THE LIBERTINES - BARAT: 'LIBERTINES SPLIT NEARLY RUINED ME'

British rocker CARL BARAT thought his career in music had ended when THE LIBERTINES split up.

The CAN'T STAND ME NOW star was an emotional wreck when his explosive relationship with co-frontman PETE DOHERTY broke down completely last year (04), but his new project has given him a new lease of life.

Barat continues to work with Libertines drummer GARY POWELL and ANTHONY ROSSOMANDO and has recruited THE COOPER TEMPLE CLAUSE bassist DIDZ HAMMOND to complete his new outfit - and live dates are already looming.

He says on The Libertines' official website, "I suppose you must realise, the last year has taken me beyond any emotion or sensation I have ever chanced upon.

"It has been trying to say the least, but I am verging on happy, to say that the sun has risen some more. I really thought I was done in.

"Suffice to say, I have waited for something I can sing and play with sheer truth.

"The band is great, Didz is grand, and I am feeling alive again. We will be playing live before you know it."