Busted (band)

James Bourne and Matt Willis originally auditioned for other bands which neither of them made it into. They remained friends for a number of years and wrote material together, which Willis claimed was inspired by BBMak, Blink-182 and the American Pie 2 soundtrack.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yertx7J0cVc|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/Yertx7J0cVc|archive-date=21 December 2021|url-status=live|title=The Vault Meets Matt Willis|author=The Vault|date=26 June 2012|publisher=YouTube|access-date=6 April 2016}}{{cbignore}} Initially known as The Termites, Busted were formed in 2000{{cite news |last=Michaels |first=Sean |date=27 February 2008 |title=Busted's chart hits land them in court |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/feb/27/popandrock.news3 |access-date=3 April 2023 |issn=0261-3077}}{{cite news|last=Robinson|first=Peter|url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2014/dec/18/mcbusted-busted-mcfly-success-2014|title=McBusted: Busted + McFly = one of 2014's most unlikely pop stories|date=18 December 2014|work=The Guardian|access-date=2020-04-02|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}} after open auditions were held by Prestige Artist Management to form a new band. The line-up consisted of Bourne, Willis, Ki Fitzgerald and Owen Doyle,{{cite news |date=8 May 2007 |title=Ex-Busted member starts battle for royalties |url=http://www.birminghampost.net/news/local-news/ex-busted-member-starts-battle-royalties-3970000 |access-date=3 April 2023 |website=Business Live |language=en }}{{Dead link|date=May 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} although this version of the band broke up in October 2001.{{cite news |date=6 June 2008 |title=Busted pair lose royalties case |language=en-GB |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/music/newsid_7439000/7439725.stm |publisher=BBC News |access-date=3 April 2023}}{{cite web | url=https://swanturton.com/former-busted-members-fail-in-rights-claim-mcphail-and-doyle-v-bourne-and-sargeant/ | title=Former Busted members fail in rights claim | date=31 July 2008 | publisher=Swan Turton}}

Looking to find a new band member, Willis and Bourne placed an ad in NME magazine,{{cite news |date=23 March 2023 |title=Busted reunion: What have the group been doing for the last 20 years? |last=Graye |first=Megan |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/busted-reunion-tour-charlie-simpson-b2306578.html |access-date=3 April 2023 |website=The Independent |language=en}} titled "Guitarist and singer wanted for pop band…".{{cite news |last=McLean |first=Craig |date=23 July 2011 |title=What happens when boy bands grow up? |language=en-GB |work=The Observer |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/jul/24/when-boy-bands-grow-up |access-date=3 April 2023 |issn=0029-7712}} Auditions were held at Pineapple Studios in Covent Garden in October 2001. Charlie Simpson and Tom Fletcher were both offered a place to complete the line-up, but Busted's manager told Fletcher via a phone call a few days later that the band was to go ahead as a trio, comprising Bourne, Willis and Simpson.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFX5zCPk2CM&t=2m25s|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/FFX5zCPk2CM|archive-date=21 December 2021|url-status=live|title="McBusted On The Jonathan Ross Show Series 6 Ep 8.22 Feb 2014 Part 4/4|date=22 February 2014|publisher=YouTube|access-date=7 April 2016}}{{cbignore}}{{Cite news |last=Gibsone |first=Harriet |date=2022-10-29 |title=McFly's Tom Fletcher looks back: 'People threw things at us in the street. These days, they just want to say something nice' |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/oct/29/mcfly-tom-fletcher-looks-back-songwriter-author-boyband |access-date=2023-04-03 |issn=0261-3077}}

The band was launched in August 2002, making their first appearance on the cover of Smash Hits with the headline: "Meet Busted: They're Going to Be Bigger than Rik Waller!", making it a first for any pop band to appear on the magazine's cover before releasing a single.{{cite news|url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/mcbusted-liverpool-echo-arena-mcfly-6948544|title=McBusted at Liverpool ECHO arena: McFly and Busted had no idea how big they would become|last=Wright|first=Jade|date=14 April 2014|work=Liverpool Echo|publisher=Trinity Mirror|access-date=10 December 2015}} Their debut single, "What I Go to School For", inspired by a teacher that Willis had a crush on at school, was finally released in September 2002. It reached number three on the UK Singles Chart and was later performed in a girls school after the students won a BRMB competition.{{cite news |last1=Moss |first1=Edward |title=Busted pop concert rocks city schoolgirls. - Free Online Library |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Busted+pop+concert+rocks+city+schoolgirls.-a096945211 |access-date=11 January 2025 |work=www.thefreelibrary.com |publisher=Birmingham Post & Mail Ltd |date=2003}} Their debut album, Busted, was then released, initially charting only around the UK Top 30 and receiving mixed reviews from critics however, it went on to peak at number 2. The follow-up "Year 3000", which was written about Bourne's obsession with the film Back to the Future, then followed in January 2003, reaching number two in the UK chart. In April, their third single, "You Said No" became their first number one. British Hit Singles & Albums certified them as the first act ever to have their debut three singles enter the top three in an ascending order.{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/news/a531065/10-things-about-mcbusted.html|title=10 Things About... McBusted|last=Warner|first=Sam|date=18 November 2013|work=Digital Spy|publisher=Hearst Magazines UK|access-date=14 March 2016}}

Recording began for their second album while the debut album was re-released with new tracks and an enhanced CD section. It would go on to sell 1.2 million copies by the end of the year. The debut album's final single, "Sleeping with the Light On", reached number 3 in August 2003, beaten to number one by Blu Cantrell's "Breathe".{{cite news|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/69544/cantrell-cassidy-maintain-uk-chart-control|title=Cantrell, Cassidy Maintain U.K. Chart Control|date=18 August 2003|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=18 March 2016}}

Busted started the summer of 2003 with a win for Favourite Newcomer at the National Music Awards, as well as Best Band at that year's Disney Channel Kids' Awards. After this, the band launched the promotional trail for their new album, A Present for Everyone, and its lead single, "Crashed the Wedding", which reached number one in the UK chart. Edgier than their previous album, Simpson said that it had some "harder, Good Charlotte type vibes coming through on this album". This album would also go on to reach sales of over 1 million copies.

During 2003, Charlie met fellow songwriter-guitarist Alex Westaway and drummer Omar Abidi at a party. He was by this stage becoming increasingly frustrated by the music he was performing in Busted and stated he had "all of this creativity pent up inside and I just needed to vent it somewhere, and I was writing a lot of songs but I couldn't play them, because I didn't have anyone to play them with". During the aforementioned party, an impromptu jam session took place. Simpson, Westaway, and Abidi played Rage Against the Machine's song "Killing in the Name" on loop, and agreed to attend a gig a few days later. After the show, they went back to Simpson's flat and began performing on guitars and a v-drum kit, which led to their first song being written, titled "Too Much Punch". Westaway later invited bassist Dan Haigh to practice with the band and soon began booking regular rehearsal sessions together, under the name Fightstar.

