Libertines frontman Pete Doherty is believed to have left the band following a break up with fellow band-member Carl Barat. The news comes just as the band are due to play a series of UK gigs to precede their Glastonbury appearance.
Doherty claims that he wanted to accompany the rest of the band on their European tour, but that the band said that he wasn't welcome. The band have been touring without him so far.
Doherty has been replaced on tour with 'Nick' the guitar technician. Messages on the website suggested the band's performance was mediocre.
Doherty said: "I thought it was a sick joke when Banny [manager Banny Poostchi] said not to show up because the band would not welcome me. But having spoken to Carlos it's true - he doesn't want to play with me, in my current 'condition'. I'm not sure what he means but he's deadly serious. I can see it from their point of view, I have proven unreliable and let people down. My new songs are all I have, along with my liberty, and everything has to be just right from now on in. I need to start singing my new songs, and I want to play with other people."