Bruce Dickinson: Iron Maiden front man is battling cancer

The 56-year-old singer has undergone chemotherapy for a cancerous lump found at the back of his tongue

Bruce Dickinson, Iron Maiden’s frontman, rocks the crowd (Darko Tomas/Rex)

Bruce Dickinson of English heavy-metal band Iron Maiden is undergoing treatment for cancer.

The band announced in a statement today that front man Dickinson, 56, has a tumour at the back of his tongue. It was discovered during a routine check-up and it is expected that Dickinson will make a recovery by the end of May.

The band is due to go on a tour of Europe from 27 May, but the band have urged fans to be patient.

Hundreds of upset Iron Maiden fans took to Twitter to wish him well.

Dickinson is known and loved for his on-stage charisma and his wide vocal range.

Last year he said he'd boycotted Glastonbury for being too bourgeois.

“Personally I have no interest in going to Glastonbury,” he said. “In the days when Glasto was an alternative festival it was quite interesting, but anywhere Gwyneth Paltrow goes and you can live in an air-conditioned yurt is not for me.”

Read the full statement below:

"Just before Christmas, Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson visited his doctor for a routine check-up. This led to tests and biopsies which revealed a small cancerous tumour at the back of his tongue. A seven week course of chemotherapy and radiology treatment was completed yesterday.

"As the tumour was caught in the early stages, the prognosis thankfully is extremely good. Bruce’s medical team fully expect him to make a complete recovery with the all clear envisaged by late May. It will then take a further few months for Bruce to get back to full fitness.

"In the meantime we would ask for your patience, understanding and respect for Bruce and his family’s privacy until we update everyone by the end of May. Bruce is doing very well considering the circumstances and the whole team are very positive."