Bonehead, the rhythm guitarist from Oasis, has revealed in an Instagram post that he has prostate cancer and will miss an upcoming set of shows on the Live ‘25 tour.
Bonehead - real name Paul Arthurs - was credited by Noel Gallagher with reuniting the brothers and making the reunion a reality - he said on stage in Cardiff in July, “On guitar, if it wasn’t for him, none of this would have happened.” - and it turns out he has been living with the cancer during the entire tour thus far.
“Early this year I was diagnosed with prostate cancer,” he wrote on his page, “The good news is I’m responding really well to treatment, which meant I could be part of this incredible tour.”
He went on to add that he would be leaving the tour for some further treatment, before returning again in November:
“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.
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.”
It’s a remarkable show of resilience by one of the most loved Oasis members who was in the original line-up. Fans will be shocked by the revelation but it presents an opportunity to shed light on prostate cancer. It is the most common cancer for men in the UK, accounting for a quarter of all cases, but is also treatable if caught early enough. From what Arthurs is saying, he seems to have received an early diagnosis.
Live ‘25 has been an astonishing success for Oasis, making huge amounts of money for the band and the economy, and receiving blanket critical acclaim since it kicked off in Cardiff earlier this year.
Oasis are strongly rumoured to be returning to play the UK in 2026 with some dates at Knebworth. Confirmation is yet to come, although Liam Gallagher has been teasing the possibility. If they do take place, there is little doubt Bonehead will be with them.
