Busted's James Bourne gives health update to fans revealing he's having major surgery
The singer says it 'should extend' his life
Last updated 7th Apr 2026
Busted singer James Bourne has shared a health update with his fans as it's been more than six months since his last social post. The singer, known for Busted's hits such as 'What I Go to School For', 'Crashed the Wedding' and 'Thunderbirds' / '3AM', revealed to fans last year that he would not be joining the band on tour in 2025, to focus on his health.
He told fans in September 2025: '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.'
Now, seven months later, the singer has taken to his Instagram Stories to reveal some further information, telling his fans: 'I realised it's been about six months since I posted last.
'I have a plan in place to have a major surgery that should extend my life and hopefully make me well enough to come back to what I love the most which is touring and making music.
'It really sucks to be out of the game.
'But there is hope'.
Neither Busted or James have revealed details of his medical condition, but during their tour last year the band said he was "really sick".
James' younger brother Chris joined the band on tour, taking James' place. While Chris is James' brother, he also has a strong connection with the band, having appeared in the 'Year 3000' video.
Our thoughts are with James and his friends and family as he prepares for major surgery.
Take a look at Busted's career through the years:
2000 – Busted were created
James Bourne, Matt Willis and Charlie Simpson formed Busted in 2000. The band originally had the line-up of James, and Matt along with Ki Fitzgerald and Owen Doyle, after they auditioned to be in a new band for Warner Music, however that line-up didn't last long.
Both Charlie Simpson and Tom Fletcher (now part of McFly) were offered places to complete the band's line-up, however it was later decided that Charlie would join James and Matt to form the line-up we know and love.
2002 – Busted released their debut album and single
The band officially launched in August 2002 and released their debut song 'What I Go To School For'. The song was written by Matt about a teacher he used to have a crush on and it saw the band get their first Top 5 song, with it reaching Number 3 in the UK.
This success was followed by the release of their debut album 'Busted' which went to Number 2 in the UK.
2003 – Busted got their first Number 1 ‘You Said No’
Following the success of their debut song they released 'Year 3000' a few months later which reached Number 2 in the UK. However, it was with the release of their third song 'You Said No', that Busted got their first Number 1.
The band went on tour and also released their second album 'A Present for Everyone' in November 2003, which featured their Number 1 hits 'Crashed the Wedding', 'Who's David' and their double A side 'Thunderbirds' / '3AM'.
2004 – Busted go on tour TWICE
Busted went on their second and third tours in 2004 called 'Busted: A Ticket for Everyone' and 'Busted: A Ticket for Everyone Else'. They also released three Top 2 hits from their album, 'Who's David', 'Air Hostess' and the double A side 'Thunderbirds' and '3AM'.
2004 was also the year that Busted picked up Best British Breakthrough Act and Best Pop Act at the BRIT Awards, and they took part in Band Aid 20's 'Do They Know It's Christmas?'.
2005 – Busted decided to split
Tensions started to form in the band after Charlie decided to leave at the end of 2004, so the band finally split, announcing the news at a press conference in January 2005.
2006 – 2012 – Solo projects
During the years that Busted had separated the individual members did their own solo work.
Charlie spent time playing with the rock band Fightstar, which he joined while he was part of Busted. He also released four solo albums, the first two of which reached the Top 10 in the UK.
James also released music, both with pop punk band Son of Dork and as a solo artist Future Boy. He also became a songwriter, writing for Melanie C, McFly and the Jonas Brothers, as well as for the ITV hit show Britannia High.
After the band's split, Matt released several solo songs and an album called 'Don't Let It Go to Waste'. He also released a song called 'Crash' for the film Mr Bean's Holiday.
Away from music, Matt won I'm a Celeb back in 2006, and acted in several other TV shows including EastEnders and Birds of a Feather, as well appearing in several musicals on stage.
2013 – McBusted formed
Despite the band splitting back in 2005, Matt Willis and James Bourne joined forces with McFly members Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones, Dougie Poynter, and Harry Judd, to form the supergroup McBusted.
2014 – McBusted went on tour
The new supergroup went on tour in 2014 and even supported One Direction on their European tour, continuing into 2015.
In October 2014 they released their first song as a supergroup, 'Air Guitar', followed by their album 'McBusted'.
2015 - Busted reunited
Busted reunited with Charlie Simpson in November 2015 with a 13-date tour, and announced they would be releasing their third album.
2016 – Busted released ‘Night Driver’ and went on tour
The reunited band released their third album 'Night Driver' in November 2016, which featured songs such as 'Coming Home' and 'On What You're On'. The band also went on their 'Busted: Pigs Can Fly' tour.
2017 – Busted took ‘Night Driver’ on tour
The band took their third album on tour with their 'Busted: Night Driver Tour' playing 49 dates around the world including 46 in Europe.
2019 – ‘Half Way There ‘Tour
Busted released their album 'Half Way There' in February 2019 receiving positive reviews and seeing it reach Number 2 in the UK. The band then took the album on tour in March of that year.
2023 – Busted reunite and go on tour
In March 2023 Busted announced they were reuniting for the first time in three years and would be going on tour to celebrate their 20th anniversary. The band sold out their tour on the day the tickets went on general sale, and added seven more dates due to high demand.
Their tour started in September 2023.
2023 - Busted release their 'Greatest Hits 2.0' album
In September 2023, Busted released their 'Greatest Hits 2.0' album. The band's latest compilation album is full of their classic hits with collaborations from the likes of the Jonas Brothers, McFly and Hanson.
2024 - Busted release a live and extended version of 'Greatest Hits 2.0'
In December 2023, Busted announced they would be re-releasing their 'Greatest Hits 2.0' album on 5th January 2024. The new album called 'Another Present For Everyone' is now available.
2025 - Busted announced to support Ed Sheeran
Busted have been announced to support Ed Sheeran on one of his three Portman Road gigs at Ipswich Town FC's home ground. The band will join Dylan and Ed on Saturday 12th July.
2025 - James Bourne is replaced by his brother on tour
On 16th September 2025, the 'Busted Vs McFly tour' started in Birmingham. Just days before it started, James Bourne revealed he wouldn't be able to join the band on tour due to a health condition. Despite this setback, fans were excited to see James' younger brother Chris would be standing in for him on tour.
Now read:
Busted: From their debut hit to their latest album
James Bourne's 'Busted Vs McFly tour' replacement revealed with special connection
The biggest tours coming up in 2026 and how to get tickets