Pete Doherty: 'I'm in mourning for an armful'

Babyshambles' frontman Pete Doherty has spoken exclusively to NME.COM about his struggles to stay clean after completing his rehab.

The singer says he is enjoying sobriety after cleaning up from drugs, but said he is still adjusting to his life.

“It’s hard work,” said Doherty. “I think I miss it [drugs] a bit. After years of entrenched drug abuse, you have a mourning period. I know it’s a bit sad, but I’m in mourning. I’m in mourning for an armful.”

However, the singer vowed to stay the course and remain clean.

“I really enjoy it and embrace the new way,” he declared, adding he now couldn’t wait to begin Babyshambles’ tour at the end of the month.

“I’m proud of the new album,” he said of 'Shotter's Nation'. “I just want to get on the road and play those songs!”

For the full, first clean interview with Pete Doherty get this week’s issue of NME, which hits UK newsstands from November 7.

Meanwhile, Babyshambles will play the following dates:

Manchester MEN Arena (November 22)
Newcastle Metro Radio Arena (23)
Brighton Centre (25)
Bournemouth International Centre (26)
London Wembley Arena (27)
Birmingham NIA (28)
Nottingham Arena (30)
Glasgow SECC (December 1)

To check ticket availability and get all the latest listings, go to NME.COM/GIGS now.