James Bourne, a member of the band McBusted, has provided a health update to his followers approximately 10 months after he withdrew from the band's tour due to medical reasons. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Bourne stated that he is "still not out of the woods" and will share further details via his Spotify bio, describing it as "a long story."
Bourne, 42, was forced to cancel his participation in the Busted vs. McFly tour just before it began in September. His bandmates described his condition at the time as "really f[...]]g sick."
In April, Bourne disclosed on social media that he was preparing for "major surgery to extend [his] life," expressing that "there is hope."
He has since explained that stepping away from touring allowed him to focus on creating new music. His record "Murder at the Gates," developed for a new musical with playwright Steven Sater, was released on July 1. Bourne stated that he did not want his health issues to prevent him from promoting the project, into which he has invested 13 years of work. He expressed a fear of not completing it but felt compelled to do so. Bourne described the time he was given back due to not touring as a "gift" and an opportunity to turn a negative situation into a positive one, despite the regret of having to leave the tour.
His Instagram account was reportedly deleted earlier this month. Representatives for Bourne were contacted for comment.
In his April announcement, Bourne wrote that he had a "plan in place to have 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." He added, "It really sucks to be out of the game. But there is hope!"
Matt Willis, a bandmate, commented on Bourne's health on Good Morning Britain days after the initial announcement, stating that Bourne was "not very well, but he's getting better." Willis explained that Bourne fell ill shortly before the tour commenced.
When Busted took the stage for their first tour date without Bourne, Willis informed the audience of his absence and well-being. He expressed that it was difficult to perform without Bourne, whom they all loved and missed.