Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson has been given the all clear on the tongue cancer he’s been battling since February, he announced on the band’s website yesterday.
The frontman said in a statement: “I would like to thank the fantastic medical team who have been treating me for the last few months, resulting in this amazing outcome. It’s been tough on my family and in many ways it was harder for them than me.”
He showed his appreciation for the support he’s received from fans all over the world: “I’d also like to send a heartfelt thanks to all our fans for their kind words and thoughts. I’m a firm believer in trying to maintain a positive attitude, and the encouragement from the global Maiden family meant a great deal to me.
“Right now, I’m feeling extremely motivated and can’t wait to get back to business as usual, as soon as I can!”
The band’s manager, Ron Smallwood, said: “We are of course all absolutely delighted that Bruce’s doctors have pronounced him free of cancer. Although Bruce is naturally eager to resume Maiden activities, it will take a while before he is completely back to full strength, as we explained previously.
“Because of this, the band will not be touring or playing any shows until next year. We know our fans will understand the situation and, like us, would prefer to wait until Bruce is back to his usual indefatigable levels of fitness before going out on the road.”
Smallwood explained that the band would focus on putting the finishing touches to the new studio album, while waiting for Dickinson to recover.
He said: “The release however will definitely be this year. Meanwhile, I’d like to echo Bruce’s words and thank all Maiden fans. You have been incredibly patient, putting Bruce’s health and well-being first during this difficult time and the band and I appreciate all your positive support.”
Iron Maiden announced in March that they had finished their new album but were holding off on a release it until Dickinson has recovered from treatment. The band’s last album, The Final Frontier, was released in 2010.
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