NONE FOR THE ROAD

In order to reduce temptation, Pete Doherty has banned all alcohol from the Babyshambles tour bus, bass player Drew McConnell told the NME, though Pete might have been better off banning heroin from the tour instead of booze. Now the only time you'll hear the phrase 'chin chin' will be when somebody is counting Pete's.

"He's insisted on it," whined Drew, "I thought it was a joke at first but it's true - we're having to hide bottles of beer under our pillows! I think it's indicative of Peter's resolve to sort himself out."

Yes, that steely resolve that resulted in him taking a syringe to his arm a short time ago despite public declarations that he had no intentions of returning to the drug. Unless he was found out.

But no, now Pete is "doing really well", and the band are excited about the tour. "We kind of want to thank everyone for their patience with him. We know what we're capable of as a band, and it's up to us to prove it on this tour. Hope springs eternal, y'know."

Well, best of luck, Drew, but can you imagine how dangerous it is seeing Doherty each hour of every day and not even having a drop of alcohol around the place? Not to drink, just for its disinfectant properties.