Duran Duran guitarist Andy Taylor has quit the band during the US leg of their world tour. The group, fronted by Simon Le Bon, was one of the biggest acts of the 1980s, reforming five years ago. A spokesman for Duran Duran said the tour will continue, with session guitarist Dom Brown in Taylor's place.
Brown has worked with stars including Sir Elton John, Liam Gallagher and the Sugababes. A statement from the remaining members, Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes and John and Roger Taylor, said a "gulf" had developed between them which meant they could no longer work effectively together. It continued: "Although obviously disappointed and saddened about this, we are excited about the next chapter of the Duran Duran story.
" Gerard Franklin, the group's spokesman, said the band would continue recording after the tour ends on 11 November. A new album is expected to be released early next year. The band formed in Birmingham in 1978 and found success with hits such as Rio and Wild Boys, selling tens of millions of records worldwide.
After side projects with groups Arcadia and Power Station in the mid-80s, the band members reformed for the Bond theme View to a Kill in 1985, but Andy Taylor and drummer Roger Taylor quit a year later. John Taylor departed in 1997 but the band reformed in 2001 with all five original members.
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