PETE DOHERTY - DOHERTY: 'I'M NOT A BAD ROLE MODEL'

Rocker PETE DOHERTY has defended a British magazine's decision to name him Cool Icon Of 2004, insisting his young fans couldn't care less about his history with drugs.

Critics attacked the choice of the rocker for the NME (NEW MUSICAL EXPRESS) award, citing Doherty's drug addictions and claims he once spent $1,800 (GBP1,000) a day on crack cocaine and heroin.

But the former THE LIBERTINES singer says, "I think a lot of the kids that come up to me after gigs or write to me aren't really bothered about drugs.

"They are quite clued up, and they don't take their inspiration from the drugs.

"They take their inspiration from the songs, which they want to learn, or where I got my jacket from... I've yet to have someone come up to me and ask me for my drug dealer's number."