Oasis Legend 'Bonehead' Paul Arthurs Announces Cancer Diagnosis
Oasis legend 'Bonehead' has announced that he's been diagnosed with tonsil cancer.
The musician - real name Paul Arthurs - added that he would be taking a break from performing with former Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher.
In a post on Twitter, he said: "Just to let you all know I'm going to be taking a break from playing for a while. I have been diagnosed with tonsil cancer.
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"But the good news is it's treatable and I will be starting a course of treatment soon. I will keep you posted how it is going."
The 56-year-old continued: "I am gutted I am missing the gigs with Liam and the band.
"Have the best summer and enjoy the gigs if you're going, I'll see you soon xxx"
Liam has wished his long-time bandmate a speedy recovery on Twitter.
He wrote: "Sending BIG love to the 1 n only Bonehead and his family wishing you a speedy recovery we're all thinking of you rasta you'll be back on stage bfore you can say r we doing Colombia LG x"
Bonehead was a founding member of Oasis and typically played rhythm guitar in the band, which became one of the biggest groups Britain has ever produced.
He left the band in 1999, 10 years before the exit of chief songwriter Noel Gallagher, which saw Oasis break up for good.
Noel walked away after his sibling rivalry with Liam reached breaking point, and the brothers still haven't reconciled almost 13 years on.
Noel has since achieved solo success as Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, while Liam's band Beady Eye released two albums before breaking up.
However, LG subsequently followed in his brother's footsteps and went solo, headlining festivals and releasing two albums that have topped the charts.
In recent years, Bonehead has been reunited on stage with Liam, performing as part of his band.
The pair were due to take to the stage together at Knebworth once again this summer, 26 years on from Oasis' historic gigs, which were the subject of a documentary released last year.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week
Jake Massey