Busted guitarist James Bourne receives kidney donation from brother Chris
Busted guitarist James Bourne has revealed he underwent a kidney transplant surgery, with his younger brother Chris Bourne serving as the donor. Bourne, 43, previously withdrew from a joint arena tour with McFly in September 2025 due to health issues, at which time Chris stepped in to replace him. Bourne stated that doctors had informed him he had only a few years left to live prior to the procedure. Both brothers are currently recovering from the surgery.
Key points
- James Bourne underwent a kidney transplant with his brother Chris as the donor.
- Bourne previously withdrew from a Busted and McFly tour in September 2025 due to health concerns.
- The guitarist stated that doctors had given him a few years to live before the transplant.
- Both brothers are reported to be recovering well from the surgery.
What happened
Busted guitarist James Bourne announced that he has undergone a kidney transplant. Bourne, 43, credited his younger brother, Chris Bourne, with saving his life by donating the organ.
The musician shared that he is recovering from the procedure and expressed gratitude toward his brother, whom he described as a hero. Chris Bourne confirmed the successful surgery via a brief message on X.
Background
In September 2025, James Bourne withdrew from an arena tour featuring Busted and McFly just one day before it was scheduled to begin. At that time, he cited health problems, and Chris Bourne stepped in to perform in his place.
Bourne later disclosed that his condition was serious and that medical professionals had indicated he had a limited life expectancy without intervention. He has not provided further details regarding the specific nature of his medical condition.
Why it matters
The transplant follows James Bourne's sudden withdrawal from a major arena tour in 2025, highlighting the severity of the health condition he faced.
What we know
- James Bourne underwent a kidney transplant with his brother Chris Bourne as the donor.
- James Bourne withdrew from a Busted and McFly arena tour in September 2025 due to health issues.
- Chris Bourne replaced James on the 2025 tour.
- Both brothers are recovering from the transplant surgery.
What remains unclear
- The specific medical condition that necessitated the transplant remains undisclosed.
How the story developed
James Bourne announces successful kidney transplant
James Bourne publicly shares that he underwent a kidney transplant donated by his brother Chris and that both are recovering.
Original source
