‘I am heartbroken’ - Duran Duran fans react to Andy Taylor cancer announcement

Duran Duran fanshave reacted after the band revealed on November 5 (Saturday) that Andy Taylor is fighting stage 4 cancer. The announcement was made at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles.

Andy was going to travel from his home in Ibiza to reunite with bandmates - singer Simon Le Bon, bassist John Taylor, keyboardist Nick Rhodes and drummer Roger Taylor. Instead, he sent a message to them and his fans revealing that he cannot attend due to illness and that there is “no cure” to his condition.

“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,” he said.

The guitarist thanked his bandmates, his family, the producers, and others as well in this message showing that he acknowledges the people responsible for his success. Soon after, fans reacted to the heartbreaking news and send in their love and prayers to the pop star.

“I’m deeply saddened to learn of Andy’s diagnosis, but touched by his words and generous spirit,” said the Australian band Space March. “Andy’s guitar played such a pivotal part in Duran Duran’s 80s sound - it was the counterpoint to Nick’s synths.

“As Andy said, it was a sound like no other! Lately, I’ve been listening closely to Andy’s guitar on The Power Station and Robert Palmer records and revelling in the magic. I really hope modern medicine keeps him around for sometime to come.”

“Heartbreakingly sad news from Andy. It was going to be so great to see him tonight reunited with the rest of the band. He had played such a huge part in some of DDs biggest hits which are unforgettable. Feel very sad for Andy. Sending love,” said one fan on Duran Duran’s Facebook page.

Grammy-winning guitarist Steve Stevens shared a snap of Andy and him on Instagram. He wrote: “Andy Taylor was the very first musician to sing my praises in the press. We had great times together in NYC around 86’. Happy for Duran Duran to be inducted into the R&RHOF but hearing of Andy’s cancer battle absolutely sucks. Sending out positive thoughts buddy.”

A fan wrote on Twitter: “I am heartbroken. All my love to Andy and his family.” His family has not made a public statement but Andy recently shared photos of his daughters and son - giving a peek into this family life.

Another fan said: “Wow! Much love to you @AndyTaylorLives & your family. We are so sorry to hear this and you definitely need to be taking care of you first & foremost before anything else. Congratulations on your induction & you will be in our thoughts & prayers.”

Andy Taylor’s diagnosis

The 61-year-old musician is battling Stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer, which is not an uncommon type of cancer. However, his diagnosis is life-threatening.

Charity Prostate Cancer UK’s data revealed that one in eight men will get this prostate cancer. Those above 50, or those who are black, or if their dad or brother had it, they are at an even higher risk. It’s not always llife-threatening “but when it is, the earlier you catch it the more likely it is to be cured.”

Traveling with prostate cancer requires extra preparation. For starters, you would have to speak to your medical team. It also depends on how tired and unwell you feel, the charity said. Treatments like chemotherapy can also increase your risk of infection or make you more sensitive to the sun.