Roger Taylor, the drummer for Duran Duran, has announced his retirement from the band, according to Stereogum's report. The announcement was also covered by several music outlets, including Rolling Stone and Billboard. The move ends the tenure of a musician who has kept time for the band for decades.
Rolling Stone's report said Taylor is retiring because of worsening tinnitus. In a statement the outlet quoted, Taylor said, "Playing drums in this band has been the joy of my life," and added that he had reached the point where he must now listen to his body and his doctors. The statement was attributed to the drummer himself.
Billboard's report said Taylor is stepping down after a tinnitus diagnosis. It described him as a member of the new wave group since 1980. Its headline said he is moving on with pride, and his bandmates honored him in the coverage, saying his drumming helped "define" their sound.
The accounts differ in emphasis. Rolling Stone described his tinnitus as worsening, while Billboard described a diagnosis that led to his decision to step down. Neither report, as summarized in the available coverage, says when his departure takes effect or whether the band has named a successor.
Sources: Stereogum: Duran Duran’s Roger Taylor Announces Retirement; Rolling Stone: Duran Duran Drummer Roger Taylor Retiring Due to ‘Worsening’ Tinnitus; Billboard: Duran Duran Drummer Roger Taylor Stepping Down From Band Due to Tinnitus Diagnosis: ‘I Move On With Enormous Pride’.