MUMBAI: Bruce Dickinson, lead vocalist of heavy metal band Iron Maiden, has made a full recovery from tongue cancer after being diagnosed around Christmas, 2014. He underwent a seven-week course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy for the tumor on his tongue, which was discovered during a routine checkup.

“We are very happy to announce that following his recent MRI scan, Bruce was today officially given the all-clear by his specialists,” the band said in a statement.

The 56 year old musician thanked his fans, family and medical team on Iron Maiden’s official website, saying, “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!”

However, band manager Rod Smallwood stated that the band will not be performing until 2016, despite the good news. “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.”

Instead, the band will be spending more time in the studio; working on their upcoming album which Smallwood said would “definitely” be out this year. This will be Iron Maiden’s sixteenth studio album.