
When 60-year-old Paul 'Bonehead' Arthurs announced he'd be missing Oasis's upcoming Australian stadium shows, the response from fans around the world was immediate and heartfelt.
The founding guitarist's decision to prioritise his prostate cancer treatment over the band's most anticipated tour dates in decades has struck a chord with music lovers who understand that some things matter more than the stage.
'Early this year I was diagnosed with prostate cancer,' he shared in his Instagram post.
'The good news is I'm responding really well to treatment, which meant I could be part of this incredible tour.' But now, as he enters the next phase of his care, Arthurs is stepping back from the shows that millions of Australians have been waiting 19 years to see.
The Quiet Hero of Rock's Biggest Reunion
To understand why Arthurs' absence hits so hard, you need to know his place in Oasis history. He was there at the beginning in 1991, an original founding member who helped create the sound that would define Britpop before departing in 1999.
When the Gallagher brothers finally buried the hatchet after their spectacular 16-year feud, bringing Bonehead back wasn't just nostalgia—it was essential.
Fans have been calling him the 'invisible link' that keeps the Gallagher brothers' music alive, and his return to the stage has been credited with adding real power and authenticity to the reunion shows.
Critics have commended his role in the current reunion line-up for adding real heft and power to the sound.
'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.'
A Fighter Who's Been Here Before
What makes Arthurs' approach to this health challenge particularly inspiring is his track record. In 2022, he was diagnosed with tonsil cancer while touring with Liam Gallagher, took the necessary time off for treatment, and was declared cancer-free by September of that year.
His experience with cancer treatment clearly informed his decision-making this time around. Rather than pushing through or hiding his diagnosis, he's been transparent with fans and proactive about his care—an approach that resonates particularly well with his generation of supporters.
The Tour Australia Has Been Waiting For
The timing makes Arthurs' decision all the more significant. The Australian shows mark the band's first visit to the country in 19 years, having last played in 2005. When tickets went on sale, the response was unprecedented.
Originally planned as two stadium shows, the tour expanded to five shows across Melbourne and Sydney after all four stadium shows sold out within 90 minutes of going on sale. We're talking about Marvel Stadium in Melbourne and Accor Stadium in Sydney—venues that hold tens of thousands of fans each.
Australian Oasis Tour Dates Affected by Bonehead's Absence
Friday, October 31—Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
Saturday, November 1—Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
Tuesday, November 4—Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
Friday, November 7—Accor Stadium, Sydney
Saturday, November 8—Accor Stadium, Sydney
When Health Comes First
Arthurs will be missing the shows in Seoul, Tokyo, Melbourne and Sydney, but plans to return for the South American leg, which kicks off in Buenos Aires on 15 November.
He's due to return to the stage with the band in Buenos Aires on November 15, as Oasis bring the tour to a close with five concerts in South America.
The band's response has been nothing but supportive. Oasis shared his announcement on their social media, adding: 'Wishing you all the best with your treatment, Bonehead—we'll see you back on stage in South America.'
What This Means for Australian Fans
While disappointed fans won't get to see the complete original lineup, the shows will go ahead as planned. Guitarist Gem Archer and bass player Andy Bell are also part of the current tour, and the Gallagher brothers will still deliver the hits that made Oasis legends.
Fans can expect to hear hits from the band's extensive catalogue, including tracks like 'Wonderwall,' 'Champagne Supernova,' and 'Don't Look Back in Anger,' which saw Oasis emerge as one of the most influential rock bands of the '90s.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian men, with risk increasing significantly after age 50. Regular screening through PSA blood tests and digital examinations can catch the disease early when treatment is most effective. If you're over 60, chat with your GP about appropriate screening schedules. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised medical advice.
The Power of Putting Health First
Fans are making it clear: his health comes first, and the love for 'Bonehead' is stronger than ever. Social media has been flooded with messages of support, with comments ranging from 'All the best buddy!' to 'Be well and be back, you're very important to us.'
At 60, Arthurs is showing younger musicians and fans alike how to handle a health crisis with grace and practicality. He's not disappearing—he's getting the treatment he needs so he can return stronger.
