Guitarist Andy Taylor will “definitely” rejoin Duran Duran when the group is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Simon Le Bon has confirmed.
The group leads the Class of 2022 and will be inducted into the institution during a ceremony in November, after coming out on top of the fan vote.
Speaking following the announcement of the group’s latest accolade, frontman Simon confirmed the current band – also starring Nick Rhodes, John Taylor and Roger Taylor – had reached out to Andy and fellow guitarist Warren Cuccurullo, both of whom will be inducted, about joining forces for the ceremony.
Just released: @duranduran's reaction to being inducted to the Rock Hall. Watch all the #RockHall2022 Inductee reactions at https://t.co/QjAjvDpEaw pic.twitter.com/7qScVd9CA8
— Rock Hall (@rockhall) May 5, 2022
“I’ve been in contact with both Andy and Warren,” he told Rolling Stone. “They are both extremely excited and very, very grateful and honoured in the same way that Nick, Roger, John, and I are as well.
“We’re talking about how we’re going to present ourselves on the night.”
On the subject of the group’s performance, he added: “I’ve already had a definite yes from Andy. He’s definitely up for it. I’m pretty sure Warren will want to do it.
“We’ve always maintained a decent relationship with these guys. We didn’t have so-called ‘acrimonious splits’. It was gentlemanly and it was understood. And pretty much mutual.”
And while he admitted it’ll be a challenge to select just three songs from their 40-year career to perform, Simon’s confident everyone will be happy with their set.
“We’re not struggling for good songs, that’s for sure,” he smiled.
The institution announced this year’s inductees earlier this month, with Eurythmics, Dolly Parton, Eminem, Lionel Richie, Pat Benatar, and Carly Simon joining the class of 2022 in the Performers category.
“This diverse group of inductees each had a profound impact on the sound of youth culture and helped change the course of rock & roll,” said John Sykes, Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
“Their music moved generations and influenced so many artists that followed.”
The induction ceremony takes place November 5, 2022 at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. It will air at a later date on HBO and stream on HBO Max.