THE LIBERTINES - LIBERTINES TO REUNITE TOMORROW?

The rollercoaster of rumours surrounding the future of British rockers THE LIBERTINES has taken another turn - the band are now expected to reform at a London party tomorrow night (23JUL04).

The DON'T LOOK BACK INTO THE SUN group have been in limbo since frontman PETE DOHERTY was forced to quit last month (JUN04) after failing his latest bid to quit his addiction to crack cocaine and heroin in rehab.

The band have played on without him, performing gigs in England and at Scotland's T IN THE PARK festival - but made it clear he can return as soon as he defeats his dependence to drugs.

Doherty, meanwhile, has offered conflicting views on the likelihood he will return. In an interview with music magazine NME, he offers, "If they take me back I'll pack it in. If they took me back I know it'd be alright."

But in another interview this week he raged about the band performing without him: "They've got no right to play T in the Park and get onstage without me. How can I go back? I can't go back to that."

Nevertheless, sources close to the band, claim the fourpiece - Doherty, CARL BARAT, JOHN HASSAL and GARY POWELL - will reunite at the launch party for BOYS IN THE BAND a new exhibition by photographer ROGER SARGENT in London, and there are even rumours of a secret gig.

Exhibition organiser BOB MORRIS teases, "Whether it happens on Friday, or two weeks time, it will happen."