Duran Duran performed at the 2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony Saturday (November 5). After being inducted by actor Robert Downey Jr., lead singer Simon Le Bon read a letter from founding guitarist Andy Taylor, who was not present during the celebration. Le Bon revealed that Taylor’s absence was due to his Stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer diagnosis, which he received four years ago. 

According to The Los Angeles Times’ live report from this year’s ceremony, Taylor’s letter read: 

Just over four 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.

The full note from Taylor was then posted on Duran Duran’s website. “I’m truly sorry and massively disappointed I couldn’t make it,” he wrote. “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.”

https://pitchfork.com/news/duran-duran-reveal-andy-taylors-cancer-diagnosis-during-2022-rock-hall-ceremony