Despite reassurances from Universal Records last month that the ongoing rumours that Charlie Simpson was considering quitting
Busted were completely untrue, comments from Charlie himself seem to suggest otherwise.
Kerrang!
quote Mr Simpson as saying that, ultimately, his passion lies with his indie side project Fightstar: "At the end of the day, my passion lies in Fightstar's music. Lots of people say to me, 'I completely hate Busted.' That's completely cool with me. I understand why. I can't say too much because of the politics involved, but Fightstar is what I do and so, if I have to choose, there's not even a question as to what I'd do. The Busted thing happened when I was 16. I saw an opportunity, took it and it was better than being at school. It was a fun job but I'd never claim Busted was anything other than a pop band. Busted is not the ideal band I'd like to be in by any stretch of the imagination.
It's not about the money. The money means nothing to me. I'm completely at peace with myself doing this so I'm happy with whatever comes with it."
Busted bosses are hoping they can placate the wandering Simpson by giving him an early-year break so he can spend some quality time with Fightstar.
But rumour has it Charlie is trying to persuade his band-mates of the benefits of quitting while you're on top.