Busted

English pop trio. Known for their energetic, guitar-driven tunes, the boy band debuted with the hit single ‘What I Go to School For’ in 2002 and became a sensation among UK teen audiences. Their self-titled debut album, featuring the number one chart success ‘You Said No (Crash & Burn)’, followed soon after. Busted followed with their second album, A Present for Everyone, featuring the hit single ‘Crashed the Wedding’, in 2003. They disbanded in 2005.

The group, comprising James Bourne (1983– ), Charlie Simpson (1985– ), and Matt Willis (1983– ), combined themes of general teen angst with irreverent lyrics and a punk-inspired style, diverging somewhat from the clean-cut boy-band mould and fusing punk and pop to great mainstream commercial success. Other hit singles include the ‘Year 3000’ and ‘Sleeping with the Lights On’ (both 2003).

The group formed in North London and began recording together at London's Brick Lane studio, signing with the Universal Island label in 2002. Unlike many of their contemporary boy bands, they wrote their own material. After popular videos, a sold-out tour, and the publication of a biography, they featured prominently at the 2004 Brit Awards, receiving several nominations including Best British Group and Best Pop Act. They disbanded in early 2005, soon after Simpson announced he was leaving the group to tour with his band Fightstar.