Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs, the founding guitarist of Oasis, has revealed he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, which will cause him to miss several forthcoming shows on the band’s reunion tour as he undergoes treatment. Arthurs, who played with the band from its inception in 1991 until 1999 and rejoined last year for the highly successful Live ‘25 Tour’, shared the news in an Instagram statement. He explained that the diagnosis came earlier this year, but he has been responding well to treatment, allowing him to participate in much of the tour so far. However, he now faces a planned break to continue his care, meaning he will be absent from performances in Seoul, Tokyo, Melbourne, and Sydney. Arthurs reassured fans that he is feeling positive and intends to return in time for the South American leg of the tour in November.
This announcement comes after a challenging period for Arthurs, who had previously battled tonsil cancer. In April 2022, he disclosed his diagnosis and began treatment, which included radiotherapy and chemotherapy. By September that year, he shared the encouraging news that a full scan indicated the cancer was gone and he was moving into recovery. At that time, he expressed gratitude towards fans for their support and thanked medical staff at Manchester’s Christie NHS Foundation Trust. His former bandmate, Liam Gallagher, publicly celebrated the news, underscoring the solidarity within the band and fan community during his health struggles.
Oasis’s reunion tour has been met with widespread acclaim, with the UK leg culminating in a five-star review from The Independent following their performance at Wembley Stadium. The band’s ability to reunite and deliver powerful shows has provided a significant cultural moment, particularly as the UK navigates a challenging social and political climate. The enduring popularity of Oasis’s music and their reunion underscores their lasting impact on British music and society.
Arthurs’s openness about his health challenges and determination to continue performing highlights both his resilience and the support he has from fans and bandmates. While his upcoming absence will be felt at several international shows, the band and their audience remain hopeful about his recovery and return to the stage in the near future.
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Source: Noah Wire Services