James Bourne of Busted fame has sent shockwaves across his fanbase after quitting the Busted vs McFly tour a day before it officially kicks off.
In an Instagram statement earlier today (September 15), the 42-year-old star wrote: “The VS tour kicks off tomorrow night in Birmingham, and as excited as I’ve been all year for this tour to begin, I’m really sorry to say that over the last eight days it has become clear that I am not in good enough health to play these shows.”
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Busted star pulls out of joint tour
‘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 explained.
“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! See you all as soon as possible.”
James didn’t go into any further detail about his health issues.
Bandmate Matt Willis reshared James’ statement on his Instagram Story, adding: “Love you brother,” while Charlie Simpson simply reposted with a sad face and blue heart emoji.
Additionally, the official Busted Instagram posted a Story saying: “Can’t wait to have you back, JB. In the meantime, we’ve got this. #TeamBusted Birmingham we see you tomorrow!”
McFly member Harry Judd was one of many others to pledge his support to the musician, as he wrote in an Instagram comment: “Won’t be the same without you dude. Hope you’re back on tour asap.”
Love Island’s Iain Stirling also commented: “Health before everything else!” followed by a heart emoji. Meanwhile, fellow musician Olly Murs said he was “sending good vibes for a speedy recovery”.
Busted fans were also supportive
Meanwhile, Busted fans also flooded James’ post with supportive comments. “Oh James, look after yourself. It won’t be the same, but your health comes first,” one wrote. “You’ll be missed so much.”
“Likely a difficult decision to make BUT the quicker you let go of the guilt and expectation that you should be there, the quicker you can get yourself into a healing mindset and actually let your body get the rest it’s asking for,” a second advised. “Hope to see you in Leeds, but definitely won’t think negatively of you if not. I hope you feel better soon.”
Busted, who previously joined forces with McFly as McBusted, announced the Busted vs McFly tour last year.
During a McFly performance on October 2o24, the boyband interrupted their long-time rivals and said: “Right now here tonight, we challenge you to the ultimate face off, next year, 2025, Busted Vs McFly, the tour. The Challenge is yours if you choose to accept it.”
And the rest is history: the 14-date UK tour will begin on 16 September and end on 26 October.
Still, this isn’t the only bump in the road ahead of the McFly vs Busted tour.
Earlier this year, amid other X-rated confessions from McFly bandmates, Danny Jones was caught kissing Love Island star Maura Higgins, shattering his wholesome family man image. In the months since, his reputation seems to have somewhat recovered. So, let’s hope the tour doesn’t face any more setbacks.
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