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Yesterday, Duran Duran was finally inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but one of Fab Five was missing. Andy Taylor, who left the band, was planning on joining his bandmates, but he was not able to do so.
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.
This news is shocking because Taylor has been keeping this secret and has been touring and making music since his diagnosis. There is no way we would’ve known had he not been able to attend the induction ceremony.
I hope the guitarist knows he is loved and we are there for him.
My friend is battling stage IV breast cancer, and she is living life to the fullest thanks to medicines.
So today, I am praying for both of them. I grew up as a Duranie, so all the band members have a special place in my heart.
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