Busted have cancelled a concert next month as James Bourne continues to battle an undisclosed health problem.
Less than 24 hours prior to the kick off of the Busted Vs McFly tour on September 16, the 42-year-old musician confirmed he had to pull out of the trek because he is “not in good enough health to play these shows.”
The Year 3000 hitmakers – completed by Charlie Simpson and Matt Willis – have continued the tour with James’ brother, Chris Bourne, stepping in for his sibling.
However, they have decided to sit out their planned set at Radio 1’s Anthems Live in Bradford on November 15, because it “wouldn’t feel right” without him.
A statement on the band’s Instagram page read: “We are sorry to say that we will no longer be performing at Radio 1’s Anthems Live in Bradford on November 15.
“James’ health is our priority and having discussed as a band we agree it wouldn’t feel right to do this without him.
“We love Radio 1 and thank them very much for their understanding.
“We look forward to being back performing as a full band when the time is right.”
While onstage at bp pulse LIVE in Birmingham on the first night of the tour, his bandmates admitted James is “really f****** sick”.
Matt told the crowd: “Okay, you may have noticed our best friend is not here tonight.
“James Bourne is really f****** sick and we love him and we miss him.
“This is the first show we’ve ever played without him. But we’re going do the best we can. Health is wealth.”
James said he was still hoping he’d be able to rejoin the tour “further down the line” – but with just three dates left next week and the gig cancellation, that looks unlikely.
In a statement on Instagram, he said: “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 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.”
The shows left are Glasgow’s Hydro Live on November 3, Manchester’s Co-op Live on November 5, and Sheffield’s Utilita Arena on November 6.