Busted fans were hit with unexpected news this week as the UK and Ireland leg of the band’s highly anticipatedBusted vs McFly tour kicked off. One key member, James Bourne, has officially stepped back from the tour due to a health issue, leaving fans concerned and full of support.
The tour opened in Birmingham on Tuesday, September 16, but just a day before hitting the stage, Bourne took to social media to announce he wouldn’t be joining his bandmates.
“The VS tour kicks off tomorrow night in Birmingham and as excited as I’ve been all year for this tour to begin,” he wrote. “I’m really sorry to say that over the last 8 days it has become clear that I am not in good enough health to play these shows.”
While the exact nature of Bourne’s condition hasn’t been publicly disclosed, he made it clear that his health must take priority.
“There’s a lot of information I still don’t have about my condition but my bandmates, management and I are unanimous in deciding that I should focus on the medical stuff for now,” he continued. “I really hope I can be in a position to come back further down the line. It’s still going to be an amazing show and I will miss being there!”
Bourne’s bandmates and fans have rallied around him with heartfelt messages of encouragement. McFly’s Harry Judd commented on Instagram, “Won’t be the same without you dude. Hope you’re back on tour asap.”
Fans echoed the sentiment, with one user writing, “Oh man, the main man’s not gunna be there 🙁 I hope you feel better soon! Sending all the love! Xxxxxx.” Another added, “James, the MOST important thing to everyone is that you’re safe and well. It won’t be the same without you zooming around the stage, but health ALWAYS comes first!! Wishing you a speedy recovery, take care.”
Even with Bourne off the stage, the tour is continuing as planned with Busted’s remaining original members, Charlie Simpson and Matt Willis, stepping up to keep the energy alive.
During the tour’s opening night in Birmingham, Willis addressed James’ absence in front of a packed crowd. “Okay, you may have noticed our best friend is not here tonight. James Bourne is really f***ing sick and we love him and we miss him.”
Having been bandmates with James and Charlie since Busted first formed in the early 2000s, the singer went on to say, “This is the first show we’ve ever played without him and it’s really weird. But we’re gonna do the best we can.”
Matt emphasized that the decision for the band to carry on came with James’ full support. He shared that James told them to move forward and even gave his blessing for another guitarist to fill in during his recovery.
Instead of calling in a fellow member of McFly, the band brought in someone very close to home — James’ younger brother, Chris Bourne. Fans may recognize Chris from his cameo in the iconic Year 3000 video.
While the tour won’t feel quite the same without James on stage, the outpouring of love shows just how much he means to fans. Hopefully, with rest and recovery, he’ll be back performing soon.
This story was originally reported by Parade on Sep 17, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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