Culture
27 Apr 22

Former Oasis guitarist Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs announces cancer diagnosis

Liam Gallagher and Bonehead in the 2020 BBC Cymru Wales documentary, "Rockfield: The Studio on the Farm"

The former Oasis star is 56 years old. Upcoming gigs are to be postponed until further notice.

Yesterday, former Oasis guitarist and co-founder Paul Arthurs announced his cancer diagnosis via social media.

In last night's Twitter post, he wrote, “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. 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.”

As a result of the diagnosis, he will not be appearing with fellow Oasis co-founder Liam Gallagher at their scheduled gigs this summer.

Paul Arthurs – known as 'Bonehead' – co-founded Oasis and played on several of the band's biggest albums. He recorded three albums with the group including the iconic Definitely Maybe and (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?.

He left the band in 1999 during the recording of fourth album Standing on the Shoulder of Giants stating he wanted to spend more time with his family.

Although no longer an official member, Bonehead has continued to work with Gallagher on projects over the years including his band Beady Eye, solo pieces, and tours. Last summer, the pair performed together during Gallagher’s headlining sets at Reading and Leeds festivals.

The frontman tweeted his support for Arthurs: "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"