Busted looked worlds away from their noughties pop star days at the Rolling Stone UK Awards on Thursday night.
The boyband made their first red carpet appearance in five years as they headed to the ceremony celebrating music after completing their 20th anniversary reunion tour.
James Bourne, Charlie Simpson and Matt Willis appeared in great spirits as they posed for photos before heading into London’s Camden Townhouse for the evening.
James, 40, cut a casual figure in a green bomber jacket and jeans while Charlie, 38, had switched his signature spiky hair look for a longer hairdo.
Matt decided for a more tailored look with a black silk shirt, jacket, a red pocket handkerchief and a manbag.
Since their Busted heyday, Matt has become a father to children Isabelle, 14, Ace, 11, and seven-year old Trixie with Emma Willis. Charlie is father to sons Arlo, eight, and Jago, five, with his wife Anna.
It was a busy day for the trio as they had appeared on Lorraine on Thursday morning.
The trio who performed throughout September and October reflected on their gigs on the show.
Charlie said: ‘The kids came to see the show at the o2 and I wasn’t sure what they would think.’
Matt added: ‘My daughter is still wearing her Busted merch!’
Ed Sheeran made a surprise appearance on the tour as he joined the group for their London show to perform ‘Who’s David’.
Matt explained: ‘He got stuck in traffic and wasn’t going to get there in time for sound check so was just going to go for it, but he decided to jump out his car and get the tube.’
Apart from Busted, Matt is now a TV presenter and will host the UK version of Love Is Blind with his wife Emma.
After leaving Busted, Charlie joined the band Fightstar and has also released several solo albums including his most recent, Hope Is A Drug in 2022.
James joined the group Son Of Dork after Busted and he has also released two solo albums.
The first ever Rolling Stone UK awards, in collaboration with Remy Martin, celebrates music and will induct 13 winners into the Rolling Stone UK Hall of Fame.
Taking place at London’s Camden Roundhouse, comic Munya Chawaw, 30, will host the event, with live performances. The ceremony is sponsored by Volvo.
Ozzy Osbourne will receive the Icon Award.
The Prince of Darkness, 74, who rose to prominence during the 1970s as the lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath, will not perform, but will give a speech at the ceremony.
For the Artist Award, Jessie Ware will compete against Raye, Grian Chatten, J Hus, Jorja Smith and Romy.
Dua Lipa will battle it out against Ellie Goulding, Kenya Grace, Dave & Central Cee and Pink Pantheres for Best Song.
Ren, Maisie Peters, Wunderhorse, Olivia Dean, Nia Archives, ShyGirl are all up for the Breakthrough Award.
In the Live Act category, Nova Twins, Loyle Carner, Yungblud, Elton John, Louis Tomlinson and Rina Sawayama are nominated.
Blur – The Ballad of Darren, Raye – My 21st Century Blues, J Hus – Beautiful and Brutal Yard, Young Fathers – Heavy Heavy, Jorja Smith – Falling or Flying, Romy – Mid Air, Niall Horan – The Show and The Chemical Brothers – For That Beautiful Feeling are up for The Album Award.
For Best Festival, Glastonbury, End Of The Road, Reading & Leeds, Download, Green Man and Wide Awake will go head-to-head.
Rolling Stone magazine was initially founded in San Francisco in 1967 with John Lennon on the front cover. Rolling Stone UK was founded two years ago.
Head of events at Roundhouse Rhian Pressley said: ‘We’re thrilled to be hosting the first ever Rolling Stone UK awards. It promises to be a very special evening with some brilliant artists.
‘With Roundhouse’s incredible music legacy, we have a similar synergy with the magazine.
‘And that is to celebrate those with talent, who want to break the mould, push the boundaries and succeed in their artistic realm.’
James Parker is a UK-based entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to the West End, he offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