2004 was to prove their final year together as a band. The band performed a successful arena tour to start the year before reaching number one and number two with "Who's David" and "Air Hostess", respectively. They picked up Best British Breakthrough Act and Best Pop Act at that year's BRIT Awards.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/music/newsid_3497000/3497191.stm |title=Two awards for Busted at the Brits |work=BBC News |access-date=21 August 2011}}

The boys then headed over to the U.S. to release a self-titled album that was a mixture of their first and second albums. Their exploits were captured for the TV series America or Busted, about Busted's attempts to achieve success in the United States, which ultimately failed. The show debuted on MTV UK in November of that year, over the course of the series, it saw Busted's attempts to 'break' America dwindle as interviews fell through and performances remained limited both in terms of audience size and press attention.{{Cite web|url=https://thehoneypop.com/2023/03/30/exclusive-interview-busted-on-their-20-year-anniversary-and-hitting-the-road-again/|title=Exclusive Interview: Busted On Their 20-Year Anniversary And Hitting The Road Again|first=Emily|last=Miller|date=30 March 2023|website=The Honey POP}}

Whilst the band were out in America, they were then invited to record the theme tune to the brand new Thunderbirds film that was coming out that summer. Released as a double A-side with the album track, "3AM", it gave them their fourth and final number one in August 2004, {{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3526424.stm|title=Busted rocket Thunderbirds to top|date=1 August 2004|via=news.bbc.co.uk}} staying at the top for two weeks, the longest they had ever spent at the top. However, the release of the fifth single from their second album, "She Wants to Be Me", failed to chart due to its lone formats being a download and a limited edition pocket sized CD, both of which breached chart regulations at the time. Their live album, A Ticket for Everyone, was released in November peaked at number eleven. The band embarked on another sell-out tour that November, and Busted gained a record of the band to play the most consecutive sellout dates at Wembley Arena, eleven nights. At the end of 2004, Busted were involved in the UK number-one Christmas single,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4070073.stm|title=Band Aid 20 single storms to No 1|work=BBC News|access-date=29 July 2009 | date=5 December 2004}} Band Aid 20's "Do They Know It's Christmas?"{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/3986693.stm|title=McCartney confirms Band Aid role|work=BBC News|access-date=29 July 2009 | date=5 November 2004}} with money raised helping to combat HIV and AIDS across Africa, famine relief in the Darfur region of Sudan and aid relief in many countries, such as Ethiopia.

Simpson's time spent with Fightstar reportedly began to cause tensions within the band,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4174341.stm|title=Boy band Busted decide to split|work=BBC News|access-date=29 July 2009 | date=14 January 2005}} amplified when Fightstar announced a 14-date UK tour.{{cite web|url=http://drownedinsound.com/news/11030-fightstar-tour-busted-don-t|title=Fightstar tour; Busted don't|publisher=Drowned in Sound|access-date=29 July 2009|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303184024/http://drownedinsound.com/news/11030-fightstar-tour-busted-don-t|url-status=dead}} Simpson announced to Busted's manager on 24 December 2004 over a phone call that he was leaving the band to focus on Fightstar full-time.{{cite web|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/new/xmlfeed.nsf/mndwebpages/simpson.%20.i.d%20quit%20busted%20in%20an%20instant.|title=BUSTED – SIMPSON: 'I'D QUIT BUSTED IN AN INSTANT'|publisher=Contact Music|access-date=29 July 2009|archive-date=26 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026100231/http://www.contactmusic.com/news-article/simpson.-.i.d-quit-busted-in-an-instant.|url-status=dead}} On 13 January 2005, Busted's record label announced that a press conference was to be held at the Soho Hotel in London the following day.{{cite web|url=http://popdirt.com/busted-press-conference-on-friday/35833/|title=Busted Press Conference on Friday|publisher=PopDirt|access-date=29 July 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303182607/http://popdirt.com/busted-press-conference-on-friday/35833/|archive-date=3 March 2016}} The next day, the 14th, it was then announced that Busted were splitting up after Simpson's departure weeks before.

In an interview with Kerrang! in November 2009, Simpson said, "It was a real fun thing to be doing, and I got on well with everyone I was doing it with, but on the other side, the music wasn't really fulfilling me. I have good memories of the time because we were traveling the world and doing some amazing things, but then as far as self-fulfillment goes, it wasn't really doing a lot for me, so I have these mixed views when I look back. But there's no doubt that it was an amazing thing to do".{{cite web |url=http://thisiswhoiam.kerrangradio.co.uk/Celebrities/View/Fightstar |title=This is who I am Orange Exclusive |publisher=Kerrang! |access-date=1 November 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090814180144/http://thisiswhoiam.kerrangradio.co.uk/Celebrities/View/Fightstar |archive-date=14 August 2009 }}

Simpson began pursuing a solo career after playing in Fightstar, a post-hardcore band which differs greatly from the sound of Busted.{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p756622/biography|pure_url=yes}}|title=Fightstar Biography|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=29 January 2009}} They formed a year prior to Busted's split. To-date they have released one EP and four albums: They Liked You Better When You Were Dead,{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0007SM9W2|title=They Liked You Better When You Were Dead Ep ~ Fightstar|publisher=Amazon|access-date=18 July 2009}} Grand Unification,{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000E41MXG|title=Grand Unification ~ Fightstar|publisher=Amazon|access-date=18 July 2009}} One Day Son, This Will All Be Yours,{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000V3OYMG|title=One Day Son This Will Be Yours ~ Fightstar|publisher=Amazon|access-date=18 July 2009}} Be Human{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001VKY73E|title=Be Human ~ Fightstar|publisher=Amazon|access-date=18 July 2009}} and Behind the Devil's Back, all being released in both the UK and the US. They have also released an album of b-sides and rarities, "Alternate Endings".{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00197X1MW|title=Alternate Endings ~ Fightstar|publisher=Amazon|access-date=18 July 2009}} Fightstar announced a hiatus at the beginning of 2010, stating that they were "taking some time off" to work on separate projects before regrouping to begin working a new record. After their 2014 reunion and 2015 album, Fightstar began to describe themselves as a "passion project" rather than a full-time band, as the members focus on other projects. Simpson released a solo acoustic album called Young Pilgrim, which peaked at number 6 in the UK Albums Chart in 2011, followed by the 2014 album Long Road Home.

