Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson has been declared cancer-free by doctors following a recent MRI Scan.
The band announced Dickinson’s cancer diagnosis on February 19, saying a small cancerous tumour at the back of his tongue was discovered during a routine visit to the doctor just prior to Christmas; a seven week course of chemotherapy and radiology treatment was completed and the prognosis was for a full recovery by late May.
“I would like to thank the fantastic medical team who have been treating me for the last few months, resulting in this amazing outcome,” says Dickinson. “It’s been tough on my family and in many ways it was harder for them than me.
“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!”
“We are of course all absolutely delighted that Bruce’s doctors have pronounced him free of cancer,” adds Maiden manager Rod Smallwood. “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.”
Iron Maiden recorded an album in 2014 but plans to release it were on hold while the singer recuperates; Smallwood says the group will now move forward with the project.
“For now, the focus will be on putting the finishing touches to the new Iron Maiden studio album and that is what we will be concentrating on over the coming weeks,” he says. “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 will be presented with the 2015 O2 Silver Clef Award by UK charity Nordoff Robbins at their 40th anniversary gala on July 3 in recognition of the band’s “outstanding contribution to UK music.”
The honor also recognizes the group as one of the most globally successful and influential rock bands of all time, with more than 90 million albums sold worldwide.
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