Former Oasis guitarist Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs revealed that he is suffering from tonsil cancer. He shared the news via Twitter on April 26, informing fans that he would be taking a break after the diagnosis.
“Just to let you all know I’m going to be taking a break from playing for a while,” he wrote. “I’ve been diagnosed with tonsil cancer, but the good news is it’s treatable and I’ll be starting a course of treatment soon. I’ll keep you posted on how it’s going, I’m gutted I’m 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 Gallagher has often seen Bonehead as part of his live shows. The former Oasis frontman joined him at the London Stadium during his support slot for The Rolling Stones in 2018.
Bonehead also joined Gallagher on his Down By The River Thames live stream show that took place in 2020. Gallagher and his band performed the special set on a barge traveling down the Thames.
In 1999, Bonehead left Oasis while the band’s fourth album, “Standing On The Shoulder Of Giants”, was still recording. Since then, he has ventured into solo territory and also worked with bands like Loso and Beady Eye.
In response to the saddening news, Gallagher tweeted support for Bonehead by writing, ”
“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”
Names in the industry like Tim Burgess, Andy Bell, Rowetta, and former Oasis drummer Tony McCarroll as well as Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham sent well wishes to the guitarist.
