Former Oasis guitarist Paul Arthurs – better known as Bonehead – has been diagnosed with tonsil cancer.

The 56-year-old musician, who was a founding member of the Manchester 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 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.”

Liam Gallagher, the former frontman of Oasis, tweeted his support for Arthurs.

“Sending BIG love to the 1 n only Bonehead and his family wishing you a speedy recovery we’re all thinking of you rasta you’ll be back on stage bfore you can say r we doing Colombia LG x,” he wrote.

Arthurs is a multi-instrumentalist and is credited for having played piano and mellotron on Oasis’ iconic album (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?

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He can also be seen on the keys in the video for Don’t Look Back in Anger.

He began playing with Gallagher in the band The Rain, which Gallagher suggested be renamed Oasis.

They did not enjoy much success until Gallagher’s brother Noel joined, bringing a collection of hits that would make the band internationally famous.

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Arthurs announced he was leaving the band in 1999, during the recording of Oasis’s fourth album, Standing on the Shoulder of Giants, stating he wanted to spend more time with his family.

However, he has continued to work with Gallagher over the years, including in his band Beady Eye and on his solo projects.

The pair performed together during Gallagher’s headlining sets at Reading and Leeds festivals last summer.

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