and John Taylor.

Taylor’s poignant letter, which was read out by Simon Le Bon – who performed at the opening ceremony of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 – said: “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.

“Although my current condition is not immediately life-threatening there is no cure.”