Duran Duran confirm split with Andy Taylor

Duran Duran have split with Andy Taylor after an "unworkable gulf" grew between the guitarist and his now former bandmates.

In an official statement on the band's website, the "disappointed and saddened" remaining members Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor and Roger Taylor said: "As of last weekend... the four of us have dissolved our partnership and will be continuing as Duran Duran without Andy, as we have reached a point in our relationship with him where there is an unworkable gulf between us and we can no longer effectively function together."

In recent weeks there has been speculation that Andy Taylor was unhappy with the decision to collaborate with Justin Timberlake and producer Timbaland on their forthcoming album.

The statement continued: "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. Although obviously disappointed and saddened about this, we are excited about the next chapter of the Duran Duran story."

The reunion of the original five members in 2001 saw the band enjoy a critical and commercial renaissance. Their 2004 UK tour included five sold out nights at Wembley, with new album Astronaut hitting the top three and spawning hit singles '(Reach up for the) Sunrise' and 'What Happens Tomorrow'.

Andy Taylor first left the pop group in 1986 to pursue a solo career as a rock artist. He was replaced by American guitarist Warren Cuccurullo until 2001. No permanent replacement has been named following the latest departure, but British musician Dom Brown is performing Taylor's duties on the band's current tour.