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Andy Taylor of the UK band Duran Duran recently revealed he is currently battling stage IV prostate cancer.
Duran Duran announced the news to the world on Saturday as they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Andy Taylor failed to join former bandmates John Taylor, Simon Le Bon, Roger Taylor and Nick Rhodes at the Class of 2022 celebrations.
At the time, he was undergoing treatment and wrote a letter for the occasion.
Duran Duran frontman Le Bon read Taylor’s letter to the public.
In his letter, Andy Taylor revealed his diagnosis four years ago.
The guitarist also shared his honor of being inducted into the Hall of Fame.
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The letter
“There’s nothing that comes close to such recognition,” Andy Taylor wrote.
“You can dream about what happened to us, but to experience it, on one’s own terms, as mates, was beyond incredible.”
Taylor also tackled his health issues: “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.”
Andy Taylor shared his disappointment to miss the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame show, which was meant to be his first performance with Duran Duran in over 16 years.
The guitarist had even bought a new guitar for the occasion.
“I’m so very proud of these four brothers, I’m amazed at their durability, and I’m overjoyed at accepting this award.”
“I often doubted the day would come. I’m sure as hell glad I’m around to see the day.”
Taylor’s condition
In his letter, which is also up on the band’s website, Andy Taylor said his condition was terminal.
However, he reassured fans that he had received life-extending treatment, which kept him going until recently when he suffered a setback.
“Although my current condition is not immediately life-threatening, there is no cure,” said Taylor.
According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight men will develop prostate cancer during their lifetime.
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Reaction
Simon Le Bon spoke about Andy Taylor’s health and how devastating it is to learn of a colleague’s condition.
“It’s absolutely devastating,” said Le Bon. “We love Andy dearly, and you know, I’m not going to stand here and cry.”
“I don’t think that would be very appropriate, but that’s what I feel like.”
Reference:
Andy Taylor, former Duran Duran guitarist, has stage four prostate cancer
