Duran Duran is one of the most successful bands in history having sold more than 100 million records and garnering dozens of hits including “Rio,” “Girls On Film,” “Hungry Like the Wolf,” “The Wild Boys,” “The Reflex,” and “Come Undone,” among others.
On Saturday night, the band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame alongside Judas Priest, Eminem, Dolly Parton, Lionel Richie, Pat Benatar, Eurythmics and Carly Simon. Unfortunately, the band’s induction speech revealed heartbreaking news in that original guitarist Andy Taylor has been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer.
Duran Duran singer Simon Le Bon broke the news reading portions of a letter from Taylor to the audience in Los Angeles. The crowd at the Microsoft Theater audibly gasped at the news.
“Just over four years ago, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer,” Le Bon read from the letter. “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.”
Le Bon also read another portion of the letter describing Taylor’s “massive disappointment” at missing the Rock Hall induction ceremony when the band finally made the cut after years of eligibility.
“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,” the letter said. “I’m amazed at their durability, and I’m overjoyed at accepting this award. I’m sure as hell glad I’m around to see the day.”
The full letter, “A Note From Andy,” has been posted on the band’s website. “Although my current condition is not immediately life-threatening, there is no cure,” Taylor wrote.
Duran Duran was inducted by actor Robert Downey Jr. Le Bon, guitarist/bassist John Taylor, drummer Roger Taylor and keyboardist Nick Rhodes played a medley of songs with their current touring guitarist Dom Brown.
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