THE LIBERTINES - LIBERTINES CANCEL GIGS

Rockers THE LIBERTINES have cancelled a handful of British gigs in the wake of troubled guitarist PETE DOHERTY's ongoing struggle with drugs.

Doherty flew out to Thailand yesterday (08JUN04) in a last ditch bid to kick his addiction to crack cocaine - having previously quit using heroin - and the star's treatment has forced the band to call off their forthcoming UK dates.

A statement issued by The Libertines says, "The Libertines have cancelled (the) appearances...due to the illness of Peter Doherty, who is now recuperating in a Buddhist monastery in Thailand.

"The Libertines apologise to all their fans for the cancellation and hope they understand the exceptional reasons for cancelling."

Band member CARL BARAT adds, "JOHN (HASSALL), Gary (POWELL) and myself felt that we should not continue with these shows in order to show support for Peter whilst he is recuperating.

"It has obviously been a very painful period for the band and we wish Peter better more than anything. His health comes first."

Doherty is heading to the notorious THAMKRABOK MONASTERY, where patients are kept under 24 hour guard, beaten with bamboo canes, and forced to drink a poisonous concoction of herbs to make them vomit and rid their bodies of impurities.