THE LIBERTINES - LIBERTINES MAKE WAVES STATESIDE WITHOUT DOHERTY

British rockers THE LIBERTINES are taking America by storm - without troubled frontman PETE DOHERTY.

The singer, who is fighting drug problems at home in London, left the group to seek counselling earlier this year (04) and now pal CARL BARAT has taken the lead of the band's plans to conquer the US.

The CAN'T STAND ME NOW group played two sold out concerts in Los Angeles at the weekend (20-21AUG04) and drew a huge crowd when they appeared on late night TV show JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE on Friday night (20AUG04).

In an interview with the LOS ANGELES TIMES, Barat admits he's enjoying the group's new-found success in Los Angeles, but would welcome Doherty back if he decided to rejoin the group on their next American tour.

Barat says, "I'm doing the right thing and staying true to what I believe, It isn't changing.

"Pete knows where I am; he knows he's welcome."