Oasis guitarist Bonehead diagnosed with cancer

Former Oasis and Beady Eye guitarist Paul Arthurs has been diagnosed with tonsil cancer at the age of fifty-six.

The musician, known as Bonehead in the band, announced the tragic news on Tuesday in a statement posted to Twitter, where he explained why he has pulled out of upcoming gigs.

He wrote: “Just to let you all know I’m going to be taking a break from playing for a while.

“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.”

The statement continued: “I’ll keep you posted 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.”

Longtime bandmate and friend Liam Gallagher shared his condolences on Twitter, 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 [sic] you can say r we doing Colombia LG x.”

Former Oasis star Andy Bell also sent his well wishes, writing simply: “Get well soon Bone.”

Other founding member Tony McCarroll wrote: “Big love Bone!!”

Arthurs is one of the founding member of Mancunian rock band Oasis, alongside brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher, Paul McGuigan and Tony McCarroll. 

However, he quit the band in 1999 as they were recording their fourth album ‘Standing On The Shoulders of Giants’, in order to spend time with his children.

In an interview with the Shropshire Star in 2016, Arthurs reflected on his relationship with Liam and the rest of the band, noting how he was often seen as the ‘psychiatrist’.

He said: “And I’m closer to Liam now than I’ve ever been in my life. I always used to say I was the rhythm guitarist and tour psychiatrist.

“If there was a little fallout when we were hurling down the motorway, I’d be the one pulling Noel and Liam apart and telling them to get over it and sit down. I always did jump in.”