It's a fair fight no more for James Bourne, the Busted stalwart who's put everything on the line to see his new album through – despite being dealt a brutal hand. 'Murder At The Gates', 13 years in the making, is finally ready for release on July 1, and it's a personal triumph that will be savoured by fans and foes alike.
Bourne, who bravely announced major surgery to extend his life back in April, feared he'd be left high and dry before the album was done. But this battler refused to let health woes get the better of him – and we're talking about a man who's already shown his mettle by writing for musical theatre.
The album, born from collaboration with Tony Award-winning US playwright Steven Sater, is no small potatoes. Bourne's poured heart, soul, and everything in between into it, knowing that the end product would be worth fighting for. 'I didn't want my health to stop me promoting this project,' he told The Sun – a sentiment that echoes through every note of this album.
It's been an uphill battle, no question. Last year, Bourne was forced to drop out of Busted's UK and Ireland tour with McFly due to ill health – but in his own words, it gave him the 'gift of time' he needed to focus on his music. And what a gift it is: featuring a cameo from Stranger Things star Gaten Matarazzo, this album marks Bourne's first foray into production.
With Busted having topped the charts and wowed fans with their Greatest Hits 2.0 compilation earlier this year, there's no doubt the anticipation will be palpable when 'Murder At The Gates' drops on July 1. It's a testament to Bourne's unyielding passion for his craft – and we can't wait to get our ears around it.