Bourne went on to release music through pop punk band Son of Dork,{{cite web|url=https://www.myspace.com/sonofdorkmusic|title=Myspace: Son of Dork|publisher=MySpace|access-date=22 July 2009}} and pursued a solo career under the name of Future Boy.{{cite web|url=https://www.myspace.com/futureboy|title=Myspace: Future Boy|publisher=Myspace|access-date=22 July 2009}} Bourne has also written songs for many artists, including Melanie C,{{cite web|url=http://www.discogs.com/Melanie-C-This-Time/release/1285980|title=Melanie C – This Time (CD, Album)|publisher=Discogs|access-date=22 July 2009}} McFly,{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a78638/mcfly-star-wants-to-write-for-other-artists.html|title=McFly star wants to write for other artists|date=27 October 2007 |publisher=Digital Spy|access-date=22 July 2009}} JC Chasez,{{cite web|url=http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=66414428&blogId=324275038|title=MySpace.com Blogs – JC Chasez – Happy Halloween!|publisher=Myspace|access-date=22 July 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120926122753/http://www.myspace.com/jcchasez/blog/324275038|archive-date=26 September 2012}} Patrick Monahan,{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/patmonahan?v=info|title=Facebook – Pat Monahan Info|publisher=Facebook|access-date=22 July 2009}} and the Jonas Brothers. From 2007 to 2008, he was one of the main songwriters for the ITV musical drama, Britannia High.{{cite web|url=http://www.popsugar.co.uk/1075037|title=Ex-Busted Members Seek £10million in Royalties|publisher=PopSugar|access-date=18 July 2009|archive-date=8 August 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090808165530/http://www.popsugar.co.uk/1075037|url-status=dead}}

After a brief stint in rehab after the Busted split,{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/a35737/matt-willis-fine-after-rehab-stint.html|title=Matt Willis "fine" after rehab stint|date=10 August 2006 |publisher=Digital Spy|access-date=22 July 2009}} Willis began a solo career,{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/a19692/busteds-matt-willis-to-go-solo.html|title=Busted's Matt Willis to go solo|date=5 March 2005 |publisher=Digital Spy|access-date=22 July 2009}} releasing singles in 2006 and 2007, "Up All Night", "Hey Kid", "Don't Let It Go to Waste", and "Crash" for the film Mr Bean's Holiday,{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000NVIKG2|title=Crash [single] ~ Matt Willis|publisher=Amazon|access-date=22 July 2009}} all except the latter of which were included on his album Don't Let It Go to Waste. Willis also appeared on, and was the winner of, the 2006 series of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6198146.stm|title=Matt crowned 'King of the Jungle'|work=BBC News|access-date=22 July 2009 | date=1 December 2006}} After being dropped from his record label,{{cite web|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/article/willis%20dropped%20by%20record%20label_1034953|title=Busted – Willis dropped by Record Label|publisher=Contact Music|access-date=22 July 2009|archive-date=16 June 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080616111631/http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/article/willis%20dropped%20by%20record%20label_1034953|url-status=dead}} Willis turned to presenting. He presented at the Brit Awards{{cite web|url=http://www.nowmagazine.co.uk/celebrity-profiles/matt-willis/grills/253818/1/|title=Matt Willis Celebrity Grilling|publisher=Now Magazine|access-date=22 July 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080803002333/http://www.nowmagazine.co.uk/celebrity-profiles/matt-willis/grills/253818/1/|archive-date=3 August 2008}} and ITV2's I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! NOW! alongside his wife, Emma,{{cite web|url=http://www.unrealitytv.co.uk/im-a-celebrity/matt-willis-to-present-im-a-celebrity-get-me-out-of-here-now/|title=Matt Willis To Present I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here Now!|publisher=UnrealityTV|access-date=22 July 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090602074043/http://www.unrealitytv.co.uk/im-a-celebrity/matt-willis-to-present-im-a-celebrity-get-me-out-of-here-now/|archive-date=2 June 2009|url-status=dead}} the pair worked together on E!, presenting the BAFTAs.{{cite web|url=http://www.popsugar.co.uk/1075037|title=Ex-Busted Members Seek £10million in Royalties|publisher=Pop Sugar|access-date=22 July 2009|archive-date=8 August 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090808165530/http://www.popsugar.co.uk/1075037|url-status=dead}} On Willis' Myspace, he has stated that he is currently writing with his new band, yet to be named.{{cite web|url=http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=67894088&blogId=492787270|title=MySpace.com Blogs – Matt Willis – new band|publisher=MySpace|access-date=22 July 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120926123155/http://www.myspace.com/mattwillisofficial/blog/492787270|archive-date=26 September 2012}}

{{main|McBusted}}

From 19 to 22 September 2013, Willis and Bourne made a surprise brief reunion as McBusted when they joined McFly as special guests during the band's four 10th anniversary concerts at the Royal Albert Hall. They performed "Year 3000", "Air Hostess" and McFly's "Shine a Light" with McFly under the name 'McBusted'.{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a517071/busted-join-mcfly-on-stage-at-royal-albert-hall-show-video.html|title=Busted join McFly on stage at Royal Albert Hall show|date=20 September 2013|publisher=Digital Spy|last=Corner|first=Lewis|access-date=20 September 2013}} McFly and Busted confirmed a 2014 tour together. Simpson said through Twitter that although he would not be joining the new supergroup, he wished them the best of luck in the future.{{cite tweet|user=charliesimo|number=399881580430102528|title=Just wanted to say that though I am not joining @mattjwillis and @JamesBourne on their new venture, I wish them all the very best with it!|last=Simpson|first=Charlie|date=11 November 2013|access-date=12 November 2013}} McBusted released their debut album, McBusted, on 1 December 2014. They then embarked on another sold out UK tour, McBusted's Most Excellent Adventure Tour.{{Cite web |last=Mozafari |first=Laurence |date=7 April 2015 |title=McBusted's Most Excellent Adventure Tour, feat a flying car and giant computer games |url=https://heatworld.com/entertainment/music/mcbusted-excellent-adventure-tour-review-o2-london/ |access-date=2023-08-07 |website=Heat}}{{Cite news |last=Beaumont |first=Mark |date=2015-04-05 |title=McBusted review – punk-pop supergroup cum pop-culture satire |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/apr/05/mcbusted-review |access-date=2023-08-07 |issn=0261-3077}}

Willis also revealed that Busted had been approached to star in the ITV2 series The Big Reunion, but turned it down because "it didn't feel right for our band."{{cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/a530350/busted-were-approached-for-big-reunion-reveals-matt-willis/|title=Busted 'were approached for Big Reunion'|last=Corner|first=Lewis|date=11 November 2013|website=Digital Spy|language=en-GB|access-date=2 April 2020}}

