Duran Duran have returned to the studio with Andy Taylor to work on their first new music together in almost 20 years. 

The guitarist was a member of the group from 1980 to 1986 and appeared on Duran Duran’s first three albums: ‘Duran Duran’ (1981), ‘Rio’ (1982) and ‘Seven and the Ragged Tiger’ (1983).

He quit in 1986 – ahead of the release of their fourth LP ‘Notorious’ – later returning in the early noughties for ‘Astronaut’ (2004), featuring the hit single (Reach Up for The) Sunrise.

As the group were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year, the musician revealed he had been battling stage 4 prostate cancer for five years, and although he missed the ceremony due to his health he’s since returned to recording with the band.

In a statement on social media, the group said: “Duran Duran are thrilled to confirm a special new music project is in the works, set for release later this year on BMG.

“The new recordings will feature extended Duran Duran family and friends, old and new, including our former band mate Andy Taylor, who will join us on guitar on a few tracks.

“Simon, Nick, John and Roger look forward to seeing you all out on the road this year!”

Official word from the group comes after bassist John Taylor let slip news of the recording, revealing during the Unforgettable Evening in LA event last week: “When he dropped the bomb two days before the Hall of Fame, it was really shocking and terribly sad. We’re working on an album right now that is going to be coming out at the end of the year and he’s playing guitar.

“Had he come to LA and just gone on the TV show, we probably wouldn’t have even thought about it. That [the album] happened as a result of this.”

Of the project, he added: “There’s a lot of cover songs on the album, songs meaningful to us when we were kids. So having him be a part of that project is great.

“LeBon is flying to Ibiza to work with Andy. I kind of wish I was there. I think it’ll be great,” added John. “It’ll be really profound for them. They haven’t been in the studio together in maybe 10 to 20 years.”