Former Oasis guitarist Paul Arthurs has withdrawn from forthcoming gigs after being diagnosed with tonsil cancer. The artist, better known by his stage name Bonehead, announced on Twitter that he would be “taking a break for a bit.” As a result, he will not be playing at any of the summer performances with Liam Gallagher.
Arthurs was a co-founder of Oasis and contributed to several of the band’s most well-known albums, including their debut, Definitely Maybe. He was in the band and played rhythm guitar and keyboards, as well as appearing on the songs What’s The Story (Morning Glory) and Be Here Now.
Arthurs quit Oasis in 1999 but had been collaborating with Gallagher on other projects in recent years. In the mid-2010s, he was a member of Noel Gallagher’s band Beady Eye, filling in for guitarist Gem Archer when he suffered a head injury. Arthurs has also been on Liam Gallagher’s solo albums and on subsequent tours with him.
He told his fans that he was going to start counselling soon. Tonsil cancer can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. “Just to let you all know, I’m going to be taking a sabbatical for a bit,” he said in a statement posted to his social media account.
“I’ve been diagnosed with tonsil cancer, but the good news is that it’s curable, and I’ll start treatment as soon as possible.” I’ll keep you up to date on the situation.
“I’m very disappointed that I won’t be seeing Liam and the band this summer.” Have a wonderful summer, and if you’re attending any shows, have fun! I’ll contact you as soon as possible xxx”
“My heartfelt condolences to Bonehead and his family, and best wishes for a rapid recovery.” “We’re all thinking about you,” Gallagher tweeted to Arthurs.
“Get better soon, Bone,” commented Andy Bell, a former member of Oasis.
