Libertines back on festival track

After several attempts to help Pete beat his smack addiction, including spells at The Priory and a trip to a Thai monastry, it seems the band have finally faced the fact he needs a lot more time to rid himself of his well-documented demons.

The band, whose second album is released on Monday, August 30, were forced to cancel a string of festival appearances, including those at The Isle Of Wight and Glastonbury as a result of Pete's problems. 

The band will now carry on without him.

Fellow frontman Carl Barat said: "Peter is, and always will be, a Libertine and when he cleans up from his addictions he will be immediately welcomed back into the band.

"This decision is made with love and with no disregard to Peter and his problems. The other members of the band - Gary, John - and myself have come to this conclusion after three recent failed rehab attempts, all of which The Libertines have funded.

"Peter's erratic mental state worries us greatly and having him on tour would only compound his problems. We aim to complete all existing tour commitments without him."

Pete will be replaced by a back-up guitarist for The Libertines' forthcoming festival dates, which include T In The Park, Oxygen, and Reading/Leeds.

The news should provide some relief to those disappointed by David Bowie's cancellation of his July dates. Click here for the full story.

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