On 5 October 2015, The Sun rumoured that Simpson was set to rejoin Busted.{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a672113/move-over-mcbusted-busted-are-re-forming-as-charlie-simpson-is-set-for-a-shock-return.html|title=Move over McBusted – Busted are re-forming as Charlie Simpson is set for a shock return|last=Sandwell|first=Ian|date=6 October 2015|work=Digital Spy|publisher=Hearst Magazines UK|access-date=6 October 2015}} After this, a photo made its way around the internet that showed the three members of Busted silhouetted in front of a red background. Words appeared to be blurred out at the bottom of the image, but above that was the words "Join us for a special announcement Tuesday November 10th 2015". This implied that the band was reuniting, with further speculation that the three would embark on a reunion tour together. On 10 November 2015, Busted announced a thirteen-date arena tour in the UK and Ireland would take place in May 2016.{{cite web|url=http://www.kerrang.com/37704/charlie-simpson-rejoins-busted/|title=Charlie Simpson Rejoins Busted |work=Kerrang!|author=James|date=10 November 2015|access-date=10 November 2015}} At the same press conference Busted announced their third studio album.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/artists/busted-reunion-charlie-simpson/|title=Busted set to return with live tour – and Charlie Simpson|last=Hawkes|first=Rebecca|date=10 November 2015|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=10 November 2015}} 100,000 tickets were sold in the first hour of being put on sale. Subsequent tour dates were added as a result of high demand.{{cite web|url=http://metro.co.uk/2015/11/13/busted-announce-brand-new-tour-dates-after-selling-100000-tickets-in-an-hour-5499348/|title=Busted announce brand new tour dates after selling 100,000 tickets in an hour|work=Metro|author=Tamara Hardingham-Gill|date=13 November 2015|access-date=15 November 2015}}

File:Busted live in Glasgow.jpg

Regarding his decision to rejoin the band, Simpson told Newsbeat: "I reckon I said it [so many times], privately and publicly, and I meant it every single time. But as I say I have changed my mind and that has been down to the circumstances changing. I never thought we would get to a point where we were in a studio writing music we all got behind creatively and that was a huge shock to me".{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/34776292/how-charlie-simpson-came-round-to-a-busted-reunion|title=How Charlie Simpson came round to a Busted reunion|date=10 November 2015|work=Newsbeat|publisher=BBC Online|access-date=17 April 2016}}

In early 2016, Busted recorded their third studio album in Los Angeles. On 17 March 2016, Bourne told a fan on Twitter that Busted would decide the release date for their third album that day.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/JamesBourne/status/710378839487225857|title=James Bourne on Twitter|publisher=Twitter}} It is scheduled for release in the Autumn. The band have also insisted that their reunion is for the long-term; as Bourne told Digital Spy, "We want this to be something that is ongoing. Anything we write now goes towards album four".{{cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a789262/busted-are-back-for-good-not-just-for-a-one-off-reunion-its-a-new-chapter/|title=Busted are back for good, not just for a one-off reunion: 'It's a new chapter'|last=Corner|first=Lewis|date=4 April 2016|work=Digital Spy|publisher=Hearst Magazines UK|access-date=4 April 2016}} On 4 April 2016, Busted announced that their tour would be called the Pigs Can Fly Tour 2016 and would include Wheatus and Emma Blackery as special guests. Regarding the title, Willis told Newsbeat, "The whole pigs can fly thing sums up how we feel about this. There have been times that we thought Busted could never, ever possibly happen and we were quite right in thinking that. But this summarises that anything is possible".{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/35959647/busted-reveal-emma-blackery-and-wheatus-will-join-their-uk-tour|title=Busted reveal Emma Blackery and Wheatus will join their UK tour|date=4 April 2016|work=Newsbeat|publisher=BBC Online|access-date=4 April 2016}} In an interview with Digital Spy, the band revealed that their fans will get a taste of their new sound before their reunion tour and that their eleventh single will be released in the summer, and their album would follow in the autumn.

On 25 April 2016, it was officially announced that South African drummer Cobus Potgieter, popular on YouTube, would be the supporting drummer for the band during the tour.{{cite news|url=http://www.sugarscape.com/music/news/a1088831/busted-cobus/|title=Busted announce Cobus as their Pigs Can Fly Tour drummer|last=Smith|first=Carl|date=25 April 2016|publisher=sugarscape.com|access-date=26 April 2016}} On 3 May, Busted released "Coming Home", their first new song for 12 years, as a free download from their website.{{cite news|url=http://realitybox.co.uk/busted-drop-brand-new-track-12-long-years/|title=Busted drop brand new track 'Coming Home' after 12 years|last=McVey|first=Adam|date=3 May 2016|publisher=Realitybox.co.uk|access-date=3 May 2016}} During the 'Pigs Can Fly' tour, Busted premiered two new tracks titled "Easy" and "One of a Kind", from the upcoming 2016 album. Chalmers, president of East West, said: "Watching Busted play live over the past few weeks and seeing people respond to their music and energy has been amazing. Busted have a huge global fanbase who are going to be really excited to hear the new music the guys are working on. They've managed to combine the classic Busted sound with a modern twist, it's sure to remind people of why they love them. We're really happy to be working with Charlie, Matt and James".{{cite web|url=http://www.pressparty.com/pg/newsdesk/SimonJonesPR/view/153382/|title=EAST WEST RECORDS SIGNS MULTIPLATINUM BRITISH BAND BUSTED: Pressparty|website=Pressparty.com}}

On 14 July 2016, Busted revealed that the "final touches" to the album were complete.

On 18 August 2016, it was announced by BBC News that a musical based on the band's history written by Bourne and Elliot Davis was to be staged, What I Go to School For will depict the group's rise to fame. It will be performed at the Theatre Royal Brighton in August 2016 and will feature songs like Air Hostess, Crashed the Wedding and Year 3000. If the show is a success Bourne and Davis have said they would like to take it to the West End.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-37115715|title=Teenagers premiere Busted stage musical What I Go To School For: BBC News|work=BBC News|date=18 August 2016 }}

On 9 September 2016, Busted revealed that their third album would be called Night Driver.{{cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a807351/busted-new-album-2016-night-driver/|title=Busted announce their first new album in 12 years – and it's called Night Driver|last=Corner|first=Lewis|date=30 September 2016|work=Digital Spy|access-date=30 September 2016}}

On 3 May 2016, "Coming Home" was released as a promotional single from the album. On 30 September 2016, "On What You're On" was released as the first official single from the album. Another song, entitled "Easy", was unveiled on 18 October 2016. Two days later, on 20 October 2016, Busted announced that due to production delays, the album release would be pushed back to 25 November 2016. The same day, Busted released a video for "Easy" filmed live at Pool Studios.{{cite web|url=http://www.clashmusic.com/news/busted-take-it-easy-in-this-new-clip|title=Busted Take It 'Easy' In This New Clip|website=Clashmusic.com|date=20 October 2016 }}

On 23 October 2016, the band made their first TV performance in over 12 years on The X Factor to perform "Year 3000" with the contestants.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FxvcXfqUts |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/0FxvcXfqUts |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Busted – Year 3000 with the X Factor contestants [23.10.16]|date=23 October 2016|publisher=YouTube|access-date=13 March 2018}}{{cbignore}}

