Doherty Baffles Babyshambles Bandmates With 'New Line-up'

The British rocker was rumoured to have parted ways with his group earlier this month (Apr10) after reforming his former band The Libertines for two summer gigs (10).

A representative for Babyshambles strenuously denied reports of a split, insisting the singer will return to front the band once his stint with The Libertines comes to an end.

But speculation about a line-up change has refused to go away, with rumours drummer Adam Ficek and bassist Drew MCConnell have been kicked out of the band.

And Doherty fuelled the gossip by playing a gig in London on Tuesday, appearing on stage without Ficek and MCConnell. He reportedly told the crowd to welcome the new Babyshambles line-up, while the audience began chanting their support for the missing musicians, according to NME.com.

Ficek has subsequently admitted he's "perplexed" by the move.

In a series of posts on his Twitter.com page, he writes, "Cheers for the support all, am as confused as all??? Was looking forward to gigs/newrecordz (sic). Headache! Perplexed. Such an odd time. Really chuffed at all your FicekMCConnell love. Welcome warmth on a frosty morn."