DEAD MEN WORKING

Despite the fact that they're almost as close to extinction as the black rhino, it seems that a trifling matter like the Grim Reaper coming a rapping on their doors isn't enough to stop Pete Doherty and Carl Barat planning studio time together. Or maybe the drug fuelled Bill & Ted of the latter Britpop period could just reignite their relationship with the bassplaying Death in the band...

The deathly pair, who have been writing songs for a musical at London's Donmar Warehouse next year, have apparently been getting on so well that there could be material left over for future projects.

Can't we pass a law allowing foced euthanasia and put them both out of their misery?

But it seems it all may be academic as the bony finger of death is hanging over the lot of them. Barat was rushed to hospital last week suffering with pancreatitis while Doherty must be near the end of his (drug-addled) cat's nine lives. (Pete's Babyshambles bandmate Mik Whitnall was admitted to hospital over the weekend with a suspected heroin overdose.)

Not forgetting that Mitch Winehouse could be about to murder Doherty at any moment if he steps near Wino.

A source said: "Songs have been pouring out and they're considering holding back a few compositions to record and maybe release in the future."

We'd recommend they get the recordings down quick if they don't want them to be accompanied by harps and choirs of angels. Or whatever the equivalent music is in Hell – oh, that's probably The Libertines anyway.