Busted have reformed for a 2016 tour and a new album.

Charlie Simpson back in Busted

Charlie Simpson back in Busted

Frontman Charlie Simpson, who quit the rock/pop group in 2005, has finally rejoined his bandmates Matt Willis and James Bourne after previously vowing to never go back to Busted and admits he was convinced to get the band back together by the prospect of recording fresh music during a trip to Philadelphia with James for secret songwriting sessions earlier this year.

Speaking at a press conference at The Soho Hotel in London this morning (10.11.15), Charlie said: "I honestly think I've lost count of how many times I said I would never do this again and I generally meant that. There was a time where I said I couldn't do this again and I wholeheartedly believed that. I have changed my mind and that is due to circumstance. The circumstances changed. We went to Philadelphia, we wrote new music and that changed everything.

"I was very ready to go away from Philadelphia thinking this just doesn't feel right. And the fact that it did feel right is much of a shock to me as it is to anyone in this room. It's been a weird journey and a very natural one and it's nice that we've been able to connect as friends again and it all feels right. We are not doing this for any other reason than we are just very excited about what could happen in the future."

The chance of a full Busted reunion seemed impossible after Charlie snubbed the chance to be part of super-group McBusted - comprised of Matt and James and the members of McFly.

Bassist Matt - a founding member of the 'Air Hostess' hitmakers - admits it's a dream come true to have the original group back together again.

He said: "Charlie has no idea how much it meant to us (hearing Charlie him sing again). We are definitely going to be releasing new music. We have started working on it already. We are really stoked about it. We are excited about it. But we are going on tour first, there might be new music before that who knows. Hopefully if we get our act together. We are really excited about next year."

And drummer James echoed his bandmate's sentiments insisting they always remained friends and only disbanded because Charlie wanted to try a different type of music.

James stated: "We didn't fall out as people. It was creative reasons. We understood each other's decisions."

Busted will tour the UK and Ireland next May, kicking off their run of shows on May 11 at The SSE Wembley Arena and ending on May 31 at the 3 Arena in Dublin.

Tickets for the concerts go on sale this Friday (13.11.15) and fans can visit www.busted.com for more information.

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