There's something powerful about watching someone prioritise their wellbeing over even the most tempting professional opportunities. For many in our community who've faced similar health challenges, Arthurs' approach serves as both inspiration and validation.
What This Means For You
The Australian fans who've waited nearly two decades for this reunion will still get their moment, and when Bonehead returns to the stage in South America, it'll be a reminder that sometimes stepping back is the bravest thing you can do.
Have you or someone close to you had to make similar decisions about health versus other commitments? We'd love to hear your thoughts on how Bonehead's handling this challenge in the comments below.
Original Article
https://www.news.com.au/entertainme...3a44a93fd40cf9ee69a782bb0efe24?from=rss-basic
Oasis Guitarist Paul Arthurs Taking Break From Reunion Tour Amid Prostate Cancer Treatment
Cited text: “Early this year I was diagnosed with prostate cancer,” he shared in his post. “The good news is I’m responding really well to treatment, which meant ...
Excerpt: 'Early this year I was diagnosed with prostate cancer,' he shared in his Instagram post.
https://deadline.com/2025/10/oasis-guitarist-paul-arthurs-break-tour-cancer-treatment-1236570203/
Oasis guitarist Paul 'Bonehead' Arthurs will miss tour dates amid prostate cancer diagnosis
Cited text: Arthurs is an original member of the British rock band, joining them in 1991 before exiting in 1999.
Excerpt: He was there at the beginning in 1991, an original founding member who helped create the sound that would define Britpop before departing in 1999.
https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/n...ncer/507-7e0ae871-d1bb-40cd-99af-add0f17f5e93
Bonehead to take 'planned break' from Oasis reunion tour as he shares cancer diagnosis
Cited text: Credit: Big Brother Recordings · Arthurs, the original and founding guitarist for Oasis before his exit in 1999, and later regularly playing with Liam...
Excerpt: He was there at the beginning in 1991, an original founding member who helped create the sound that would define Britpop before departing in 1999.
https://www.nme.com/news/music/bone...on-tour-as-he-shares-cancer-diagnosis-3897094
Oasis Legend Paul 'Bonehead' Arthurs Announces Cancer Treatment Break From Tour—Parade
Cited text: Oasis’ official account also posted words of encouragement, writing, “Wishing you all the best with your treatment, Bonehead — we’ll see you back on s...
Excerpt: Fans have been calling him the 'invisible link' that keeps the Gallagher brothers' music alive
https://parade.com/news/oasis-paul-bonehead-arthurs-cancer-fan-reactions
Oasis Guitarist Paul 'Bonehead' Arthurs Announces 'Break' From Tour Amid Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
Cited text: Arthurs has battled cancer before, having previously been diagnosed with tonsil cancer — a diagnosis he shared in 2022 while on tour with Liam Gallagh...
Excerpt: In 2022, he was diagnosed with tonsil cancer while touring with Liam Gallagher, took the necessary time off for treatment, and was declared cancer-free by September of that year.
https://www.thewrap.com/oasis-guitarist-paul-bonehead-arthurs-prostate-cancer-diagnosis/
Oasis Guitarist Paul 'Bonehead' Arthurs Announces 'Break' From Tour Amid Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
Cited text: Though, Arthurs shared he went into remission in September of that same year.
Excerpt: In 2022, he was diagnosed with tonsil cancer while touring with Liam Gallagher, took the necessary time off for treatment, and was declared cancer-free by September of that year.
https://www.thewrap.com/oasis-guitarist-paul-bonehead-arthurs-prostate-cancer-diagnosis/
Oasis Australian Reunion Tour 2025 Tickets | Ticket Merchant | Oasis Live '25
Cited text: The band will play stadiums in Sydney and Melbourne in October/November 2025, marking their first Australian shows in 19 years.
Excerpt: The Australian shows mark the band's first visit to the country in 19 years, having last played in 2005.
https://www.theticketmerchant.com.au/concert-tickets/oasis-australian-tour-tickets
Oasis 2025 Australian Tour Dates Revealed — The Note—Your Guide to Music, Culture and Gigs in Adelaide
Cited text: Oasis’ tour of Australia will be their first of the country in 20 years, having last played back in 2005.
