EXCLUSIVE: Oasis brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher have broken their silence following Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs’ prostate cancer diagnosis this evening
Liam and Noel Gallagher has broken their silence after their Oasis bandmate Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs announced he is receiving treatment for prostate cancer and will step away from several upcoming tour dates.
Addressing Bonehead’s diagnosis in a statement, the Gallagher brothers said: “Wishing you all the best with your treatment Bonehead – we’ll see you back on stage in South America.”
A source close to Oasis also told the Mirror: “The band have known about the diagnosis from the outset and were fully behind Bonehead. Of course they wanted him to play the tour, but also Liam and Noel were clear his health comes first.
“It is great he has played most of the shows and should only miss a few dates. Nothing is 100% confirmed but it is likely someone will be filling in for Bonehead on rhythm guitar for the dates he can’t play.”
READ MORE: Oasis star Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs diagnosed with prostate cancer as he takes tour breakREAD MORE: Noel Gallagher’s scathing views on Taylor Swift as she releases Life of a Showgirl
The 60-year-old musician confirmed his health news in a message to fans on X on Friday evening. The much-loved star told his millions of loyal fans: “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,” he wrote.
Arthurs continued: “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.”
A source close to the group told the Mirror: “The band have known about the diagnosis from the outset and were fully behind Bonehead. Of course they wanted him to play the tour, but also Liam and Noel were clear his health comes first.
“It is great he has played most of the shows and should only miss a few dates. Nothing is 100% confirmed but it is likely someone will be filling in for Bonehead on rhythm guitar for the dates he can’t play,” they added.
Arthurs has been central to the reunion of Liam and Noel, which has led to the band’s sell-out world tour. He is widely credited with helping convince the brothers to reconcile.
During the second night of their comeback shows in Cardiff, Noel introduced him on stage by saying: “On drums, our 13th official drummer Joey Waronker. On guitar, if it wasn’t for him none of this would have f**king happened in the first place, Mr Bonehead.”
The current tour marks Oasis’s first live performances in almost 16 years. Their opening nights in Cardiff drew huge crowds and ended speculation about who had been responsible for repairing the Gallagher brothers’ relationship.
Arthurs previously faced health challenges in 2022 when he was diagnosed with tonsil cancer. He later confirmed that treatment had been successful. “I had a full scan 10 days ago and it’s all clear, it’s gone… Into recovery now and see you all soon,” he posted at the time.
The guitarist remains a popular figure with fans. Earlier this year he drew laughs on social media after one supporter complained about the setlist being unchanged. Bonehead replied with a single word: “And????”
The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. If you need to talk, call us on 0808 808 0000.
Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads.
READ MORE: Maura Higgins says affordable £10 root spray ‘saves her life’ and covers grey hairs