In June 2017 Busted flew to Los Angeles to perform their first American re-formed gig at the Troubadour and continue writing and begin recording for their planned fourth album.{{cite web|last1=LA Weekly, LP|title=Busted|url=http://www.laweekly.com/event/busted-8152454|website=L.A. Weekly|access-date=4 June 2017|date=2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403181201/http://www.laweekly.com/event/busted-8152454|archive-date=3 April 2018|url-status=dead}}{{cite tweet|author=BBC Radio 2|title="We're currently working on our fourth album in Los Angeles". @Busted talk summer festivals and a sold out US gig|user=BBCRadio2|number=864488382021472257|access-date=4 June 2017}}

In April 2018, it was confirmed the album would release in early 2019, and the band would return to their original sound.{{cite news|url=http://www.musicweek.com/live/read/busted-sign-with-coda-for-live-representation/072200|title=Busted sign with Coda for live representation|last=Hanley|first=James|date=20 April 2018|work=Music Week|access-date=20 April 2018}} In May that year, Cobus Potgieter, who had previously stood in as drummer on Busted's 2016 tour, announced that he would be the studio drummer for the upcoming fourth album.{{Cite web|publisher=YouTube|title=RECORDING WITH BUSTED|date=10 May 2018|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzQIj5QJ9vI |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/NzQIj5QJ9vI |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|access-date=2018-05-10}}{{cbignore}}

On 26 October 2018, Busted announced that their fourth album, Half Way There{{cite web|last=Smith|first=Niki|date=2 November 2018|title=Busted are back at their best – Nineties single review.|url=https://celebmix.com/busted-ninties-single-review/|access-date=2021-01-01|website=CelebMix|language=en-GB}} (a reference to a lyric in the song "Year 3000"),{{cite web|last=Watson|first=Elly|date=31 January 2019|title=Busted Half Way There Interview {{!}} Wonderland Magazine|url=http://www.wonderlandmagazine.com/2019/01/31/busted-interview/|access-date=2021-01-01|website=Wonderlandmagazine.com|language=en-US}} would be released on 8 February 2019. The album features a cover of James Bourne's song, "What Happened to Your Band", which was previously performed by his band Son of Dork and recorded by McBusted,{{cite web |last1=White |first1=Jack |title=Big albums coming in 2019 |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/albums-to-be-released-in-2019__25170/ |website=Official Charts |access-date=29 December 2018 |language=en |date=23 December 2018}} and returns to the roots of their musical style. The first single of the album, "Nineties", was released in the first week of November 2018. Additional songs from the album, "Reunion" and "All My Friends", were released 14 and 15 December respectively (the latter was an exclusive release for those that had pre-ordered the album from the band's online store{{cite web |last1=Busted World |title=#ALLMYFRIENDS is available NOW if you have pre ordered from @Busted's store!GO GO GO! It's beautiful |url=https://twitter.com/bustedworld/status/1073519264861171712 |website=Twitter |publisher=Busted World |access-date=29 December 2018 |language=en |date=14 December 2018}}). In January 2019, Busted released their second single for the album, "Radio".{{cite web|url=https://www.entertainment-focus.com/music-section/music-news/busted-release-new-track-radio-take-a-listen/|title=Busted release new track Radio – take a listen|date=9 January 2019|website=Entertainment-focus.com}} This was accompanied by a music video.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kG2CVhbt5W4 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/kG2CVhbt5W4 |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Busted – Radio (Official Video)|date=9 January 2019 |publisher=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}

The band performed a secret set at Slam Dunk Festival in May 2019, on the Key Club Stage (Right). The band performed under the pseudonym "Y3K", a reference to their song Year 3000.[http://www.deadpress.co.uk/news-slam-dunk-festival-2019-tease-special-guests-as-being-y3k/ NEWS: Slam Dunk Festival 2019 tease special guests as being Y3K!] Dead Press. 22 May 2019. Retrieved 25 May 2019.

On 8 June 2019, Busted were invited up on stage to perform "Year 3000" with the Jonas Brothers at Capital's Summertime Ball 2019 as special guests.{{Cite web|title=Jonas Brothers & Busted perform Year 3000 LIVE together at STB|url=https://www.capitalfm.com/artists/the-jonas-brothers/busted-year-3000-summertime-ball-watch/|date=8 June 2019|access-date=2021-01-01|website=Capital|language=en}}

On 31 December 2019, Bourne announced a new solo project, tweeting "After twenty amazing years making music, I am stepping into 2020 on a brand new solo adventure. Busted will always be my band. But, I've dreamed for years about releasing my own album so here we go."{{cite tweet|user=JamesBourne|number=1211999450219966464|last=Bourne|first=James|title=After twenty amazing years making music, I am stepping into 2020 on a brand new solo adventure. Busted will always be my band. But, I've dreamed for years about releasing my own album so here we go.|language=en|access-date=13 May 2020}} His debut album, Safe Journey Home, was released on 23 October 2020.{{Cite web|date=23 September 2020|title=James Bourne from Busted on New Solo Album 'Safe Journey Home'|url=https://www.crookesmagazine.com/music/james-bourne/|access-date=1 January 2021|website=Crookes Magazine|language=en-GB}} The album was followed-up with Sugar Beach, released in 2022. Simpson released a solo single called "I See You". His fourth solo album, Hope Is a Drug, was released in 2022.{{Cite web|url=http://www.itunescharts.net/uk/artists/music/charlie-simpson/songs/i-see-you/|title='I See You' by Charlie Simpson (British Songs iTunes Chart)|website=iTunes Charts}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.itunescharts.net/uk/charts/songs/2020/10/22|title=iTunesCharts.net: UK Songs Thursday, 22nd October 2020|website=iTunes Charts}} Alongside this, Simpson also set up a Patreon where he uploads exclusive tracks including new music and covers.{{Cite web|url=https://www.patreon.com/charliesimpson|title=Charlie Simpson from Komorebi Studios|website=Patreon.com|access-date=8 December 2021}} During the hiatus, Willis continued his acting career, appearing in stage productions such as Waitress and 2:22 A Ghost Story.

