Following the startling revelation back in February that Bruce Dickinson was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor on the back of his tongue, the legendary Iron Maiden singer has now been given the “all clear” by his doctors.
The band revealed on Friday (May 15) via a post on their official website that a recent MRI scan showed that Dickinson is now cancer free. However, Iron Maiden will be taking the entire year off from touring as Dickinson gets back to his full strength. But the band still plans to release a new studio album at some point this year.
In a statement, Dickinson says:
“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. 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!”
Meanwhile, Iron Maiden’s manager, Ron Smallwood, adds:
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.
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. 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.
We’d just like to say, “Way to go, Bruce!” We’ve been pulling for you, and we’re incredibly happy to hear the great news regarding your health!
Joe Satriani causes a Shockwave Supernova
Bruce Dickinson Given the ‘All Clear’ in Cancer Battle
Guitar icon reveals follow-up to 2013’s Unstoppable Momentum will launch in July
Joe Satriani has announced details of his 15th album Shockwave Supernova.
The follow-up to 2013’s Unstoppable Momentum will be released on July 24 via Legacy.
The concept album was recorded last year at Skywalker Sound, California with Aristocrats members Marco Minnemann and Bryan Beller on drum and bass duties respectively, along with keyboardist and guitarist Mike Keneally.
Other guest musicians to feature on the 15-track album include drummer Vinnie Colaiuta and Jane’s Addiction bassist Chris Chaney.
Satriani says: “I couldn’t have asked for a better band to help bring these songs to life.”
Satch previously reported the album title was named after his alter ego of the same name.
He said: “I had a funny thought that I use this alter ego to kind of push me out there and be a showman, because that’s not really how I am – I’m usually more the shy, retiring type.
"The songs I’ve been writing over the past two years sort of address that transformation, what this guy Shockwave is thinking. It’s a crazy, funny concept."
The album is now available to pre-order from Satriani’s website, via iTunes and Amazon.
He’s lined up a nine-date UK November tour. Minnemann, Beller and Keneally will join the guitar icon on the live dates.
B.B. King dead at 89
Last King Of The Blues passes away in his sleep at home
Blues great B.B. King has died at the age of 89 after being ill for some time, it’s been confirmed.
His lawyer Brent Bryson reported that he died peacefully in his sleep at home in Las Vegas.
Born Riley B. King in 1925, he was known as one of the Three Kings Of Blues Guitar alongside Albert King (1923-1992) and Freddie King (1934-1976).
His single-string vibrato style, influenced by Blind Lemon Jefferson, T-Bone Walker and others, is said to have influenced most of the guitarists who followed him.
King’s career began in 1943 as a guitarist with the Famous St John’s Quartet in his home state of Mississippi. He later played with Bukka White in Tennessee before starting solo work in Arkansas in 1948. He was soon a regular DJ on Tennessee radio, using the name Blues Boy, which led to his onstage monicker.
His first record was launched in 1949 before he signed with RMP Records and worked with producer Sam Phillips. His first hit was 1952’s 3 O’Clock Blues and a string of successes followed, including a Grammy Award in 1970 for his version of The Thrill Is Gone. He reached a new audience with When Love Comes To Town, a collaboration with U2, in 1988.
He released 44 studio albums during his career, the last of which was 2008’s Grammy-winning One Kind Favor.
He was inducted into the Blues Hall Of Fame in 1980, the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 1987, and the R&B Music Hall Of Fame in 2014.
He’s listed as the third-greatest guitarist of all time by Rolling Stone magazine.
King believed in hard work and practice, once saying: “The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you.” On the genre he loved, he said: “The blues? It’s the mother of American music. That’s what it is – the source.”
He had continued touring until falling ill several months ago. Following a minor heart attack last month he announced he was “in hospice care in Las Vegas” and added: “Thanks to all for your well wishes and prayers.”