Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson has been given the all-clear from cancer.
The 56-year-old underwent chemotherapy and radiology for a tumour on his tongue after being diagnosed during a routine check-up just before Christmas.
Dickinson, who was told he was clear by specialists following an MRI scan, thanked fans for their support and in a statement on the group's official website, said he wanted to return to the stage.
But the band will not be touring or playing any shows until next year while the singer recovers, manager Ron Smallwood said.
The Run To The Hills singer said: "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."
Mr Smallwood added: "Although Bruce is naturally eager to resume Maiden activities, it will take a while before he is completely back to full strength. 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 said the British heavy metal band, which has sold more than 85 million albums worldwide, would be releasing a new studio album later this year.
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