On 21 March 2023, the band posted a teaser on their social media platforms for an announcement to be unveiled on 23 March, putting an end to their hiatus.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tyla.com/celebrity/busted-20th-anniversary-new-music-tour-reunion-308822-20230322|title=Busted tease comeback for 20th anniversary as fans go wild over cryptic video|date=22 March 2023|website=Tyla}}{{cite news|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/busted-announce-20th-anniversary-greatest-hits-tour-with-hanson-and-loser-kid-20-release-with-simple-plan__38830/|title=Busted announce Greatest Hits tour and new music|last=Smith|first=Carl|date=23 March 2023|publisher=Official Charts Company}} That morning, they announced the 20th Anniversary & Greatest Hits Tour, a 15-date UK tour for September 2023. A single was also announced alongside the tour announcement: "Loser Kid 2.0," a re-recording of a song from their debut album featuring Simple Plan, set to release 14 April.{{cite news|url=https://metro.co.uk/2023/03/23/busted-announce-comeback-with-massive-uk-tour-and-reworks-of-hit-songs-18482064/|title=Busted announce return with massive UK arena tour and reworks of hit songs to celebrate more than 20 years since debut|last=O'Connor|first=Rachael|date=23 March 2023|website=Metro|access-date=23 March 2023}} An album of other re-recorded Busted classics featuring other artists, including McFly, All Time Low and Neck Deep, is set to be released as well.{{Cite web|url=https://www.kerrang.com/simple-plan-all-time-low-and-more-to-feature-on-busted-anniversary-tracks|title=Simple Plan, All Time Low and more to feature on Busted anniversary tracks|website=Kerrang|last=Carter|first=Emily|date=23 March 2023|access-date=31 March 2023}} After selling out the initial 15-date tour, the band announced 11 additional dates in the UK and Ireland to meet demand, extending the tour until 10 October, with Hanson being the opening act of some of the dates, including the London O2 concerts.{{cite news|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/busted-announce-extra-dates-for-their-2023-uk-reunion-tour-buy-tickets-3423928|title=Busted announce extra dates for their 2023 UK reunion tour|website=NME|last=Skinner|first=Tom|date=31 March 2023|access-date=31 March 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/busted-tour-2023-band-adds-26606236|title=Busted tour 2023: Band adds second Newcastle date after phenomenal demand|website=Chronicle Live|last=Rewcastle|first=Elly|date=31 March 2023|access-date=31 March 2023}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/music/busted-announce-northern-ireland-tour-date-following-fan-outrage/937702124.html|title=Busted announce Northern Ireland tour date following fan outrage|newspaper=Belfasttelegraph.co.uk |date=5 April 2023 |via=www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk}}

On 14 April 2023, Busted released a version of "Loser Kid", the closing track of their 2002 self-titled debut album, titled "Loser Kid 2.0" featuring Canadian band Simple Plan.{{Cite web|url=https://rocksound.tv/news/busted-simple-plan-loser-kid-2-0|title=Busted Team Up With Simple Plan For 'Loser Kid 2.0'|first=James|last=Wilson-Taylor|date=14 April 2023|website=Rock Sound}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.kerrang.com/listen-simple-plan-guest-on-busteds-new-version-of-loser-kid/|title=Listen: Simple Plan guest on Busted's new version of Loser Kid|date=14 April 2023|website=Kerrang!}} This version peaked at number 13 on the UK Singles Sales Chart.{{Cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-sales-chart/20230421/7509/|title=Official Singles Sales Chart Top 100|publisher=Official Charts Company|date=21 April 2023|accessdate=21 April 2023}} On 5 May 2023, Busted released "Meet You There 2.0", a pop-punk version of their 2003 album track, featuring Welsh pop-punk band Neck Deep.{{cite tweet|user=Busted|author=Busted|number=1654387955169914881|title=Meet You There 2.0 with our friends Neck Deep is out now! We are so excited for you to hear this one. Go hit the link to stream it, play it loud and let us know what you think below|access-date=5 May 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.kerrang.com/busted-and-neck-deep-team-up-for-pop-punk-version-of-meet-you-there|title=Busted and Neck Deep team up for new pop-punk version of Meet You There|website=Kerrang|last=Carter|first=Emily|date=5 May 2023|access-date=5 May 2023}} On 26 May 2023, Busted released a cover version of the 1997 Hanson hit "MMMBop", in collaboration with the latter band, titled "MMMBop 2.0".{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/mmmbop-2-0/1687458065?i=1687458069|title=Busted & Hanson - MMMBop 2.0|website=Apple Music|date=26 May 2023|access-date=27 May 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://virginradio.co.uk/music/107898/busted-hanson-new-version-mmmbop|title=Busted and Hanson team up for new version of 90s classic MMMBop|website=Virgin Radio|date=23 May 2023|access-date=27 May 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://retropopmagazine.com/busted-team-up-with-hanson-on-new-version-of-90s-classic-mmmbop/|title=Busted team up with Hanson on new version of '90s classic MMMBop|website=Retro Pop Magazine|date=26 May 2023|access-date=27 May 2023}} On 23 June 2023, Busted released a version of their 2003 hit "Crashed the Wedding", titled "Crashed the Wedding 2.0," featuring American band All Time Low.{{Cite web|url=https://www.soundspheremag.com/news/busted-release-crashed-the-wedding-2-0-ft-all-time-low/|title=Busted release 'Crashed the Wedding 2.0' ft. All-Time-Low|first=Dan|last=Carver|date=23 June 2023|work=Sound Sphere Mag}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.stereoboard.com/content/view/240047/9|title=Busted Team Up With All Time Low For New Version Of Crashed The Wedding - Stereoboard|first=Jon|last=Stickler|date=23 June 2023|website=Stereoboard.com}} On 28 July 2023, they released a version of their 2002 hit "Year 3000" titled "Year 3000 2.0", featuring the Jonas Brothers on guest vocals. Greatest Hits 2.0, a collaborative album of re-recordings of songs from Busted's first two albums, was made available for pre-order on 28 July 2023.{{Cite web|url=https://www.kerrang.com/busted-announce-greatest-hits-2-0-album-featuring-you-me-at-six-dashboard-confessional-and-loads-more/|title=Busted announce Greatest Hits 2.0 album featuring You Me At Six,…|date=28 July 2023|website=Kerrang!}} The album reached number 1 in the UK album charts on 22 September 2023. {{Cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/albums-chart/20230922/7502/|title=Official Albums Chart Top 100 on 22/09/2023|date=22 September 2023|website=Official Charts}} In January 2024, it was announced Busted would be participating in Download Festival.{{cite web | url=https://www.kerrang.com/enter-shikari-mr-bungle-code-orange-busted-and-more-added-to-download-festival-2024 | title=Enter Shikari, Mr. Bungle, Code Orange, Busted and more added to… | date=29 January 2024 }}

In July 2024, Busted announced their first-ever tour of Australia, with shows in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne in October and November 2024.{{Cite web|url=https://themusic.com.au/news/busted-announce-first-ever-australian-tour/q5gRv76hoKM/02-07-24|title=Busted Announce First-Ever Australian Tour|first=Mary|last=Varvaris|date=2 July 2024|website=The Music}}

Busted and McFly announced "Busted vs McFly" on 9 October 2024, marking the first time all seven members would perform together since 2003.{{Cite web|url=https://news.stv.tv/scotland/busted-vs-mcfly-pop-rock-bands-announce-face-off-tour-with-two-dates-scotland|title=Busted vs McFly: Bands announce Scots dates for 'face-off' tour|first=Matthew|last=Fulton|date=10 October 2024|website=STV News}}

