Duran Duran guitarist Andy Taylor, married for 41 years, shows rock stars can be family-men too

Duran Duran guitarist Andy Taylor had to propose to his wife twice because she refused the first time
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The rockstar life isn’t always thought to be compatible with a stable married life - but there are some musicians who have proved that it won’t stop them from having a long-lasting marriage. One of the rockstars with an enduring marriage is Andy Taylor - Duran Duran’s former guitarist. Even after more than four decades of stardom, he considers himself a family man.

He has been married to his wife, Tracey Wilson, since July, 1982. The couple met in 1981 when Tracey (née Jane) worked as a hairstylist for the band, which originated in Birmingham.

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A Duran Duran archive shows that Tracey’s family was in the beauty shop business and she followed the same path in her career. She met Andy during his early years with the band and they started dating. Not much is known about their dating life after they initially met, but the couple settled down soon.

While many would have jumped at the idea of marrying a rockstar, Andy had to ask Tracey twice. The first time he asked, she didn’t take him seriously and exclaimed: “Don’t be silly!” However, the second time he proposed, she said yes. And they have been married since their wedding 40 years ago.

At the wedding, Andy’s Duran Duran bandmate John Taylor was the best man and the rest of the band was present too. In fact, Roger, John, and the managers presented the happy couple the wedding party as a gift.

Even after all these years, he’s a devoted husband. He shared an image of his wife on Instagram in 2020 and wrote: “A beautiful day & belated birthday break with @traceyjtaylor who is looking as stunning as ever in the Formentera sunset.x”

Andy Taylor of Duran Duran (Photo by Jo Hale/Getty Images)Andy Taylor of Duran Duran (Photo by Jo Hale/Getty Images)
Andy Taylor of Duran Duran (Photo by Jo Hale/Getty Images)

Andy’s family

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Andy and Tracey welcomed their first child two years later, and went on to have three more children. Two of the couple’s children, his eldest - Andrew- and his third child -Bethany - followed their father’s path and are musicians. His youngest - Isabella - is an artist like her mom, who is now a photographer. And his eldest daughter - Georgina - is a doting mother to son, Albie - who got a special mention from his grandfather recently.

Andy Taylor reveals incurable cancer diagnosis

Andy, 61, recently revealed that he was fighting stage 4 prostate cancer and thus, missed the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony in Los Angeles on Saturday (November 5 ). The musician was forced to be absent from an event where his band and he were being conferred honours for their amazing music.

He is receiving treatment and his message, which was read out at the event, showed how close he is with his family. His band revealed his message at the ceremony.

He said: “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.”

Andy Taylor of the British pop group Duran Duran posing in a dry docked fisherman's boat, probably on location for a video shoot for the album, 'Rio,' c. 1983. (Photo by Express Newspapers/Getty Images) Andy Taylor of the British pop group Duran Duran posing in a dry docked fisherman's boat, probably on location for a video shoot for the album, 'Rio,' c. 1983. (Photo by Express Newspapers/Getty Images)
Andy Taylor of the British pop group Duran Duran posing in a dry docked fisherman's boat, probably on location for a video shoot for the album, 'Rio,' c. 1983. (Photo by Express Newspapers/Getty Images)
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In his message, he thanked his bandmates and his wife and children too. “I would like to thank each of my brothers in this great band. My family: my incredibly sane wife of 40 years - Tracey - my amazing children, Andy, Georgie, Bethy and Izzy, not forgetting my grandson Albie, who’s probably online listening or on Fortnite!!!” he said.

He further said: “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.”

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