Oasis Name Replacement for Bonehead as Guitarist Takes Tour Break for Cancer Treatment.

Oasis Announces Temporary Replacement for Bonehead Amid Cancer Treatment

Britpop legends Oasis have revealed guitarist Mike Moore will temporarily replace Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs on their reunion tour after Bonehead announced a hiatus to undergo prostate cancer treatment. The band confirmed Moore will fill in for shows in Seoul, Tokyo, Melbourne, and Sydney over the next three weeks.

[Image: Oasis performing in July 2025, with Bonehead on guitar]
Caption: Bonehead (far right) performing with Oasis during their reunion tour in July 2025.

Bonehead, 60, shared his diagnosis earlier this month, stating he’ll pause touring for treatment but plans to return for the South American leg starting November 15. In a heartfelt social media post, he wrote: “I’m responding well to treatment and will be back for South America. Have an amazing time at the shows—I’ll miss you all.”

Moore, a longtime collaborator with Liam Gallagher, has played on the singer’s solo albums and toured with him since 2017. A source told The Mirror: “Mike knows the Oasis catalog inside out. It’s a privilege for him to step in while Bonehead focuses on his health.”

[Image: Mike Moore performing with Liam Gallagher in 2022]
Caption: Mike Moore (left) has backed Liam Gallagher since 2017, including on solo tours.

Fans spotted Moore arriving in Seoul ahead of Oasis’ Goyang Stadium concert, signaling a seamless transition. Bonehead, who previously battled tonsil cancer in 2022, remains optimistic. He thanked fans and medical staff, writing: “The Christie NHS team has been incredible. See you all soon.”

Liam and Noel Gallagher shared Bonehead’s statement on social media, adding: “Wishing you all the best—see you in South America!” Their children, Molly Moorish and Anais Gallagher, also sent supportive messages, with Anais writing: “We love you, Bonehead!”

[Image: Bonehead with Noel Gallagher backstage in 2025]
Caption: Bonehead (left) and Noel Gallagher during the reunion tour. Noel credited Bonehead for mending his relationship with Liam.

Bonehead’s role in reuniting Oasis after their 2009 split has been pivotal. Insiders called him “one of the drivers of the reunion,” noting his close ties to both brothers. At the tour’s kickoff, Noel praised Bonehead onstage: “None of this would’ve happened without him!”

A founding member of Oasis, Bonehead left the band in 1999 but remained close to the Gallaghers. His return for the reunion tour was celebrated by fans, and his health update in 2022—declared cancer-free after tonsil treatment—brought relief.

[Image: Original Oasis lineup in 1993]
Caption: The original Oasis lineup in 1993 (L-R: Bonehead, Liam, Noel, Tony McCarroll, Paul McGuigan).

As Oasis continues their tour, fans worldwide send support to Bonehead, eagerly awaiting his return. With Moore stepping up, the band ensures the music plays on, honoring their legacy while rallying behind their longtime guitarist.

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