Excerpt: The Australian shows mark the band's first visit to the country in 19 years, having last played in 2005.
https://www.thenote.com.au/news/oasis-australian-tour-dates
Oasis Australia tour 2025: How to get tickets to the final show—RUSSH
Cited text: Oasis will now play a third show Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium on Tuesday, November 4th, after all four stadium shows sold out within 90 mintues of going...
Excerpt: Originally planned as two stadium shows, the tour expanded to five shows across Melbourne and Sydney after all four stadium shows sold out within 90 minutes of going on sale.
https://www.russh.com/oasis-2025-australia-tour-dates-tickets/
Oasis Guitarist Paul Arthurs Taking Break From Reunion Tour Amid Prostate Cancer Treatment
Cited text: 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.” ... Arthur...
Excerpt: Arthurs will be missing the shows in Seoul, Tokyo, Melbourne and Sydney, but plans to return for the South American leg
https://deadline.com/2025/10/oasis-guitarist-paul-arthurs-break-tour-cancer-treatment-1236570203/
Oasis guitarist Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs reveals prostate cancer diagnosis—NZ Herald
Cited text: The rocker is due to return to the stage with the Wonderwall band in Buenos Aires on November 15, as Oasis bring the tour to a close with five concert...
Excerpt: He's due to return to the stage with the band in Buenos Aires on November 15, as Oasis bring the tour to a close with five concerts in South America.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertai...-cancer-diagnosis/52FQUCHNPREHXBEKLAEQTMSN3E/
Bonehead to take 'planned break' from Oasis reunion tour as he shares cancer diagnosis
Cited text: Oasis then shared the news along with their support, adding: “Wishing you all the best with your treatment, Bonehead—we’ll see back on stage in Sout...
Excerpt: Oasis shared his announcement on their social media, adding: 'Wishing you all the best with your treatment, Bonehead—we'll see you back on stage in South America.'
https://www.nme.com/news/music/bone...on-tour-as-he-shares-cancer-diagnosis-3897094
Oasis guitarist Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs reveals prostate cancer diagnosis—NZ Herald
Cited text: The Britpop legends shared Bonehead’s statement on X and added: “Wishing you all the best with your treatment Bonehead—we’ll see you back on stage i...
Excerpt: Oasis shared his announcement on their social media, adding: 'Wishing you all the best with your treatment, Bonehead—we'll see you back on stage in South America.'
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertai...-cancer-diagnosis/52FQUCHNPREHXBEKLAEQTMSN3E/
Oasis' Paul 'Bonehead' Arthurs Reveals Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
Cited text: Guitarist Gem Archer and bass player Andy Bell are also part of the current tour.
Excerpt: Guitarist Gem Archer and bass player Andy Bell are also part of the current tour
https://www.today.com/health/men-s-health/bonehead-oasis-prostate-cancer-rcna235302
Oasis Extend Reunion Tour to Australia for 2025
Cited text: As part of the reunion tour, fans can expect to hear hits from the band’s extensive catalog, including tracks like “Wonderwall,” “Champagne Supernova,...
Excerpt: Fans can expect to hear hits from the band's extensive catalogue, including tracks like 'Wonderwall,' 'Champagne Supernova,' and 'Don't Look Back in Anger,' which saw Oasis emerge as one of the most influential rock bands of the '90s.
https://www.billboard.com/music/concerts/oasis-announce-australian-tour-dates-1235795439/
Oasis Legend Paul 'Bonehead' Arthurs Announces Cancer Treatment Break From Tour—Parade
Cited text: Until then, the Britpop legend’s fans are making it clear: his health comes first, and the love for “Bonehead” is stronger than ever.
Excerpt: Fans are making it clear: his health comes first, and the love for 'Bonehead' is stronger than ever.
https://parade.com/news/oasis-paul-bonehead-arthurs-cancer-fan-reactions