Oasis guitarist Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs has announced he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The news comes as the iconic band continues its long-anticipated reunion tour, following the highly publicised reconciliation between brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher in August last year. The band is scheduled to perform in South Korea, Japan, and Australia later this month.
But in an update today, October 3, Bonehead said he would be taking a “planned break” for the rest of October due to his health. Sharing the news with fans, he wrote on X: “Early this year I was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
“The good news is I’m responding really well to treatment, which meant I could be part of this incredible tour. Now, I am having to take a planned break for the next phase of my care, so I’ll be missing the gigs in Seoul, Tokyo, Melbourne and Sydney.
“I’m really sad to be missing these shows but I’m feeling good and will be back ready to go in time for South America. Have an amazing time if you’re going this month and I’ll see you back onstage with the band in November.”
Oasis responded to the post on their own page. It read: “Wishing you all the best with your treatment Bonehead – we’ll see you back on stage in South America.”
In April 2022, Bonehead revealed his tonsil cancer diagnosis and announced he was taking a break from playing with Liam Gallagher. He received treatment at the Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Withington, Manchester, and was given the all clear in September.
Bonehead wrote on Twitter: “Update on my cancer; I had a full scan 10 days ago and it’s all clear, it’s gone. Thank you so much all of you for the messages I’ve had throughout, you’ve helped more than you know.
“Thank you especially to the team at @TheChristieNHS, into recovery now and see you all soon.”
Paul and Liam first started playing together in the band The Rain, which was later renamed Oasis. They did not enjoy much success until Liam’s brother Noel joined and they became global stars with hits including Wonderwall and Don’t Look Back in Anger.
Paul left Oasis in 1999 but has continued to work with Liam over the years, including in his band Beady Eye and on his solo projects.
When the comeback tour for 2025 was announced, there was unprecedented demand for tickets, with fans from 158 different countries applying for tickets to the UK shows when they went on sale last summer.
In August last year, the band revealed their reunion after a long-standing feud between the brothers, which led to the band’s split in 2009 following a backstage brawl at the Rock en Seine festival in France.
Comprised of Liam Gallagher, his brother Noel, Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs, Gem Archer and Andy Bell, the group have played shows at London, Manchester, Cardiff and more already this year.
Liam told fans at the latest gig: “I wanna thank you lot for keeping the faith and putting this band back on the f***ing map.”