Duran Duran’s Nick Rhodes has shared a rare update on guitarist Andy Taylor’s ongoing battle with prostate cancer. The update came in an interview published by USA Today, as the band recently wrapped up a series of shows across the United States.
Rhodes offered a cautiously optimistic outlook on Taylor’s condition, noting that new treatments appear to be making a difference.
“From the last reports, (Andy’s) holding in there with new treatments,” Rhodes said. “So far, so good. Fingers crossed. It’s not gone away, but it’s being managed.”
Taylor’s illness has been a long and difficult road. The band has been open about it in recent years, even as they have continued to tour and record without him.
A report by Rova revealed that Taylor was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer more than four years ago. He has been receiving life-extending treatment, though the disease is not considered curable. The diagnosis was first made public in a heartfelt letter Taylor wrote, which was shared by the band at their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in 2022.
In the letter, Taylor explained that while his condition was not immediately life-threatening at the time, both the physical and mental toll of the illness had become increasingly difficult to manage. He also noted that he had suffered a setback after a period of doing well on treatment, underscoring the unpredictable nature of his condition.
Rhodes’ latest comments suggest that Taylor’s situation has since stabilized to some degree. New treatments appear to be helping keep the disease in check. While Taylor has remained largely absent from the band’s live activities, Duran Duran has continued to perform and release music, keeping his legacy as a founding member firmly in the spotlight.
The update offers a measure of relief for fans who have followed Taylor’s health journey closely. As the band moves forward with their touring schedule, the hope remains that the treatments will continue to hold.
