"I would like to thank the fantastic medical team who have been treating me for the last few months, resulting in this amazing outcome," says Dickinson. "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!"

"We are of course all absolutely delighted that Bruce's doctors have pronounced him free of cancer," adds Maiden manager Rod Smallwood. "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."

Iron Maiden recorded an album in 2014 but plans to release it were on hold while the singer recuperates; Smallwood says the group will now move forward with the project.