Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson Is Now Cancer-Free
Three months after completing a round of chemotherapy for a tumor on the back of his tongue, Bruce Dickinson has been given a clean bill of health. Today, the Iron Maiden singer revealed that his most recent MRI detected no cancer.
“I would like to thank the fantastic medical team who have been treating me for the last few months, resulting in this amazing outcome," he said in a statement on the band's website. "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!”
At the close of 2014, Maiden hinted at a new album and tour this year. But Dickinson's illness has put a considerable delay on everything. While understandably being "delighted" that Dickinson is cancer-free and thanking everybody for their support, manager Rod Smallwood said, "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."
He added, "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. The release however will definitely be this year."
See Iron Maiden and Other Rockers in the Top 100 Albums of the '80s
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's Worst Snubs