Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs, a founding member and guitarist of the legendary British rock band Oasis, has announced a temporary departure from the group’s much-celebrated reunion tour following a prostate cancer diagnosis. The news, which broke via Arthurs’ Instagram post on October 3, 2025, sent ripples through the music world and among fans who have been eagerly following the band’s historic comeback.
“Early this year I was diagnosed with prostate cancer,” Arthurs shared candidly in his statement. “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.” The guitarist’s message, laced with both optimism and regret, 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. Bonehead. X” (Instagram, as reported by Deadline and The Independent).
This pause will see Arthurs absent from the band’s performances in Asia and Australia, specifically the concerts scheduled in Seoul, Tokyo, Melbourne, and Sydney between October 21 and November 8, 2025. However, Arthurs is hopeful and determined, stating his intention to return for the South American leg of the tour, which kicks off in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on November 15 and 16, before wrapping up in São Paulo, Brazil, on November 23 (Washington Post and NBC News).
Oasis, known for anthems like “Wonderwall” and “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” has been on a whirlwind world tour since July 4, 2025, when they launched their comeback in Cardiff, Wales. The tour, dubbed the Live ’25 World Tour, marks the first time that brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher have performed together since their infamous split in 2009—a rift that, for years, seemed irreparable. The reunion was confirmed by Liam Gallagher in August 2024, and the band’s return has been met with both critical acclaim and massive fan enthusiasm (Deadline, The Independent).
The tour is an ambitious one: 41 shows spanning the United Kingdom, United States, Asia, Australia, and South America. Industry experts estimate that the tour could generate at least $200 million, thanks in part to lucrative deals with Live Nation and Adidas (NBC News). The band’s ability to draw crowds has not waned, as evidenced by their recent sold-out show at Wembley Stadium, which drew 90,000 fans and earned a glowing five-star review from The Independent’s Hannah Ewens. “The great wait is over!” Ewens wrote, capturing the electric atmosphere as Liam and Noel Gallagher took the stage together, arm in arm, for the first time in 16 years.
Arthurs’ announcement comes at a poignant time for both the band and its fans. His journey with Oasis dates back to the group’s formation in 1991, when he helped craft the sound that would define a generation. After leaving the band in 1999, Arthurs rejoined for the reunion tour, standing alongside not only the Gallagher brothers but also fellow returning members Gem Archer, Andy Bell, and Joey Waronker (Washington Post).
This is not the first time Arthurs has faced a serious health challenge. In 2022, he was diagnosed with tonsil cancer, a battle he also shared publicly. By September of that year, he announced he was in remission, writing on social media: “I had a full scan 10 days ago and it’s all clear, it’s gone. Thank you so much all of you for the messages I’ve had throughout, you’ve helped more than you know.” He also expressed gratitude to the team at The Christie NHS Foundation, crediting them for his recovery. “Into recovery now and see you all soon,” he added (The Independent).
Fans and bandmates alike have rallied around Arthurs. The official Oasis Instagram account reshared his message, adding, “Wishing you all the best with your treatment @boneheadspage — we’ll see you back on stage in South America.” The outpouring of support speaks volumes about the camaraderie that has grown within the band, especially after years of public feuding between the Gallagher brothers. The sense of unity and mutual respect is palpable, both onstage and off (NBC News).
The absence of Arthurs from several high-profile shows has naturally raised questions about who will fill his shoes during the interim. While no official replacement has been announced, Gem Archer, who joined Oasis after Arthurs’ initial departure in 1999, has been touring with the band and is expected to play a key role during the Asian and Australian dates (New York Post).
The Oasis reunion tour has been more than just a series of concerts; it’s been a cultural event, a moment of nostalgia, and a testament to the enduring power of music to bring people together—even after years of discord. The band’s return comes at a time when the UK, and indeed much of the world, is grappling with uncertainty and change. As The Independent’s review noted, “As this Oasis Summer comes to a close, the cultural mood in the UK has deteriorated into something sour... Who knows, but thankfully we have Oasis.”
For Arthurs, stepping away—if only briefly—was not an easy decision. His words to fans were heartfelt: “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.” His optimism and resilience are unmistakable, and his story has added a layer of poignancy to an already emotional tour.
As the band prepares to continue its journey without one of its founding members for a few weeks, the music and memories they’ve created continue to resonate. The anticipation for Arthurs’ return in South America is high, and fans across the globe are sending their best wishes for his swift recovery. The Oasis story—marked by triumphs, setbacks, and now, a hopeful fight against cancer—remains as compelling as ever.
With the next stop in Buenos Aires on November 15, all eyes will be on the stage, waiting for the moment when Bonehead picks up his guitar once more. Until then, the band marches on, buoyed by the spirit of their absent brother and the enduring love of their fans.
