Who is Bonehead?
Short Answer
Paul Arthurs, better known as Bonehead, was the rhythm guitarist in Oasis. He helped build the band’s sound and walked away before it collapsed under its own ego.
Long Answer
Bonehead was there at the start. Not just when the band formed, but when the sound formed. That heavy, repetitive drive. Simple chords, played like they mattered. No solos. No showing off. Just rhythm that hit like a train and didn’t stop.
He was in Oasis from the first rehearsal to the peak. From council flats to Knebworth. He played on the albums that made them untouchable. He didn’t write the songs. He didn’t sing them. But without him, they’d have been lighter. And lighter wouldn’t have worked.
In 1999, he left. Quietly. No feud. No press statement. Just left. The band carried on, but it was different. Too polished. Too careful. Bonehead wasn’t careful. He was solid.
In 2022, he was diagnosed with tonsil cancer. He pulled out of touring. People were worried. He came back. Told everyone he was all clear. Didn’t make a fuss. Just got on with it. Like always.
Bonehead doesn’t need mythology. He doesn’t need reinvention. He was part of something loud and ugly and brilliant. And he held it together from the shadows.
