OASIS guitarist Paul 'Bonehead' Arthurs has announced he has been diagnosed with tonsil cancer and will be taking a break from playing with Liam Gallagher, who is playing a gig in Blackburn tonight.    

The musician, 56, who was a founding member of the iconic Britpop band, wrote on Twitter: “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.

 

 

 

“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.”

Commenting on the guitarist’s diagnosis, Liam said: “Sending big love to the one and only Bonehead and his family.

“Wishing you a speedy recovery we’re all thinking of you… you’ll be back on stage before you can say: ‘Are we doing Colombia’. LG.”

Arthurs and Gallagher met in Manchester and first started playing together in the band The Rain, which Gallagher suggested be renamed Oasis.

They did not enjoy much success until Gallagher’s brother Noel joined and they became global stars, playing sold out shows at Knebworth, a venue Gallagher is returning to this summer.

Arthurs left Oasis in 1999 but has continued to work with Gallagher over the years, including in his band Beady Eye and on his solo projects.

Last summer, the pair performed together during Gallagher’s headlining sets at Reading and Leeds festivals.

Liam Gallagher will be playing at King George’s Hall in Blackburn tonight (27 April) – the first time he has ever performed in the town.

The Britpop legend announced a new collaboration with Darwen man and his good friend, Gary Aspden – the founder and creator of the iconic Adidas ‘Spezial’ trainers.

The gig is to celebrate their partnership before he embarks on his stadium tours and prior to the release of his third solo album in May.

Tickets for the event were allocated via a ballot and those lucky enough to be selected were asked make a £20 donation per ticket, with all proceeds going to Blackburn-based homelessness charity Nightsafe.