Former Duran Duran guitarist Andy Taylor has cancer

Duran Duran will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday along with Eminem, Lionel Richie and Dolly Parton, among others. Taylor was missing from the party in Los Angeles. It had something to do with his illness, as he explained in a letter read on stage by singer Simon Le Bon.

The 61-year-old musician was diagnosed with advanced cancer four years ago, he writes. Although Andy feels “okay” and his current situation is not life-threatening, it is difficult for him to come to the ceremony. “Despite the excellent efforts of my team, I have to be honest: I will push my limits, both physically and mentally.”

Simon had to swallow his tears when reading the letter Los Angeles Times. “It’s awful knowing that someone in our family won’t be around for long. It’s just so awful. We love Andy so much. I’m not going to stand here crying because I think it would be inappropriate. But I feel it.”

Duran Duran was formed in 1978. A year later, Andy joined the band. The guitarist has had big hits with the band Girls On Film, Rio, and Hungry Like The Wolf. He left the group in 1986, but returned in 2001 for a few years.