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Busted’s James Bourne has issued a health update after months of radio silence sparked concern for his well-being.
James, 42, left fans devastated last year when he was forced to pull out of the band’s tour with McFly the day before it kicked off due to an unknown illness.
At the time, he admitted himself that he didn’t have all the answers.
Now, the Year 3000 hitmaker has shared a message on social media, explaining that he must undergo ‘major surgery that should extend [his] life’.
Still, he has insisted that he wants to return to ‘touring and making music’ as soon as possible.
James wrote on his Instagram Story tonight: ‘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!’
He did not give any extra information on the state of his health or any details of the planned surgery.
It comes after, in September, James revealed he would be pulling out of the live tour.
He wrote on Instagram at the time: ‘The VS tour kicks off tomorrow night in Birmingham and as excited as l’ve been all year for this tour to begin, 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.
‘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. 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.’
He added in a caption: ‘Feeling grateful to have the support of my girlfriend and my family. Taking a break for a while.’
Well-wishes soon flooded in, with Olly Murs commenting: ‘Sending good vibes for a speedy recovery 🙏🏻’
‘Love you buddy. Get well soon’, wrote Wheatus.
McFly drummer Harry Judd added sweetly: ‘Won’t be the same without you dude. Hope you’re back on Tour asap. 🤟🏻’
In the months since, loyal fans have continued stressing over his health, with a comment left on his last post just yesterday reading: ‘Anyone else come and check in on James because I’m constantly worried about a man I don’t even know’.
‘It’s been a few months. Hope you’re ok James :/’, said another.
James’s bandmates, Matt Willis and Charlie Simpson, have frequently mentioned him during the tour, with Matt telling fans he was ‘really f***ing sick’.
Matt, also 42, said on stage: ‘OK, 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.
‘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.’
He added that everything had happened ‘f***ing fast’, stating that ‘health is wealth’.
In October, Charlie, 40, cancelled a string of his own DJ gigs, which a statement said was causing ‘strain’ for him and the rest of the band.
The trio were formed in 2000 and shot to fame following the release of their self-titled debut record in 2002, which included the hit What I Go to School For.
Busted went on to sell five million albums and win two Brit Awards, among other achievements.
They disbanded in 2005, going on to pursue solo projects, before reuniting for McBusted in 2013 until 2015. Simpson did not join the supergroup but returned for their full comeback shortly after.
Following another brief hiatus, the stars reformed once more for their 20th anniversary and remain together.
James’s younger brother, Chris, has been filling in for him on guitar since his illness forced him to withdraw from live performing.
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