James Bourne, guitarist and songwriter for the band Busted, has received a kidney transplant from his younger brother, Chris, after being diagnosed with a serious health condition with a limited life expectancy. The 42-year-old musician underwent a successful operation that he says is already improving his quality of life.

Bourne first revealed his health struggles last year when he withdrew from the 35-night Busted Vs McFly tour just one day before it was scheduled to begin in September 2025. At the time, he cited health issues as the reason for his sudden departure. Chris Bourne, 33, stepped in to help on the tour and has now once again played a crucial role by donating one of his kidneys to his brother.

In an update shared on Spotify, James Bourne expressed gratitude toward Chris, calling him a hero and confirming that both brothers are recovering well following the surgery. "My condition was serious and the doctors told me I had a few years left to live," James said. "I’m happy to share now that my youngest brother... has saved my life yet again." He added that he still requires time to fully recover but remains optimistic about his future health.

Chris Bourne responded to the post with a brief message: "We did it brother."

Busted, best known for hits such as "Year 3000" and "What I Go to School For," achieved eight top 10 singles in the early 2000s. The band includes bassist Matt Willis, 43, and singer Charlie Simpson, 41. After James pulled out of the recent tour, the group collectively agreed that he needed to prioritize his medical treatment.

Fiona Loud of Kidney Care UK praised the brothers' actions, emphasizing the importance of organ donation. She noted that the kidney waiting list is currently at its longest on record, making family donations especially vital. "We are very happy for James and Chris," she said. "We hope that James is able to get back to living his life to the full with his brother’s kidney soon."

The Busted Vs McFly tour featured dates in cities including London, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Belfast. James Bourne’s decision to step back was made in consultation with his bandmates and management to focus on his health amid limited information about his illness.