Duran Duran Drummer Roger Taylor to Leave Band Due to Tinnitus

Duran Duran drummer Roger Taylor has announced he will leave the band due to his worsening tinnitus. Taylor has been the drummer for the chart-topping group since they formed in Birmingham in 1978, which he described as "the joy of my life".

The 66-year-old said his condition has been getting steadily worse, leading to his decision to quit the band. The group, made up of Simon Le Bon, keyboardist Nick Rhodes and guitarist John Taylor, said his decision came after "careful consideration and medical advice", which said that "protecting his hearing and long-term health must now come first".

Taylor, who left the band in 1985 before returning in 2001, said: "Playing drums in this band has been the joy of my life, and I'll never be able to properly thank the fans for the love they've shown us over the years. But the truth is that my tinnitus has been getting steadily worse."

Taylor's band members added that he had helped define the sound of the group, performing on 10 hit albums, their two number one singles - Is There Something I Should Know? and The Reflex - and the band's 1985 James Bond theme A View To A Kill. They said they completely support his decision and wish him health and happiness.