Guitarist leaves Duran Duran

Guitarist Andy Taylor has quit Duran Duran during the US leg of their world tour.

Taylor joined the original line up of the group when they reformed in 2001.

An official statement on Duranduran.com escribed the relationship with Taylor as unworkable and one that could not be resolved.

It said: “The past five years have been an incredible journey for us all - and having the original five back together was something that we had wanted to see happen for some time.

“As of last weekend, however, the four of us have dissolved our partnership and will be continuing as Duran Duran without Andy."

The statement also said a "gulf” had developed between the guitarist and the other members of the band. A session guitarist is said to be taking Taylor’s place.

It continued: “Although obviously disappointed and saddened about this, we are excited about the next chapter of the Duran Duran story.”

Andy Taylor originally quit the band in 1985 along with drummer Roger Taylor.