Back in November, Andy Taylor planned on reuniting with Duran Duran when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. However, he was not able to go due to a setback with his stage 4 prostate cancer.
In honor of his 62nd birthday, Simon Le Bon stopped by to see his mate and give him a little present. That gift was the award for the induction ceremony he wasn’t able to attend. The guitarist’s smile says it all. He loves it.
When it comes to his cancer, he gave People an update. He has been able to keep it at bay thanks to the drug abiraterone acetate. Even though it is a death sentence, he says, “[I’m] trying to stay alive and live a life, which I am absolutely not giving up on.”
He isn’t giving up. In the Spring, he is releasing his solo album Man’s a Wolf to Man. And he says it won’t be his last! So who knows, maybe he will reunite with D2 one more time for fun!
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.
I normally hate the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The people I think who deserve to be there aren’t even nominated. However, this year, this Duranie is finally seeing Duran Duran get inducted along with Dolly Parton, Pat Benetar, Carly Simon, Eminem, and Lionel Richie.
As much as I love the Eurythmics, I don’t think they are as deserving as The New York Dolls, who were nominated but not inducted. Although, the latter’s acceptance speech would be sad because they are down to one member. Buster Poindexter might be Hot, Hot, Hot, but he would be lonely up there by himself.
Anyways, it’s not about my feelings or this year’s controversies like Dolly Parton and Dionne Warwick criticizing the name of the Hall of Fame and asking not to be inducted, it about the inductees’ night.
That night is going to be November 19th on HBO. So mark your calendars because it is going to be a night to remember.
Last week, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced that Duran Duran is finally going to be added to their list of legendary Rockers. So that made Duranies wonder if Andy Taylor, who left the band in 1986, would be joining them at the induction in November.
“For one night only (& what a night it will be),” the guitarist wrote. “I had a brief chat with SLB the other day, everyone is genuinely thrilled & excited about this. Blown away with the fan vote, particularly when you consider the company. So – see you all on November 5th, fireworks night, (we got the bangers) boom boom – Thank you so much, feel like a naughty kid again.”
I have never seen all five of the original members, Andy, Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, Roger Taylor, and John Taylor, perform together, so I think I am going to have to go just to see it. But then again, maybe D2 will do like The Police and decide to do a reunion tour after reuniting at the HOF. Although, it didn’t work for Journey with Steve Perry.
I am not a huge fan of the Hall of Fame. However, I respect the fact that it reunites bands that broke for the occasion. It makes fans, like me, very happy. And it is all about me!
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced who is going to be inducted into the Hall of Fame this November, and Duran Duran finally made it in. The band will be joined by Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, Eminem, Eurythmics, Dolly Parton, Lionel Richie, and Carly Simon.
Several of the inductees released statements about being admitted.
Annie Lennox wrote, “Well – @Eurythmics made the grade, thanks to every single one of our truly loyal ‘fans’! The appreciation goes to YOU! Much love from Annie and Dave! ❤️ 😎😎 Gangstas forever!!”
Pat Benetar and her husband, Neil Giraldo, said, “We are thrilled and humbled to become part of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame family. Thank you to everyone who voted especially the fans and congratulations to all the other inductees.”
Lionel Richie had this to say, “Being elected to @rockhall is an incredible honor. I would like to say THANK YOU to all of the voters, to all of my wonderful fans and to everyone at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Congratulations to all of my fellow 2022 inductees! #RockHall2022”
As of now, Eminem, Carly Simon (who is the second person from my hometown to be inducted because it is all about me), and Dolly Parton have not commented.
I can’t wait to hear what Dolly has to say. The legendary singer initially said she would turn it down. But on Monday, she said she would accept the award gracefully. Now that she is in, I am curious how she will react to it now that it is really happening.
And she deserves it because she inspired plenty of Rockers. However, I think that New York Dolls deserved to be in there over the Eurythmics. Annie Lennox deserves it as a solo act, but not with Dave Stewart and their band. New York Dolls dolled up Punk and Heavy Metal music by the way they dolled it up. They would wear their girlfriends’ clothes on stage, and it is a look that is still popular today. I know many people will disagree, but I think they meet more recognition.
UPDATE: Dolly Parton released her statement. If you want to see what she wrote, then click here!
