James Bourne, a founding member of the pop-punk band Busted, has publicly disclosed a serious health condition requiring major surgery. The 42-year-old musician confirmed he has a heart condition, specifically a bicuspid aortic valve with an associated aneurysm, which necessitates a significant operation to repair.
Bourne was forced to pull out of Busted's co-headlining tour with McFly in 2025 just one day before it was scheduled to begin, citing the urgent health issue. His absence led to speculation and concern among fans, which he has now addressed directly.
In a social media update, Bourne stated the surgery is needed to "extend his life" and described the upcoming procedure as "major heart surgery." He expressed gratitude for the medical care he is receiving and apologized to fans for the disappointment caused by the tour cancellation.
The band has continued some performances without him, with fellow member Matt Willis acknowledging the difficulty of the situation. There is no confirmed timeline for Bourne's return to touring, as his focus remains on treatment and recovery.