Busted guitarist James Bourne recovers after brother donates kidney

Busted guitarist James Bourne is recovering from a kidney transplant operation after his younger brother Chris donated an organ to save his life. BBC News and the Daily Mail reported that doctors had previously given the 43 year old musician a few years left to live. Both outlets confirmed that both brothers are now recovering from the surgery. [1][2][4]

The Daily Mail reported that Bourne spoke about the surgery for the first time on his Spotify account and described his sibling as a hero. The Daily Mail noted that his younger brother Chris is 33 years old, and both brothers are currently recovering in hospital. [2]

Bourne withdrew from a joint arena tour with his band Busted and pop group McFly in September 2025, just one day before it was scheduled to begin, according to BBC News. He cited health problems at the time and was replaced on the tour by his brother Chris. BBC News noted that Bourne later stated he required major surgery to extend his life. [1]

James Elliot Bourne is an English singer, songwriter, and musician. He co-founded the pop punk bands Busted and Son of Dork, created an electronic project named Future Boy, and performed in the supergroup McBusted alongside bandmate Matt Willis and members of McFly between 2013 and 2015. [8]