Busted's genre has been described as pop rock, pop-punk and college rock.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-46389081|title=Busted was 'the walking band of clichés'|date=30 January 2019|access-date=8 December 2021|website=BBC News}} Although the band were often referred to as a boy band, Simpson, Bourne and Willis would often reject that label. Simpson stated 'Those clichés are everything the band wasn't, because we hated them. We hated the machine of pop, we split up at the height of our fame, they were talking about us putting on a Wembley Stadium gig and we gave it up.' The sound of their first two albums were often compared to that of Wheatus, Blink-182 and Sum 41Hodges, Jacqueline (20 November 2002). "Busted Review". BBC Music. Retrieved 25 September 2011. and the band were complimented on the energy and enthusiasm brought to the studio and shows.Smith, Nikki (20 November 2002). "Busted A Present For Everyone Review". BBC Music. Retrieved 26 September 2011. When Busted returned to the pop punk sounds for Half Way There, Simpson noted that it was a style they tried to have when they were younger but the 'record label wouldn't allow it'.{{Cite web|url=https://www.wonderlandmagazine.com/2019/01/31/busted-interview/|title=Busted Half Way There Interview | Wonderland Magazine|date=31 January 2019|website=Wonderlandmagazine.com|access-date=8 December 2021}} Busted's attempts to mature their sound was noted by Simpson in a BBC Interview. He stated 'I would go to the label and say, 'You've got to turn the drums up, you can't hear them and it doesn't sound like a rock record, it sounds like a pop record'.

Their third album, Night Driver, was a departure from their original sound. NME noted upon the release of "Coming Home", that the band were much more 'synth-pop' influenced.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/busted-3-1203325|title=Busted showcase new synth-pop sound on comeback track 'Coming Home'|website=Nme.com|date=3 May 2016|access-date=8 December 2021}} Influence from the 1980s decade and Daft Punk were also noted.{{Cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/nov/27/busted-night-driver-review-charlie-simpson|title=Busted: Night Driver review – hear Charlie Simpson roar|date=27 November 2016|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=8 December 2021}} The group also branched out into R&B and bass-heavy alternative pop.{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/night-driver-mw0002985443|title=Night Driver – Busted | Songs, Reviews, Credits |website=AllMusic|access-date=8 December 2021}}

Lyrically, Busted often references pop culture. Bourne stated 'The pop culture references are a big part of what we do. On those early records, we’ve got Britney Spears and Dawson's Creek in there, now we’re writing about Elon Musk. That's what's in our lives now'.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hmv.com/music/busted-half-way-there-interview|title="How do you make up a grown-up Busted album?" – We sat down with the band to talk new album Half Way There|website=HMV|access-date=8 December 2021}} Their song Year 3000 is also heavily influenced by Back to the Future. The band also described their style as 'tongue in cheek', stating that if you do that to 'banging rock music' and that 'When you do that, you can be silly, it really works'.

Busted have spoken about various influences for their sound and songwriting including Robbie Williams,Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: "McBusted: The day Busted broke up & Year 3000 | Star Stories". YouTube. Green Day,{{Cite web |last=O'Connor |first=Rachael |date=2023-03-23 |title=Busted: 'We were the outsiders. We weren't invited to Atomic Kitten's party' |url=https://metro.co.uk/2023/03/23/busted-we-were-always-the-outsiders-we-werent-invited-to-atomic-kittens-party-18491380/ |access-date=2023-04-04 |website=Metro |language=en}} Michael Jackson and Blink-182.{{Cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/showbiz/a30269379/busted-charlie-simpson-love-form-supergroup-blink-182/|title=Busted's Charlie reveals who he'd love to form a supergroup with|first=Sam|last=Warner|website=Digital Spy|date=24 December 2019|access-date=8 December 2021}} Simpson stated that the latter in particular was a "big influence back in the day". Bourne also stated that Third Eye Blind was a "major influence" to the early days of the band. Upon announcing that Wheatus would be joining McBusted on tour in 2014, Willis stated that the band was a "massive Busted influence".{{cite tweet|user=mattjwillis|last=Willis|first=Matt|number=456042483177492480|title=YES!!! Just found out that @wheatus have been added to the Hyde Park gig! Massive Busted influence!!! Life is great!}}

At the height of their popularity, Busted were often complimented for bringing in a wave of British pop rock. They were cited as bringing in '"something fresh and new" to the scene' of pop. They 'broke with that trend of the all-singing, all-dancing boy group that was around', instead pioneering a revival in interest of the guitar.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4174643.stm|title=How Busted rocked the pop scene|last=Youngs|first=Ian|date=15 January 2005|access-date=8 December 2021|publisher=BBC News}} Kerrang! cited Busted as a positive influence on kids getting into rock. Simpson also spoke in 2019 about being told of an increase in guitar sales during Busted's heyday. Willis also mentioned that many upcoming indie bands and fans had spoken to him, stating that: "I meet them and they’ll say, ‘The first song I learned to play was What I Go to School For, and, ‘the first time I picked up a guitar was playing Busted tab’.

That was amazing to me because I did that with Oasis chord books. It was so cool to hear people did that with our band."{{Cite web|url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/busted-it-was-just-really-successful-and-people-couldnt-really-wrap-their-heads-around-that|title=Busted: "We were just really successful and people couldn't really wrap their heads around that"|first=Rob|last=Laing|date=17 April 2019|website=MusicRadar.com|access-date=8 December 2021}} Their first two albums went Multi-Platinum and they achieved four number ones in the UK Charts. In 2004, Busted won Best British Breakthrough BRIT Award.

The band's reunion tour in 2016 required extra dates after selling out within an hour.{{Cite web|url=https://metro.co.uk/2015/11/13/busted-announce-brand-new-tour-dates-after-selling-100000-tickets-in-an-hour-5499348/|title=Busted announce brand new tour dates after selling 100,000 tickets in an hour|first=Tamara|last=Hardingham-Gill|website=Metro.co.uk|date=13 November 2015|access-date=8 December 2021}}

