Busted star Matt Willis has delivered an emotional and heartfelt statement regarding his longtime bandmate James Bourne, who is currently awaiting major surgery that he hopes will extend his life. The musician revealed last week that he is desperate to return to making music and touring after being forced to pull out of the Busted and McFly tour last year due to an undisclosed illness.
James Bourne's Health Struggles and Surgery Plans
James Bourne explained on his Instagram Stories that he has a plan in place for a major surgical procedure, which he believes should extend his life and hopefully make him well enough to resume his passion for touring and creating music. He expressed frustration at being out of the game but maintained a hopeful outlook, stating, "It really sucks to be out of the game. But there is hope!"
The Busted star has not disclosed specific details about the type of surgery or his medical condition, leaving fans concerned but supportive. His absence from the tour last year was sudden, with James announcing just one day before the kickoff in Birmingham that he was not in good enough health to perform.
Matt Willis Opens Up About Touring Without James
Matt Willis, who has been friends with James for over two decades, admitted that performing without him was incredibly difficult. In an interview with Metro, Matt described the experience as "really hard" and "strange," emphasizing that he never wants to do it again. He recalled the moment the band had to decide whether to proceed with the tour, saying, "There was a real moment of 'are we gonna do this or not? Should we do this?'"
Despite James' absence, the band kept his spirit alive during their shows, regularly speaking about him and even bringing Matt's younger brother, Chris, onstage to fill in. In one poignant moment, Matt addressed the audience, saying, "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. This is the first show we've ever played without him and it's really weird."
The Impact on Busted's Future and Fan Support
The emotional toll on the band has been significant, with Matt highlighting how quickly the situation unfolded. He noted that James encouraged them to continue the tour despite his inability to participate, demonstrating his commitment to the group and their fans. The band's decision to proceed was made in consultation with James, who assured them he wanted the show to go on.
Fans have rallied around James, offering messages of support and hope for his recovery. The mystery surrounding his illness has only heightened concern, but the positive outlook from both James and his bandmates has provided some comfort. As James awaits his surgery, the music community remains hopeful for his return to the stage, where he can once again share his talent and passion with audiences worldwide.
