IRON MAIDEN's BRUCE DICKINSON Given 'All-Clear' Following Cancer Treatment

IRON MAIDEN singer Bruce Dickinson, who earlier in the year underwent a seven-week course of chemotherapy and radiology to treat a small cancerous tumor at the back of his tongue, has been given "the all-clear" by his specialists following his recent MRI scan.

Says Bruce: "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!"

Adds IRON MAIDEN manager Rod Smallwood: "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."

IRON MAIDEN has yet to reveal any more details about its new studio album, but the band's members have reportedly been spotted in Paris, France in recent months, along with their longtime producer, Kevin Shirley, who is said to have helmed the new effort.

MAIDEN's 15th studio album, "The Final Frontier", sold 63,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to enter The Billboard 200 chart at position No. 4.

"The Final Frontier" was IRON MAIDEN's fourth U.K. No. 1 album. The band previously topped the chart in 1982 with "The Number of the Beast", in 1988 with "Seventh Son of a Seventh Son" and in 1992 with "Fear of the Dark".