Black widow spiders are notorious for the distinct markings on their abdomens and their highly toxic venom, which is reportedly 15 times stronger than rattlesnake venom, according to Wikipedia. The National Geographic website warns that bites from these spiders can cause symptoms such as nausea, muscle aches, and difficulty breathing due to paralysis of the diaphragm. Urgent medical attention is strongly advised in such cases.

Busted, known for their popular songs like “What I Go To School For,” “Year 3000,” and “Crashed The Wedding,” was formed by Bourne, Matt Willis, and Charlie Simpson in 2000.

After disbandment of Busted in 2005, James and Matt found themselves collaborating with another popular band, McFly. This collaboration gave birth to the extraordinary supergroup known as McBusted. The fusion of these two talented bands created a musical powerhouse that delighted fans with their energetic performances and infectious tunes.

In 2016, Busted surprised their fans by reuniting with Charlie Simpson, who had previously left the band. This reunion brought a wave of excitement and anticipation among their loyal fan base. The band unveiled fresh music, proving that their creative spark was still very much alive. Presently, Busted is celebrating their 20th anniversary with a revival tour. This tour serves as a testament to their enduring popularity and the impact they have had on the music industry. Fans from all over the world have eagerly awaited this moment, and the band has not disappointed. Their performances are filled with nostalgia, energy, and a renewed passion for their music.

James told fans “I did not know how serious my condition was until I was refused an IV drip at my local Next health because I was suffering hypertension with a blood pressure reading of 190 / 115 mmHg. Apparently that’s quite serious. I ended up at the hospital later that night! Anyway, I’m still here, Alive and kicking! Cool story bro…”

Upon hearing the news, his friends and fans flooded the comments section with their concern and well wishes saying, “Glad you are safe and getting better!” and another added, “Was worried about you fella glad your better now.” Other fans joked with the singer and posted comments like “Have you tried shooting webs or anything?!” and “Sooo you’re saying you’re Spider Man?” 

In an interview with Good Morning Britain, Charlie Simpson, talked about how he thought the music industry had changed in the last 20 years, he said, “The music industry is unrecognisable, it’s like the way people consume music, the way, um, just the way the industry works is so different.” Matt Willis, told Good Morning Britain, what it feels like to be performing again and added, “We’re the same idiots that we were when we were 16 in a bedroom making music.” 

Busted is set to be supported by the American pop-rock band Hanson and the British band The Tyne.

Fans can expect to hear songs from their new album Greatest Hits 2.0. Busted have taken some of their biggest singles and reworked these songs with 15 feature artists, including, You Me at Six, Dashboard Confessionals, Wheatus, Jonas Brothers and many more.

Busted had a remarkable comeback in 2013 when Matt and James joined forces with McFly to form the highly anticipated supergroup, McBusted. The reunion of the original lineup was further solidified with Charlie’s return in 2015, after pursing his own solo career. In February this year, Charlie Simpson won the fourth series of The Masked Singer as ‘Rhino’, making him the first male winner in the UK .

In 2019, the group decided to take a break and go on hiatus. Now, after a significant four-year gap, their comeback is expected to be their most significant and enthusiastically received return to date.

With the success of the tour, Busted announced on their social media, that they would be preforming at the Hits Live show in Birmingham and Manchester 24th/25th November.

SURPRISE We’ll be playing the #hitslive shows in both Birmingham and Manchester on 24th and 25th November. Grab your tickets here this is going to be fun https://t.co/itpcMN6ibU @hitsradiouk pic.twitter.com/uwUgyFjuZi

— Busted (@Busted) September 27, 2023

Busted Tour Dates – Purchase tickets here.

29/09/23 – Utillita – Birmingham
30/09 – AO Arena – Manchester
01/10 – OVO Hydro – Glasgow
04/10 – Motorpoint Arena – Nottingham
08/10 – SSE Arena – Belfast
10/10 – O2 Arena – London
12/10 – Pryzm Kingston – London 

The Hits Show Tickets purchase here 

24/11 – Resorts World Arena – Birmingham
25/11 – AO Arena – Manchester 

Following Simpson’s The Masked Singer win, he shared the announcement of his EP to his fans on Instagram, where he posted a video singing ”Use Somebody” and takes off the Rhino mask he wore on the show. During the video, an on-screen statement from the musician is shown, stating ”Well this has been a hard secret to keep… Reading all of your comments each week has been awesome. Ive been so blown away by all the support. So I’ve decided to release a few songs I sang on the show, as an EP named ‘KIFARU,’ the Swahili word for rhino.I hope you like it. Big love x”

During the final of The Masked Singer and prior to Charlie Simpson’s win, other disguised contestants were revealed. 49-year-old pop-star, Natalie Appleton, from girl group All Saints, was revealed as Fawn, whereas Phoenix was revealed as Kaiser Chief’s frontman, Ricky Wilson. After Simpson was unveiled as the man behind the rhino mask, The Masked Singer panellist Rita Ora asked Simpson, ”So can I ask you, were you taken back by the experience?” to which he responded ”I was terrified the entire time because the thing I was scared most about was remembering lyrics, because I often forget lyrics to my own songs on stage.”

During his Unmasked interview, he explains that the experience was a ”rollacoaster of emotions” and reflects on his time on the show.

 The Dad-of-two is renowned for his distinctive vocal tone and astounding music career, during bands and as a solo artist, releasing twelve studio albums overall. Charlie Simpson is most well-known for being a part of Pop-Punk band, Busted, from Southend-On-Sea, Essex. Alongside Simpson, the band consists of James Bourne and Matt Willis. During their career, the band has had four UK number one singles and released four studio albums, self-titled album Busted (2002), A Present for Everyone (2003), Night Driver (2016) and Half Way There (2019). Selling over five million records, the band also won two Brit awards. Charlie Simpson also fronted London Rock band, FightStar, with band members Alex Westaway, Omar Abidi and Dan Haigh. FightStar released four studio albums as a band before their hiatus in 2015, Grand Unification (2006), Be Human (2009), One Day Son, This Will All Be Yours (2007) and Behind the Devil’s Back (2015). Simpson also succeeded in a career as a solo artist releasing four studio albums, Young Pilgrim (2011), Long Road home (2014), Little Hands (2016) and Hope is A Drug (2022). 

   KIFARU is available to listen to on all streaming platforms.