Andy Taylor, the original guitarist for Duran Duran, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer in the fourth stage.
The artist disclosed the diagnosis in a letter that was read by his former bandmates on Saturday during their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The band’s original lineup has not performed together since 2006.
Taylor stated that he was “very upset” to miss the concert and had “purchased a new guitar” for the occasion.
Singer Simon Le Bon read the audience Taylor’s letter, which stated: “I was diagnosed with stage four metastatic prostate cancer just over four years ago.
“Many families have endured the slow burn of this sickness, and we are no exception; thus, I speak from the perspective of a family man, but with tremendous humility to the band, the most devoted followers a group could have, and this incredible honor.”
Taylor, who was born in Tynemouth, stated that he was getting “advanced life-extending treatment” but was unable to attend the ceremony in Los Angeles due to a recent “setback.”
“My current situation is not immediately life-threatening, but there is no treatment available,” he stated.
Duran Duran was one of the most popular pop groups of the 1980s, renowned for its extravagant videos and danceable, synthetic pop singles.
They launched the event with a hit-packed medley that includes Girls On Film, Hungry Like The Wolf, and Ordinary World.
Inductees also include Dolly Parton, Eminem, Lionel Richie, Eurythmics, Pat Benatar, Eminem, Carly Simon, Harry Belafonte, and Judas Priest.
Parton, whose songs include Jolene, I Will Always Love You, and 9 to 5, at first declined her nomination, stating that she did not believe country music to be acceptable, but eventually changed her mind.
She exclaimed in her winning speech, “I’m a rock star now!”
“When it was first announced that I would be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, I didn’t believe I had done enough to merit it. I did not comprehend it at the moment. But tonight is extremely meaningful for me.”
After that, the singer performed a star-studded rendition of “Jolene” with Pat Benatar, Annie Lennox of Eurythmics, Simon Le Bon, Brandi Carlile, and Rob Halford of Judas Priest.
Dr. Dre inducted Eminem, stating that nearly everyone he knew discouraged him from collaborating with a white rapper.
Dre stated, “I felt his skills were undeniable.” “I was willing to stake my entire career on the fact that we were what each other needed.”
Eminem, whose real name is Marshall Mathers, used his address to acknowledge the rappers who had impacted him, ranging from pioneers such as Tupac, Chuck D, Outkast, and Snoop Dogg to underground artists such as Lord Finesse and JJ Fad.
He did so in part to call attention to the Hall of Fame’s lack of hip-hop recognition (he is only the ninth rap act to be inducted alongside Run DMC, NWA, Jay-Z, LL Cool J, Biggie Smalls, Tupac Shakur, Public Enemy, Beastie Boys, and Grandmaster Flash).
“Those were my rock stars,” the musician stated. “And I would like to add that these are only a handful of the names that I hope will be considered for induction in the future. Because without them, many of us would not exist today. I certainly wouldn’t.”
Eminem then performed his singles My Name Is, Rap God, and Sing for the Moment, with Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, who was sampled in the original song, accompanying him on Sing for the Moment.
He then introduced Ed Sheeran for a live performance of Stan.
“I’m not supposed to be here tonight,” Eminem stated after his performance. “First, I’m a rapper; second, I almost died from an overdose; and third, I had to battle hard to get through… I dropped out of high school and received a hip-hop education.”
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, her longtime colleagues, were inducted.
The duo began in Prince’s side project The Time before becoming one of America’s most prominent production teams, penning hits such as the SOS Band’s Just Be Good To Me, Mary J Blige’s No More Drama, Usher’s U Remind Me, and nearly all of Michael Jackson’s singles, such as What Have You Done For Me Lately, Rhythm Nation, That’s The Way Love Goes, and Together Again.
Jackson stated, “I feel like we broke through the music industry together.” “They taught me so much, and I absorbed their instruction effectively.
“There was pressure when I began working on Control in their hometown of Minneapolis. We felt like we were kids in a sandbox… We conversed and laughed so much that there were instances when we forgot we were recording.”
In 2011, the British metal band Judas Priest performed with guitarist KK Downing, playing songs such as You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’, Breaking The Law, and Living After Death.
“I’m the gay member of the band,” stated the lead singer, Rob Halford.
“We refer to ourselves as the heavy metal community, which is inclusive regardless of your sexual orientation, physical appearance, or religious beliefs. Everyone is invited.”
The Edge of U2 inducted Eurythmics, Lenny Kravitz inducted Lionel Richie, and Carly Simon inducted Sara Bareilles.
Simon, whose two younger sisters have passed away during the past several weeks, declined to perform. In her place, Bareilles sang Nobody Does It Better, followed by Olivia Rodrigo’s strutting rendition of You’re So Vain.
