Duran Duran’s Andy Taylor Reveals He Has Stage 4 Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Duran Duran and their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame was a bittersweet affair as the band announced their former guitarist Andy Taylor has stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer.
Taylor had previously announced he would attend the induction ceremony, but his illness prevented him from joining the band at the ceremony in Los Angeles. The guitarist shared his intended speech on Duran Duran’s official website, which Simon Le Bon read, in part. Taylor detailed his illness as follows:
“Just 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 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.
I have the Rodgers and Edwards of doctors and medical treatment that until very recently allowed me to just rock on. Although my current condition is not immediately life threatening there is no cure. Recently I was doing okay after some very sophisticated life extending treatment, that was until a week or so ago when I suffered a setback, and despite the exceptional efforts of my team, I had to be honest in that both physically and mentally, I would be pushing my boundaries.
However, none of this needs to or should detract from what this band (with or without me) has achieved and sustained for 44 years. We’ve had a privileged life, we were a bit naughty but really nice, a bit shirty but very well dressed, a bit full of ourselves, because we had a lot to give, but as I’ve said many times, when you feel that collective, instinctive, kindred spirit of creativity mixed with ambition, armed with an über cool bunch of fans, well what could possibly go wrong?
I’m truly sorry and massively disappointed I couldn’t make it. 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; 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.”
Rock Hall 2022: Complete Setlist from the Induction
Duran Duran
Duran Duran was inducted by Robert Downey Jr. The band’s set included “Girls On Film,” “Hungry Like the Wolf” and “Ordinary World.”
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 05: Inductees Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, Roger Taylor and Simon Le Bon of Duran Duran speak onstage during the 37th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Microsoft Theater on November 05, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)
Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo
Benatar and Giraldo were inducted by Sheryl Crow. Their set included “All Fired Up,” “Love Is A Battlefield” and “Heartbreaker.”
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 05: Neil Giraldo and Pat Benatar perform onstage during the 37th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Microsoft Theater on November 05, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)
Judas Priest
Priest was inducted by Alice Cooper. The metal band’s set was “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’,” “Breaking the Law” and “Living After Midnight.”
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 05: (L-R) Inductees Ian Hill, K. K. Downing, Rob Halford, Scott Travis, Les Binks and Glenn Tipton of Judas Priest pose in the press room during the 37th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Microsoft Theater on November 05, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)
Lionel Richie
Lenny Kravitz did the honors of inducting Richie. For his set, Richie performed three songs: “Hello,” “Easy” and “All Night Long (All Night).” Richie was joined by special guest Dave Grohl on guitar for “Easy.”
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 05: Inductee Lionel Richie and Dave Grohl perform onstage during the 37th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Microsoft Theater on November 05, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)
Eurythmics
U2’s The Edge was tapped to induct the Eurythmics into the Rock Hall. The duo’s set featured “Would I Lie to You?,” “Missionary Man” and “Sweet Dream (Are Made of This).”
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 05: (L-R) Dave Stewart and Annie Lennox of Eurythmics perform onstage during the 37th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Microsoft Theater on November 05, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)
Eminem
Eminem was inducted into the Rock Hall by friend and mentor Dr. Dre. The rapper’s set featured six songs and two special guests: “My Name is,” “Rap God,” “Sing for the Moment” with Steven Tyler, “Stan” with Ed Sheeran, “Forever” and “Not Afraid.”
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 05: Steven Tyler and inductee Eminem perform onstage during the 37th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Microsoft Theater on November 05, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)
Dolly Parton
Parton was inducted into the Rock Hall by Pink, who later sang “Coat of Many Colors” with Brandi Carlile. “9 to 5” was performed by Sheryl Crow and the Zac Brown Band, while Parton performed her highly teased rock song aptly named “Rockin'” with the Zac Brown Band.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 05: Inductee Dolly Parton speaks onstage during the 37th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Microsoft Theater on November 05, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)
