British heavy metal legends IRON MAIDEN remain "extremely optimistic" about the "full recovery" of their lead singer, Bruce Dickinson, who recently underwent a seven-week course of chemotherapy and radiology to treat a small cancerous tumor at the back of his tongue.

In a new post on MAIDEN's official web site, the band writes: "Over the last few days, Bruce has been to see his specialists and following examinations, including visual, we're delighted to update everyone that the situation remains extremely optimistic for a full recovery. We will still not have final confirmation that the cancer has been completely eradicated until Bruce can have an MRI scan in May, as previously advised in Rod's [Smallwood, IRON MAIDEN's manager] recent message to the fans on this site, and the period to full recovery will continue for a few months yet.

"Typically Bruce's immediate reaction to the specialists' good news was to be as active as feasibly possible, taking in a couple of visits to the MAIDEN office, one to the Hybrid Air Vehicle hangar to see latest progress, and a brief trip to his local pub, much to the surprise and delight of all his friends there!

"We just wanted to share this latest piece of good news with all MAIDEN's fans and, as usual, we'll continue to keep you all updated officially on Bruce's progress, on the IRON MAIDEN website."