PAUL ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs, the rhythm guitarist whose gritty sound helped define Oasis during their early years, is a key figure in the band’s legacy.
With whispers of a reunion on the horizon, as Liam and Noel Gallagher reportedly end their 15-year feud, Oasis fans have more reason than ever to revisit the band’s iconic history.
Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs is an English musician known primarily for his role as the rhythm guitarist and co-founder of the iconic rock band Oasis.
He was born on June 23, 1965, in Manchester and grew up in a working-class Irish Catholic family.
Paul attended St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Grammar School in Prestwich and left school at 16 to become a plasterer.
In 1984 he formed a band called Pleasure and Pain and in the late 1980s, he co-founded a band called The Rain.
The Rain underwent a transformation when Liam Gallagher joined the band and changed its name to Oasis.
Paul played a crucial role during the band’s early years, contributing to the distinct sound of Oasis with his rhythm guitar.
He also played the piano on the band’s landmark albums, including (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?.
Despite his integral role, Paul left Oasis in 1999 during the recording of their fourth album, Standing on the Shoulder of Giants.
He cited a desire to spend more time with his family as the reason for leaving.
After leaving Oasis, Paul remained active in music.
He formed a band called Moondog One with former members of The Smiths, and later joined forces with Thai musician Sek Loso.
Paul continued to perform, DJ and even presented a radio show on BBC Radio Manchester.
In the 2010s, he reunited with Liam Gallagher, playing on Liam’s solo projects and performing Oasis classics at live shows.
He also formed the band Parlour Flames and released an album in 2013.
Paul is a dedicated family man.
He and his wife, Kate, have two children, Lucy and Jude.
In 2022, Paul was diagnosed with tonsil cancer, but after undergoing treatment, he was declared cancer-free later that year.
Paul earned the nickname ‘Bonehead’ at the age of eight due to his very short haircuts, which were insisted upon by his parents.
The nickname stuck with him throughout his life, and while his family primarily called him Paul, he became widely known as Bonehead, especially during his time with Oasis.
Paul now lives in Manchester, where he has built a recording studio in his home.
Although he left Oasis in 1999, he remains active in the music scene.
He recently opened up about his difficult battle with tonsil cancer.
Diagnosed in March 2022, he described the year as “tough”, but after finishing treatment in June 2022, he was declared cancer-free.
Amidst his recovery, rumors of an Oasis reunion have intensified.
Paul has expressed interest in a reunion, acknowledging the excitement it would bring to younger fans who never saw Oasis live.
He told Radio X’s Toby Tarrant in September 2023 about an Oasis reunion: “Never say never, I would say. Realistically? I don’t know.
“Liam’s got his solo career.
“As has Noel. I don’t know, you’re asking the wrong person.
“But I’d love to see it.
“Some days you wake up and think, ‘Nah, there’s no need for it’.
“It’s been done. But when I’m on stage with Liam Gallagher as a solo artist, and I come out and we play Rock ‘N’ Roll Star and the place erupts.
“People are bouncing higher and harder than they did at some of the gigs back in the day.
“I look at that first ten rows when I’m playing an arena with Liam, and they’re like 16 or 17 years of age.
“These people weren’t even born until well into Oasis’ career.
“So if there was a reunion, wouldn’t it be worth it for them?
“To come and witness that band?
“In that sense, it would be worth just one gig next year for those kids at the front, who are jumping and bouncing at Liam’s gigs.”
Oasis was founded by Liam Gallagher, Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs, Paul ‘Guigsy’ McGuigan and Tony McCarroll.
These four were initially part of a band called The Rain, which eventually evolved into Oasis.
Shortly after, Noel Gallagher joined the band, bringing his songwriting talent and helping to shape the band’s iconic sound.
There are rumours about a reunion of Oasis.
It seems that brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher have finally reconciled after a 15-year feud.
The official announcement is expected on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, according to the Oasis Twitter account.
It is believed that the reunion will include major shows in Manchester and London, and possibly a headline slot at Glastonbury Festival in 2025.
