Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Busted’s Performance at Delamere Forest: A Night of Nostalgia and Lapses
Pop-punk band Busted, known for their energetic performances, experienced a slight hiccup during their outdoor set at Cheshire’s Delamere Forest. The pop-punk trio, who reunited in 2015 after a decade-long split, participated in the Forest Live series, a collection of concerts held in national forests across England in 2025. During their Delamere Forest gig, singer Matt Willis humorously forgot some of his own lyrics.
The Set and a Moment of Levity
With support from rising pop-punk act Soap and Scottish rockers Twin Atlantic, Busted took the stage shortly after 9 p.m., greeted by Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” and enthusiastic cheers from the audience. After electrifying fans with hits like “Air Hostess” and “Crashed the Wedding,” the setlist transitioned to album tracks, where a minor mishap occurred.
Falling For You Fumble
While performing “Falling For You” from their 2003 album, “A Present for Everyone,” Matt missed his vocal cue, mistakenly assuming it was Charlie Simpson’s verse. The two exchanged glances before erupting in laughter, an unexpected highlight that resonated with the audience.
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A Trip Down Memory Lane
The show began somewhat reservedly, with the band seemingly recalibrating after their previous appearance at Download Festival in 2024. However, as their playful banter resurfaced, a wave of nostalgia washed over the crowd, evoking the Busted of their childhood.
- The band’s onstage chemistry was palpable.
- Classic hits had the crowd singing along.
Band Dynamics and History
References to Charlie’s past departure from the band didn’t go unnoticed. He initially left in 2005 to join rival rock band FightStar before embarking on a solo career with tracks like “Cemetery” and “If I Lose It.” James Bourne, meanwhile, joined Son of Dork following the band’s initial separation.
In 2013, Matt and James joined forces with McFly to create McBusted, but Charlie initially declined to participate. Eventually, in 2015, he rejoined the lineup, contributing to Busted’s two subsequent albums: “Night Driver” in 2016 and “Half Way There” in 2019.
Stage Presence and Fan Engagement
Matt joked with the audience about Charlie’s “recent return” to the band and teased James about arriving at the venue after traveling overnight “with only a charger.” Matt was particularly energetic, engaging with the crowd and moving across the stage to interact with fans in both the general admission and VIP areas.
James lingered on stage after the set, taking a selfie with the crowd and playing a final guitar riff as he exited.
A Perfect Forest Venue
The lively performance included fan favorites like “Thunderbirds Are Go” and “Year 3000.” As the sun dipped below the trees, the forest proved to be an ideal setting for both the band’s high-energy and stripped-down acoustic tracks.
Other forthcoming Forest Live concerts will include McFly, Sting, Snow Patrol and The Script.