Busted have been cited as influences for The Vamps{{cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a545789/the-vamps-the-music-that-made-us-arctic-monkeys-mcfly-more/|title=The Vamps: The music that made us – Arctic Monkeys, McFly, more|last=Corner|first=Lewis|date=22 January 2015|work=Digital Spy|publisher=Hearst Corporation|access-date=12 November 2015}} and 5 Seconds of Summer.{{cite news|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/6190829/5-seconds-of-summer-influences-nirvana-green-day-blink-182|title=5 Seconds of Summer's Top 10 Influences: Blink-182, Green Day, Nirvana & More|last=Payne|first=Chris|date=28 July 2014|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=12 November 2015}} They have also been cited as one of the reasons musician Emma Blackery 'picked up a guitar'. Blackery went on to tour with the band during the Pigs Can Fly Tour in 2016.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-35959647|title=Busted reveal Emma Blackery and Wheatus will join their UK tour|date=4 April 2016|access-date=8 December 2021|website=Bbc.co.uk}} Pop rock band Natives have been vocally thankful to Busted, and particularly Matt Willis for 'fighting their corner'.{{Cite web|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-news/natives-busted-s-matt-willis-gave-us-extra-confidence-to-make-our-band-work-a3458051.html|title=Natives praise Busted's Matt Willis for 'fighting their corner'|first=Emma|last=Powell|date=3 February 2017|website=Standard.co.uk|access-date=8 December 2021}}

Busted have been called instrumental in the formation of British pop rock band McFly. After the record label declined Tom Fletcher's participation in the band, he was offered a space on the song writing team for the first two albums. Fletcher credits James Bourne as teaching him the structure of a pop hit.{{Cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/showbiz/10-things-about/a531065/10-things-about-mcbusted/|title=10 Things About... McBusted|first=Sam|last=Warner|website=Digitalspy.com|date=18 November 2013|access-date=8 December 2021}} After Busted's split, McFly were often referred to as Busted's successor.{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/room-on-the-3rd-floor-mw0000470842|title=Room on the 3rd Floor – McFly | Songs, Reviews, Credits |website=AllMusic|access-date=8 December 2021}} "Year 3000" and "What I Go to School For" were also covered by the pop band Jonas Brothers. Their cover of "Year 3000" was a lead single from their first album and a commercial success.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/ask-billboard-jonas-brothers-want-to-know-their-album-song-sales/|title=Ask Billboard: Jonas Brothers Want to Know Their Album & Song Sales|first=Gary|last=Trust|magazine=Billboard|date=17 February 2015|access-date=8 December 2021}}

Busted were mentioned directly by singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi as being an influence to his own artistry.{{cite web|url=https://www.beyondthestagemagazine.com/how-lewis-capaldi-made-it-to-1/|title=How Lewis Capaldi Made it to #1|first=Addie|last=Whelan|date=21 October 2019|work=Beyond the Stage Magazine}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

Current

• James Bourne – vocals, guitars, keyboards, piano, synths {{small|(2000–2005, 2015–present)}}
• Matt Willis – vocals, bass, drums {{small|(2000–2005, 2015–present)}}
• Charlie Simpson – vocals, lead guitar, drums, keyboards, synths {{small|(2001–2005, 2015–present)}}

Current touring musicians

• Eddy Thrower[http://www.deadpress.co.uk/news-busted-enlist-eddy-thrower-lower-than-atlantis-as-touring-drummer/ NEWS: Busted enlist Eddy Thrower (Lower Than Atlantis) as touring drummer!] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328042048/http://www.deadpress.co.uk/news-busted-enlist-eddy-thrower-lower-than-atlantis-as-touring-drummer/ |date=28 March 2019 }} Dead Press. 15 December 2018. Retrieved 16 December 2018. – drums {{small|(2019–present)}}

{{col-2}}

Former

• Owen Doyle – vocals, bass {{small|(2000–2001)}}
• Ki Fitzgerald – vocals, rhythm guitar {{small|(2000–2001)}}
• Tom Fletcher – vocals, rhythm guitar {{small|(2001)}}

Former touring musicians

• Damon Wilson – drums {{small|(2003–2004)}}
• Chris Banks – keyboards {{small|(2003–2004)}}
• Chris Leonard – guitars {{small|(2003–2004)}}
• Nick Tsang – guitars {{small|(2016–2017)}}
• Ross Harris – drums {{small|(2016–2018)}}
• Cobus Potgieter - drums {{small|(2016)}}
• Jesse Molloy – saxophone {{small|(2017)}}
• David Temple – saxophone {{small|(2017)}}

{{col-end}}

{{#tag:timeline|

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at:09/30/2002

at:11/17/2003

at:11/25/2016

at:02/01/2019

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id:Vox value:red legend:Vocals

id:LGuitar value:teal legend:Lead_guitar

id:RGuitar value:brightgreen legend:Rhythm_guitar

id:Bass value:blue legend:Bass

id:Keys value:purple legend:Keyboards,_synths

id:Drums value:orange legend:Drums

id:Studio value:black legend:Studio_albums

id:bars value:gray(0.9)

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bar:Bourne text:"James Bourne"

bar:Simpson text:"Charlie Simpson"

bar:Ki text:"Ki Fitzgerald"

bar:Fletcher text:"Tom Fletcher"

bar:Doyle text:"Owen Doyle"

bar:Willis text:"Matt Willis"

PlotData=

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bar:Willis from:01/01/2000 till:01/01/2001 color:Drums

bar:Willis from:01/01/2001 till:01/14/2005 color:Bass

bar:Willis from:01/01/2000 till:01/14/2005 color:Vox width:3

bar:Willis from:11/05/2015 till:end color:Bass

bar:Willis from:11/05/2015 till:end color:Vox width:3

bar:Simpson from:01/01/2001 till:12/24/2004 color:LGuitar

bar:Simpson from:01/01/2001 till:12/24/2004 color:Keys width:9

bar:Simpson from:01/01/2001 till:12/24/2004 color:Drums width:5

bar:Simpson from:01/01/2001 till:12/24/2004 color:Vox width:3

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bar:Bourne from:01/01/2000 till:01/02/2001 color:LGuitar

bar:Bourne from:01/02/2001 till:01/14/2005 color:RGuitar

bar:Bourne from:01/01/2000 till:01/14/2005 color:Vox width:3

bar:Bourne from:11/05/2015 till:end color:RGuitar

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bar:Bourne from:11/05/2015 till:end color:Keys width:7

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bar:Doyle from:01/01/2000 till:01/01/2001 color:Vox width:3

bar:Fletcher from:01/01/2001 till:01/02/2001 color:RGuitar

bar:Fletcher from:01/01/2001 till:01/02/2001 color:Vox width:3

}}

{{Main|Busted discography}}

• Busted (2002)
• A Present for Everyone (2003)
• Night Driver (2016)
• Half Way There (2019)

• Busted: Tour (2003)
• Busted: A Ticket for Everyone (2004)
• Busted: A Ticket for Everyone Else (2004)
• Busted: Pigs Can Fly 2016 (2016)
• Busted: Night Driver Tour 2017 (2017)
• Half Way There Tour (2019)
• 20th Anniversary & Greatest Hits Tour (2023)
• Busted vs McFly Tour (2025)

{{Reflist}}

{{wikiquote}}

• {{Official website|https://busted.komi.io/}}
• {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=mn0000537444|label=Busted}}

{{Busted}}

{{McBusted}}

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|title = Awards for Busted

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