Two of the UK’s biggest boybands from the 00s, Busted and McFly, are reuniting again for an “ultimate battle of the bands” tour.
Fans will see Busted’s James Bourne, Matt Willis and Charlie Simpson on stage joined by McFly’s Dougie Poynter, Harry Judd, Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones.
While Busted took the early 00s by storm with pop-punk hits including Year 3000 and Crashed the Wedding, McFly rose to prominence years later with pop-rock number ones such as 5 Colours in Her Hair and All About You. The bands have collaborated several times over the last 10 years — in the studio and for their sold-out arena tour in 2014.
Now, the Brit Award-winning groups have announced that they’re teaming up again for a “versus” style tour in 2025, which they’ve described as the “ultimate face-off”.
“Busted gatecrashed our show last night (not cool), and challenged us to a VS tour next year,” McFly said in a statement. “They’re old men now, and we are gonna blow them and their carers off the stage next year.”
In a video posted on social media, Busted joined McFly on stage at one of their recent shows at the O2, which marked the band’s 21st anniversary. “There’s been a lot of talk recently… This is where the talking ends!” Busted responded, apparently poking fun at the bands’ history of being pitted against each other in the 00s.
“We are ready to show who is the better band once and for all. McFly suck and Busted rock!”
Here is everything you need to know about the bands’ face-off.
When and where will McBusted be playing?
McBusted’s big head-to-head will happen in England, Scotland and Wales in September and October 2025. The full dates are as follows:
- September 16, 2025: BP Pulse Live, Birmingham
- September 19, 2025: OVO Arena Wembley, London
- September 20, 2025: The O2, London
- September 23, 2025: Utilita Arena, Cardiff
- September 26, 2025: Utilita Arena, Sheffield
- September 27, 2025: First Direct Arena, Leeds
- September 30, 2025: P&J Live, Aberdeen
- October 2, 2025: OVO Hydro, Glasgow
- October 7, 2025: M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool
- October 10, 2025: Utilita Arena, Newcastle
- October 14, 2025: Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham
- October 17, 2025: AO Arena, Manchester
When do tickets go on sale?
General sale tickets for the tour will be available from 9am on Friday, October 18.
However, eager fans can sign up for the presale via the McBusted website here. Presale tickets will be available from 9am on Wednesday, October 16.
Tickets will be available to purchase on Ticketmaster.