Andy Taylor.Photo:Andy Taylor/Instagram
Andy Taylor/Instagram
Duran Duran’s Andy Taylor is speaking out about his cancer diagnosis.
The guitarist, 62, wasdiagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancerin 2018 but is now showing no symptoms of the disease, after undergoing treatment that administered radioactive chemicals to target his cancer cells, he toldThe Timeson Friday.
“I was classified as palliative, end-of-life care,” Taylor revealed to the outlet.“Now I’m not; I’m asymptomatic.”
Speaking about Welsh scientist Christopher Evans, who created the cutting-edge treatment, Taylor added, “He’s a genius. I call him theElon Muskof cancer.”
Yet it hasn’t been an easy process. According toThe Times, Taylor becomes “radioactive for several days” after his treatments and must sleep alone for two weeks. He also has five more rounds of treatment left, having had his first session two weeks ago.
The musician has also suffered multiple psychological ups and downs during his cancer journey and toldThe Timeshis lowest point came six weeks after his diagnosis when he fully understood the ramifications of his illness.
Andy Taylor in November 2019.zz/KGC-138/STAR MAX/IPx/AP Photos
zz/KGC-138/STAR MAX/IPx/AP Photos
After keeping his diagnosis private outside of his family,Taylor’s illness was revealedat Duran Duran’sRock and Roll Hall of Fameinduction in 2022 when bandmate Simon Le Bon read outa letter the guitarist had pennedto the audience in Los Angeles.
“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,” Taylor wrote in his speech, in part.
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“I’m so very proud of these four brothers; I’m amazed at their durability, and I’m overjoyed at accepting this award,” he added. “I often doubted the day would come. I’m sure as hell glad I’m around to see the day.”
Taylor, who is set to release his solo album,Man’s a Wolfon Sept. 8, also revealed toThe Timesthat Le Bon visited him at his home in Ibiza, Spain days after the Induction, where the pair recorded music together in Taylor’s home studio.
Le Bon also recently played his new song “This Will Be Ours” on his Sirius digital radio show.
Andy Taylor.Andy Taylor/Instagram
In February, Taylor opened up to PEOPLE abouthis marriage with his wife Tracey Wilsonand how it has been crucial to coping with his cancer.
“I’m glad I’ve got a strong marriage,” he said. “The real support you get is from your family. They’re the people who have to live with [the diagnosis] daily.”
“If [they] understand it, and understand not to ask that question, try to stay optimistic in general and not to hide life from you, but just to have a birthday pie,” he continued. “Don’t talk politics. Just be happy that you’re all here still.”
source: people.com
